Biodiversity
As part of our commitment to conserving and enhancing biodiversity, we have developed two Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) covering the amalgamated areas managed by the North Kent Marshes WLMB. These plans demonstrate our dedication to supporting biodiversity through sustainable water management and habitat conservation.
North Kent Marshes BAP (2023-2033)
Covering the North Kent Marshes from Gravesend to the Isle of Grain, this plan aims to protect the unique wetland habitats on the Hoo Peninsula and surrounding marshlands. It contributes to national biodiversity goals by focusing on local species and habitats of importance.
Target species include lapwing, European eel, tubular water-dropwort, and wetland birds such as hen harrier and avocet.
Together, these plans guide our actions across the amalgamated areas, ensuring that we meet our biodiversity goals through habitat restoration, species protection, and sustainable water management. We work closely with local communities and stakeholders to ensure ongoing success.
Upper and Lower Medway BAP (2021-2031)
The Lower Medway Internal Drainage Board (IDB) and the Upper Medway IDB collaborated on a joint Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in 2021. This comprehensive plan outlines strategies for conserving and enhancing biodiversity within both districts, with specific actions tailored to each board's unique environmental features.
While the Lower Medway IDB now operates as part of the North Kent Marshes WLMB, the original BAP remains an important document that guides our efforts across the marshes from Isle of Grain to Seasalter, and lowlands downstream of Allington Lock in Maidstone. As it was developed in collaboration with the Upper Medway IDB prior to their administrative separation, some references to the Upper Medway IDB are still present in the text. These references provide useful context about the shared strategies and historical coordination that informed the plan.