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Fixing nature with Maidstone's Repair Cafe
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC)’s Biodiversity and Climate Change Team were delighted to be invited to another very successful Repair Café by Maidstone Climate Action Network (CAN).
This month’s theme was ‘Nature’, and there was a fantastic range of local groups and organisations on display, with information on wildlife‑friendly gardening, nature trails around Maidstone, growing food at home, and advice on supporting swifts. MBC gave away 600 native wildflower plug plants to visitors, helping to boost biodiversity across our borough.
There were nearly 300 visitors throughout the day and 117 items were brought in to be fixed. 87 of these were fixed, with a further 23 advised on next steps, and only 7 beyond repair, which were then recycled.
Join the next Maidstone Repair Café on Saturday 4 April for a ‘Sport’ themed event.
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Swift action to support threatened birds
MBC has partnered with the charity High Weald Swifts to launch Swift Streets, a new community initiative to help protect one of the town’s last remaining swift colonies. As part of the project, 50 free swift nest boxes, including professional installation, have been offered to residents in selected streets where swifts are known to nest. The boxes require no maintenance and create no mess.
Surveys show that a surviving colony in Maidstone successfully raised young last year, but they urgently need more safe nesting spaces this spring. Swifts nest in groups and return to the same sites annually, so suitable spaces are vital to their survival.
Swifts are remarkable birds that spend most of their lives in flight, migrating thousands of miles between the UK and Africa. Sadly, Swift numbers are plummeting, and they’re now on the UK’s Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern, with over two thirds population loss since 1995 levels.
Four key streets have been identified as swift hotspots; Curzon Road, Grecian Street, Salisbury Road and Waterlow Road, and residents have been eager to take part.
So much so that all of the swift boxes have now been claimed!
Residents across the borough can still support the project by recording swift sightings via the Swift Mapper app, and boosting insect habitats by planting wildflowers, mowing less, adding trees or shrubs, or creating a garden pond.
If you would like to get involved in supporting our swift population, download the Swift Mapper App and track any sightings when they arrive.
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Rare native sheep help boost biodiversity in conservation grazing trial
MBC has teamed up with Sutton Valence Parish Council and a local shepherd to introduce the council’s first-ever conservation grazing trial, aimed at enhancing biodiversity and supporting nature recovery.
The project involves ten Portland sheep, a rare and endangered native breed, grazing a two‑and‑a‑half‑acre site in Sutton Valence.
As Portland sheep are hardy and well suited to rough terrain, they are able to tackle thistles and coarse grasses that conventional mowing struggles to manage, providing a nature-based to maintaining the area.
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Nature-based soil health improvements trialled in Sandling
The council has launched a two‑year soil health trial at a green space near
Sandling Road Allotments, using simple nature‑based methods to improve soil, support a new native hedgerow, and boost biodiversity.
The trial tests natural amendments, compost, manure, mulch and mycorrhizal fungi on prepared and unprepared soil to see which best improves structure, nutrients and water retention.
As part of MBC’s Biodiversity Action Plan, the project supports 2024 Nature Recovery commitments to enhance habitats and build climate resilience. Monitoring will continue through 2026–2027.
The works were delivered by MBC’s Parks and Open Spaces Team and Biodiversity and Climate Change Team, partnering with environmental consultants Microforests.
A huge thank you to tree planting volunteers!
A huge thank you to staff from GVE Commercial Solutions who joined us for a day of volunteer tree planting this season.
The team braved frosty conditions to successfully plant 425 saplings that will form two hedges bordering Foley Park. The young trees received some extra care in the form of mycorrhizal fungi to improve soil health, and were tucked in with some weed suppressant wool matting, giving them the best chance to flourish.
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Tiny forests
MBC’s Parks and Open Spaces team have been busy planting Tiny Forests in several locations across our borough, including Foley Park, Chillington, and Mangravet.
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Tiny Forests, also known as the Miyawaki Method, developed in Japan, are fast-growing urban forests that bring the benefits of woodlands into the heart of our cities and urban spaces. They help to connect people with nature, whilst mitigating the impacts of climate change, and provide spaces to support wildlife.
The Miyawaki Method is based on dense, layered planting, using a mix of native trees placed closely together. This means the young plants compete for light and space and grow up to ten times faster than conventional planting schemes, developing deep root systems and forming a self‑sustaining ecosystem in just a few years. The lower canopy layers of vegetation and ground cover then mimic a natural forest structure.
