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

More seasonal workers to support farmers

Farmers this year will be able to recruit more workers on a temporary basis from outside the EU. I’m pleased the Government will be increasing the pilot Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme to 10,000 workers in 2020 – an increase from 2,500 workers last year. This will support our vital horticultu

A better future for nature in Kent

We all want to see nature thrive. From turtledoves in the orchards around Selling, lapwings at the Graveney Marshes, to songbirds in the Weald – Kent is home to an astonishing range of wildlife and habitats. But nature has been under pressure in recent years.

£3 billion secured to help farmers in 2020

I’m pleased the Government has confirmed that farmers will continue to receive the same level of support in 2020 as they did last year. The Government has announced a Bill giving Ministers the powers to continue paying farmers after we leave the EU at the end of this month.

Farmers need better access to seasonal workers

I met the Immigration Minister, Seema Kennedy MP, on 12 September, to raise concerns from farmers about the shortage of seasonal workers. We were joined in the Home Office by representatives from the NFU, who put across a strong case for increasing the number of migrant workers currently able to en

New report highlights potential of British fruit

I was delighted to welcome guests to Parliament on 10 September for the launch of a landmark report on the future of British fruit. The White Paper from British Apples and Pears shows mow much progress has been made already and how much potential there is for this sector. I wrote a section on the

Turtle doves making a comeback in Kent

The decline in the number of turtle doves in recent years is shocking, but it is great to see they are making a comeback in Kent. I recently visited Gaskains farm in Selling along with the RSPB to see the work being done to give these songbirds a helping hand.

Seasonal agriculture workers' pilot scheme launched

A pilot scheme to enable non-EU migrant workers to work on British farms has launched today. I've been arguing for years that fruit farmers need to know they will be able to hire the workers they need, whatever happens with Brexit.