Environmental improvements

Helen in the Kent countryside

Reversing the decline in biodiversity and nature we've seen across the UK in recent years is one of the most important things we’ll ever do.  

Here in the Garden of England we’re blessed with some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. It's ecologically important, but also sustains so many people’s way of life and wellbeing. It makes people feel connected to where they live, and provides a setting for so many of the wonderful things that we do in our free time.

Two years ago the Government passed the Environment Act - one of the most ambitious environmental programmes of any country on earth. It includes legally binding targets to protect the environment, clean up our air and rivers and boost nature.

Part of the funding was to launch 48 local strategies across the country, and I was in Lenham in October for the launch of ours - Making Space for Nature in Kent and Medway.

Kent County Council have got ideas coming out of their ears, and by teaming up with our them, community groups and charities, I want to kickstart projects across the constituency – and find ways for anyone who wants to get involved.

Keep an eye out on this page for upcoming details and events, and please do get in touch if you've got an idea for a project you want my help with. 

Together we can be the first generation to leave our natural environment in a better place than we inherited it.

News

Promoting walking and cycling in Kent

Many of us discovered the benefits of walking and cycling during the pandemic. As we recover from Covid, I’m determined to make it easier for people to walk and cycle around our towns and countryside. This is not only important for local residents, but also for attracting more visitors to Kent – b

Progress on wastewater improvements in Faversham

Our drains in Faversham need some attention. I’ve been working with Southern Water and local councillors to identify trouble spots and get these fixed. As someone who has seen flood water come into my home, I know just how distressing this can be and how important it is to have a functioning waste

Litter Angels posters go on display

I recently visited Maidstone Services to see the winning poster from my Litter Angels competition take pride of place at the service station. Last year I invited Year 5 pupils from across Faversham and Mid Kent to design a creative and vibrant anti-litter poster. The winning entry came from C

New woodland taking shape in Platt's Heath

Last week I gave a hand with some tree planting at the site of a brand-new woodland in Kent. The 300 acre site of Pleasant Farm was acquired by Forestry England in 2020 and is now being turned into Pleasant Forest. Woodlands are really special places.

New plans to tackle fly-tipping

Seeing waste dumped on the side of roads or in the countryside is horrid. Fly-tipping is a blight on communities across Faversham and Mid Kent, and I know the problem got worse at points during lockdown. This is something I’ve raised repeatedly with Ministers and our local councils, and my Litter

Action to tackle illegal hare coursing

Illegal hare coursing is a blight on rural communities, as local farmers know only too well. The sight of tyre tracks through fields, broken gates, and damaged crops has sadly become all too common in the countryside. I’ve called on Ministers to introduce tougher laws to tackle the gangs that run

Historic climate agreement reached at COP26

I know from the emails and letters I receive, just how much people in Faversham and Mid Kent want to see action to tackle climate change. Despite the challenges of getting international agreement, we’ve been able to make real progress at COP26 – from agreement on ending deforestation and cutting me

Southern Water commits to investment in Faversham

Recently we’ve seen signs on beaches warning people not to swim and flooding in Faversham with some pretty grim things in the water. I put these concerns directly to the CEO of Southern Water, Ian McAulay, when we met at Faversham’s Wastewater Treatment Works on Friday 12 November. I’ve helped sec

Historic Environment Bill becomes law

Work to protect and enhance our environment has taken a big step forward with the Environment Bill passing into law. The Environment Act, as it is now known, is one of the biggest pieces of legislation ever to have gone through Parliament. It includes new legally binding targets to improve air qua