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

Farmers need fruit pickers

With fields in my Kent constituency currently blanketed in snow—as is the case, I am sure, for pretty much all of us—the pleasures of summer strawberries and autumn fruits seem rather far off, but that is certainly not the case for our fruit and vegetable growers.

Andrea Leadsom praises UK's 'world-class' farms on visit to Kent

I was delighted to welcome Andrea Leadsom, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to Kent last week. Ms Leadsom praised Britain's "world'class horticulture sector" and said she was: “Delighted to be invited down to Kent and to have the chance to meet local farmers and grow

Farmers need help recruiting fruit and veg pickers

British fruit is the best in the world, but farmers in my constituency told me there was a real risk of fruit going unpicked next year if they can’t recruit enough seasonal workers.

Forward with fruit farmers

I'm delighted to have been elected as Chair of the new All-Party Parliamentary Group for Fruit and Vegetable Farming.  Ever since I was first elected as an MP I have wanted to set up this group.

Backing British farming - post Brexit

Following the referendum result, farmers need assurances that the Government will continue to provide the support they need after we leave the EU. So I've pledged to back British farming.