Our Approach
The Darent Valley project is one of just 22 projects in the first-round of Defra’s Landscape Recovery scheme. This ambitious project will restore the River Darent, a rare and precious chalk stream, and its surrounding habitats.
Through carefully planned, long-term actions it will improve the valley’s ecology and biodiversity, the natural condition and water quality of the river, supporting nature’s recovery and its ability to adapt to climate change. In so doing, we will provide a range of public benefits, including enhanced access to and enjoyment of nature and the landscape, alongside sustainable food production.
River Restoration
The restoration of the River Darent, which provides the connecting thread through our project area, is a key focus. Human activity has considerably impacted the river’s natural course, flow and native species, and polluted its water. Our approach will restore the ecology of the river and its floodplain habitats and help regulate the effects of flood and drought.
River Restoration
The restoration of the River Darent, which provides the connecting thread through our project area, is a key focus. Human activity has considerably impacted the river’s natural course, flow and native species, and polluted its water. Our approach will restore the ecology of the river and its floodplain habitats and help regulate the effects of flood and drought.
Habitat Restoration
About 1800 hectares of land has been entered into the project for long-term creation and restoration of a mosaic of habitats. Nature-led approaches, such as conservation grazing and natural colonisation will be sued where possible to create a kaleidoscope of floodplain meadows and wetlands to chalk grassland, scrub and woodland.
Project Finance
For this project to be a success, it will require a combination of public and private funding. The Landscape Recovery project is part of Defra’s Environmental Land Management scheme, which will provide some of the funding needed. However, we also require private funding, which may come from nature markets, corporate schemes, philanthropists, or water companies.
Species Recovery
It is a priority for our project to improve the diversity and abundance of species that the variety of habitats that are being restored support. We have also selected priority species, and indicators species that have declined due to human pressures or indicate an improvement in the habitats being restored.
Stakeholder Engagement
Our Landscape Recovery project is a collaborative effort between landowners, farmers, conservation organisations, local authorities, and statutory bodies. It is a key aim that the project provides benefits to and involves the local community. We also need private funders to enable the delivery of a project of this ambition and scale.
Site Access
One of the aims of the project is to improve access to the river and project area, so that the local community and visitors can enjoy this special landscape and its wildlife. Being so close to London and with about 1.3 million people living within 10km, also presents pressures on the environment but we will better inform visitors about the importance of conserving the nature found here.
Monitoring
Careful monitoring and assessment of the outcomes of the project throughout its lifetime is vitally important. It will help us to ensure that its aims are being achieved and make any changes to its management that may be required. It will also ensure that the environmental benefits that funders are paying for are being delivered.