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Maidstone Borough Council wins gold award
in Wilder Kent Awards 2025-2026
We are proud to announce that the efforts of Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) have been recognised with a Gold Award from Kent Wildlife Trust!
The Wilder Kent Awards, run by Kent Wildlife Trust, celebrate and reward the positive actions taken by organisations across the county to help create a #WilderKent. The programme recognises efforts made by schools, businesses, community groups, and towns to restore nature, strengthen climate resilience, and improve habitats for wildlife. By taking these positive actions, participants help protect local ecosystems while also contributing to global environmental challenges.
Winning a Gold Award places the council among the top-performing organisations committed to protecting wildlife, reducing environmental impact, and encouraging people to connect with nature. The awards assess work across key areas including protecting wildlife, sustainability and carbon reduction, and engagement with nature, with Gold signifying outstanding achievement across all categories.
This recognition highlights the council’s dedication to improving biodiversity, supporting climate action, and ensuring that nature and people can thrive together across Maidstone.
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Maidstone wildlife given a helping hand through the Nature Recovery Fund
First round awards £48,000 to five local groups
Working to boost habitats, support priority species and strengthen nature recovery across the borough, the projects range from woodland and wetland improvements to wildlife surveys and new nesting spaces for swifts.
Funded projects
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Bicknor Wood Residence Community Group – £10,000 awarded to support tree planting, habitat restoration, bird and bat boxes, and improved access to support the long‑term health of Bicknor Community Wood.
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Greensand Farm Cluster – £11,000 awarded to commission baseline ecological surveys across a network of farms and landholdings along the Greensand Ridge. This work will help identify priority habitats and species, supporting coordinated, landscape‑scale nature recovery while maintaining sustainable food production.
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High Weald Swifts – £11,000 awarded to extend the Maidstone Swift Street project to areas in Fant and Oakwood, supporting this red‑listed species and involving residents in conservation.
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Allington Millennium Green Trust– £1,000 awarded for coppicing and woodland management. The project will improve habitat quality, support biodiversity and provide training opportunities for volunteers.
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Kent Wildlife Trust – £15,000 awarded for habitat restoration at Quarry Wood, including improvements to wet woodland and pond systems. The project will enhance biodiversity, improve climate resilience and support species such as great crested newts, dormice and bullfinch, while strengthening volunteer skills and long‑term site management.
The fund helps community groups and environmental organisations turn practical ideas into action on the ground, improving places for both people and wildlife.
A second round of funding is now open, with £250,000 available for new applications!
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Tiny Forests – big impacts
Work has completed on our final Tiny Forest planting for this season
This brings the total to four sites: Mangravet Recreational Ground, Chillington Street, Foley Park and Midley Close. There are also separate tiny food forests at Foley Park, Mangravet and Midley which will provide foraging opportunities for local residents, once they establish.
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 towns, connecting people with nature, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, and providing spaces to support wildlife.
The final planting recently finished at Midley Close, where this large grassy area now boasts a Tiny Forest, a Tiny Food Forest, a new hedgerow and an area of hazel coppice which will be used to create habitats such as dead hedges on site.
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The Mayor of Maidstone and Phil Riches
Local residents recognised for creating Maidstone Green Trail
Two local residents have been formally recognised by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Martin Round, for their work in creating the Scenic Green Trail, a new long‑distance walking route across the borough of Maidstone.
On 25 February, Phil Riches and Derek Eagle met with the Mayor to receive thanks for their contribution to a project that has opened up new ways for people to explore Maidstone’s countryside.
The idea began during the COVID pandemic, when Phil started seeking out nearby green spaces. Working with Derek, the pair connected existing rights of way, historic villages and transport links to form a continuous, accessible route.
The Scenic Green Trail now spans more than 41 miles and can be enjoyed in sections or as a full long‑distance walk.
The Mayor said: "This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through local passion, commitment and community spirit. The Scenic Maidstone Green Trail is a wonderful asset for our borough, encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature and discover Maidstone’s countryside."
“Access to green spaces plays an important role in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing, and this trail offers residents a positive way to stay active, take time out and improve their quality of life. I would like to thank Phil Riches and Derek Eagle for their dedication and vision in bringing this project to life.”
Full details, maps and walking guides are available via Explore Kent.
The Mayor of Maidstone and Derek Eagle
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Volunteers plant hedgerow in Boughton Monchelsea
Photo courtesy of BMAT
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Volunteers with Friends of Boughton Monchelsea Amenity Trust braved the wet weather to plant nearly 200 mixed native hedgerows in Walk Meadow.
The trees, which were provided by Maidstone Borough Council, will be a fantastic habitat once they are established as well as helping us store more carbon dioxide to reach our Net Zero goals.