Once established, Tiny Forests require minimal maintenance and become incredibly resilient. They store carbon effectively, while providing valuable shade, cooling, and flood‑mitigation benefits in urban environments.
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Carbon Literacy
Strengthening skills for a sustainable borough
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) have rolled out a new series of Carbon Literacy training sessions recently for both Council Staff and Parish Councils.
This accredited qualification helps people understand the carbon impacts of everyday choices, and empowers them to take meaningful action both individually and within their communities.
Each new Carbon Literate resident is another step toward tackling climate change in Maidstone and moving us closer to our Net Zero goals.
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Supporting jobseekers to grow climate knowledge and career confidence
MBC also partnered with Communigrow to deliver several Carbon Literacy courses for Job Seekers through the DWP. We’re delighted that 22 learners have already completed the training across two cohorts. It’s a real win‑win: boosting CVs for local Jobseekers, while helping build a more sustainability‑savvy workforce for businesses in our borough.
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Thank you for recycling your food waste!
The council's Waste Management Team is pleased to announce an increase of almost 50% in the levels of food‑waste recycling in our borough since February 2025! We have also delivered over 7,000 food caddies to residents.
In December alone, 428 tonnes of food waste were collected. December is traditionally the highest month for food waste, but this was a record level, with more people recycling their Christmas food waste, rather than placing it in general household waste.
Recycled food waste is sent to a local biodigestion plant, where it produces electricity and a liquid fertiliser that is used on farms across Kent, returning vital nutrients to the soil.
You can find out more about this process from Kent County Council’s video below.
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We can all make a difference to the amount of food waste that we produce, which is why our new food‑caddy package includes a colourful fridge magnet inspired by the food‑waste hierarchy, offering top tips to help reduce what we throw away.
For the price of £9 (including delivery) you will receive:
- 23 Litre external caddy
- 5 Litre internal caddy (random colours)
- A roll of compostable bags
- Fridge magnet
- Food bag clip
- Service information leaflets
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Free water butts offered to Maidstone residents living in certain areas vulnerable to flooding
MBC has launched an initiative offering free rainwater harvesting sets to households within designated areas in the town centre, Park Wood and Shepway. This initiative aims to support communities facing both flooding risks and the growing challenges of water scarcity.
Over 500 water butts have been procured by the Council, with 160 already claimed by eligible households. Each unit is a UK‑manufactured 210‑litre water butt, complete with a stand and filler kit for straightforward attachment to existing guttering.
By capturing rainwater during wetter months, participating households can help reduce localised surface‑water flooding, collectively holding back more than 115,000 litres of rainfall across the scheme. The stored water can then be used to support garden plants, green spaces, and wildlife during dry spells, easing pressure on the mains water system. In addition, using stored rainwater for outdoor tasks helps households lower their water bills.
Residents living within the designated areas may be eligible for the scheme.
You can find out if you are eligible and request your invitation letter with your unique code by emailing ClimateAndBiodiversity@Maidstone.gov.uk
Before contacting, residents should check they have sufficient outdoor space for a 210‑litre butt and access to guttering from their house, shed, or outbuilding for installation
All claims are issued on a first come, first served basis due to limited supply.
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Anti-idling signs for schools
We still have a number of bright and colourful anti-idling banners to offer to schools and other areas, where children and other vulnerable groups gather.
These banners were designed by children in Kent as part of a campaign and their messages help remind drivers to switch of their engines for the benefit of people and planet.
Permission from the landowner where the banner will be fixed is required.
Please contact ClimateAndBiodiversity@Maidstone.gov.uk with your request.
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The Big Day Out to return on 13 June 2026!
Registration is now open for groups and organisations across Maidstone to host events for the second year of Maidstone’s Big Day Out!
This follows the success of last year’s event, which attracted thousands of visitors to the borough’s beautiful green spaces and featured more than 30 group‑led activities.
Aligned with the national Great Big Green Week, Maidstone's Big Day Out is a full-day celebration of coordinated events, giving residents the chance to explore and enjoy the very best of Maidstone's natural beauty, green spaces, and community-led activities.
Organisers aim to make this year bigger, bolder and more fun, with an even wider range of activities for people to enjoy!
If you’re interested in hosting an event, please complete the registration form on the website. You don’t need to have all the details worked out yet, but the team would love to know you’re on board so they can start spreading the word.
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Lottery funding: up to £20,000 for local climate action
The National Lottery Community Fund is offering £300–£20,000 for community‑led climate and nature projects through its Awards for All England – Environment programme.
Funding is available for projects up to two years that help people connect with, care for, and protect nature, delivering benefits for both communities and the environment.
