Kent Wildlife Trust’s project will restore and create a mosaic of high biodiversity value habitats in the Mid-Kent Downs, with the main focus being on the last vestiges of vulnerable chalk grassland habitat. It will be centred on the Trust’s existing reserves (22ha) at Spuckles Wood, Kennelling Wood and School 
Meadow, extending over a further 68ha of presently improved arable, native woodland and agriculturally improved grassland.
The UK holds half of the world’s extant chalk grassland, with Kent containing some 5%. The project will restore and recreate 65ha of this species-rich habitat, contributing 1%, 
3.7% and 24% to UKBAP, Regional and Local BAP targets. It will also meet 60% of the Local HAP target to create new chalk grassland habitat outside Kent’s existing chalk complexes.In addition, the project will contribute meaningfully to targets for four other UKBAP habitats, and for the rare Dormouse which is now vulnerable to extinction. Works will include planting 4.5km and maintaining 4.5km of existing species-rich hedgerow corridors, and creating 30 new wildlife pond clusters. This will provide buffering and linkages, supporting wildlife movement, and assisting its adaptation/resilience as regards climate change.