Eligible applicants include community groups, charities, CICs, not‑for‑profit companies, schools (for wider community benefit), statutory bodies, sports clubs, and community benefit societies.
Applications are open year‑round and must be submitted at least 16 weeks before the project start date.
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Stobart Sustainability Fund
The Stobart Sustainability Fund supports community‑led environmental projects across the UK, offering funding to not‑for‑profits, community groups, schools and colleges for initiatives that tackle climate change, lower carbon emissions, and protect or enhance the environment.
Organisations can request the amount they need, and applications can be submitted at any time via the Stobart website. Recent examples of supported project types include tree‑planting schemes, energy‑efficiency upgrades, and local wildlife initiatives—with some small grants (around £250) previously awarded. The fund also aims to help educate communities about sustainability by backing diverse initiatives that make a positive local impact.
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Funding to help sports clubs go green
Sport England has launched the Green Sport Initiatives strand of its Movement Fund, offering £300–£15,000 to help clubs and activity groups reduce their carbon footprint, and promote eco‑friendly participation.
Funding is open year‑round to not‑for‑profit and physical‑activity organisations across England. Projects must show a clear delivery plan, local benefits, and address one of the Every Move priorities - ranging from just transition and inclusion, to reducing carbon emissions, improving circularity, enhancing blue‑green spaces, boosting biodiversity, or climate‑resilience. Priority goes to initiatives supporting low‑income communities, disabled and older adults, marginalised groups, and clubs in high‑need areas. No application deadline.
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Business grant: energy retrofit support
The Energy Resilience Fund (Power to Change) is offering £10,000–£150,000 to help community businesses in England reduce energy costs through a mix of grants (up to 40%), and loans at 6.5% interest.
Funding can support projects such as solar panels, heat pumps, insulation upgrades, improved lighting/heating systems, and energy‑monitoring technology.
Eligible organisations must own their premises or hold a 12‑year lease, and have been declined commercial finance. Additional energy‑audit grants of £500–£2,500 are also available to identify savings opportunities.
There is no confirmed deadline.
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Wool Week at Creative Maidstone
Join us at Creative Maidstone Community Arts Hub in the town centre as we get cosy and celebrate the most versatile natural fibre – wool!
Throughout the week, we will be exploring all things wool-related, from spinning and weaving to knitting and needle-felting. There will be live demonstrations, opportunities to ‘have a go’ and some workshops too.
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 Drive Electric
Friday 17 April 2026, 10am-2pm
Mid Kent College Maidstone Campus
Join Drive Electric for a fun day exploring the future of rides with cool Electric Vehicles (EVs) and great vibes!
MBC is proud to announce an exciting event introducing all things EV, in partnership with Mid Kent College and Let's Experience Electric.
This in-person event brings together electric car enthusiasts, businesses, and curious newcomers alike. Come check out the latest electric vehicles, chat with experts, learn about finance options and maybe even take a test drive.
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Lockmeadow Litter Pick
22 February 2026 ~ 10am
Join Maidstone CAN volunteers at Lockmeadow Market Hall to litter-pick the surrounding areas and along the River Medway. All equipment provided; bags, hoops, pickers, and safety gear, just bring yourself, some comfy shoes, and a willingness to get stuck in!
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Bearsted Repair Cafe
7 March 2026 2pm
Repairs, coffee, and cakes!
Community spirit is at the heart of the Bearsted Repair Café, where volunteers offer help with electrical repairs, bicycle maintenance, jewellery fixes, crafts and general repairs on furniture and wooden items, clothing and textiles, computers and IT, and even toys!
This month, Zero Waste on Wheels will also be joining the event.
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Thanks for reading our Climate Change and Biodiversity update. Why not sign up to our other newsletters to find out what’s happening across Maidstone Borough.
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Environmental Services –parks, open spaces and waste services
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What’s On in Maidstone – for all events
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News – to keep up to date
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Consultations – share your views
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Visit Maidstone – the best places to visit and stay
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Business in Maidstone – workshops, events and business support
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Planning - see the latest planning applications in Maidstone
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Maidstone Musuem - News, events and exclusives from the Maidstone Musuem Team
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We want to improve our communication and engagement with you around climate change & biodiversity in Maidstone. If you want to contact us please email climateandbiodiversity@maidstone.gov.uk
If you have enjoyed reading our Climate Change & Biodiversity update, why not forward this email onto your friends and family so they can 'Stay Connected' to news from Maidstone Borough Council.
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