The trees were provided as part of MBC’s scheme to offer native trees and hedgerow saplings to landowners across the borough. You can request trees for the autumn using the button below.
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Free water butt offer extended, while stocks remain!
Maidstone Borough Council recently ran an initiative offering free rainwater harvesting sets to households living in the borough’s areas most vulnerable to surface water flooding. The scheme, which was open only to residents within designated areas within the Town Centre, Park Wood and Shepway, aimed to support communities facing both flooding risks and the growing challenges of water scarcity.
Only a limited stock now remains for this offer, which are now being offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Successful applicants will receive a communication containing a unique one-use code, valid for one water butt per household. Residents can redeem their free set in-store at Wickes Maidstone (St Peter’s Street, ME16 0SN). Installation is not included. Each unit is a UK‑manufactured 210‑litre water butt, complete with stand and filler kit for straightforward attachment to existing guttering.
Before collecting, residents are encouraged to check they have sufficient outdoor space for a 210‑litre butt, and acess to guttering from their house, shed, or outbuilding.
By capturing rainwater during wetter months, participating households can reduce localised surface water flooding by holding back over 115,000 litres of rainfall across the scheme. It can also help maintain garden plants, green spaces, and wildlife during dry spells, without added pressure on the mains water system and lower household water bills by using stored rainwater for outdoor use.
If you are a Maidstone resident and wish to apply, please email climateandbiodiversity@maidstone.gov.uk with your name and address.
Successful applicants will be notified, and the offer will close once stocks are gone.
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Food Waste Action Week
9 – 15 March 2026
In the UK, 60% of food waste happens in our homes. Each year, households throw away 4.4 million tonnes of edible food, worth £17.5 billion, and creating 16 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions
For a family of four, that’s around £1,000 wasted every year. At a time of rising costs and climate pressure, reducing food waste is one of the fastest, simplest ways to save money and cut emissions, through a few simple changes that give back both to your pocket and our planet.
Food Waste Action Week is a great time to become aware of our food waste impact and inspires simple, practical action that helps food go further: saving money, time and stress, while protecting the planet. Why not get some inspiration on making food go further with these free recipe card downloads from WRAP.
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(We replace lost or damaged 23L caddies free of charge)
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For any food waste that is unavoidable, recycle it!
Every teabag, eggshell and apple core recycled helps create renewable energy, lighting homes and businesses, or becomes biofertiliser for farms across Kent.
Our 2026 Food Caddy deal
For the bargain price of £9 including delivery to your home. You will get:
- 23 litre black/orange caddy,
- 5 litre kitchen caddy (various colours)
- Roll of compostable bags,
- Food bag clip, and
- A fridge magnet giving tips
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Great British Spring Clean
13 – 29 March 2026
The Great British Spring Clean is the nation’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign from Keep Britain Tidy. Each year, more than 400,000 volunteers clear litter from UK streets, parks and beaches.
Pledge as an individual, a group or a Keep Britain Tidy, volunteer today!
Maidstone Borough Council is extremely grateful for the many wonderful volunteer litter pickers who help keep our borough tidy. If you would like to become a litter picking hero, you can request free litter picking equipment and arrange for bag collections via the link below.
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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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Grow Wild Youth Grants
Applications close 18 March 2026, 3pm
If you're aged 16–25 you can apply for a £500 grant to bring your nature-inspired project to life this summer.
Kew are looking for creative ideas that celebrate UK native plants or fungi; whether you’re into growing, crafting, filmmaking, science, cooking, or anything in-between. If you’ve got a project in mind, they would love to hear from you!
The winner will receive a £500 grant for their project to be used for anything you might need such as materials, equipment, resources and training to develop your skills. They will also receive support, online sessions and resources from Grow Wild, as well as the chance to compete in Kew's Young Environmental Leader of the Year Award.
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Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Grants of £7,500 for air or ground source heat pumps, or £5,000 for biomass boilers.
To meet the UK's Net Zero target, we need to reduce emissions from home energy by 95% in the next 30 years and low emissions heating systems will play a vital role.
Through this UK Government scheme, you could get a grant to cover part of the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler. Fossil fuel heating systems include oil, gas, electric or LPG.
You must own your home (this includes a business, second home, or if you rent it out). The property must also have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
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Switch Together
Solar Together is returning for 2026 under a new name. Switch Together Kent is a no‑obligation group‑buying scheme that helps residents and small businesses access competitively priced solar panels and battery storage. By joining the scheme, you can cut your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and protect yourself from fluctuating energy prices, all through vetted installers and a simple, hassle‑free process.
Anyone in Kent can register to receive a personalised recommendation tailored to their property, whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or small business. If you already have solar panels, you can apply for battery storage to maximise your savings. The scheme saves participants money compared with purchasing similar services individually.
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Electricals Recycling Fund
Material Focus has opened its latest round of the Electricals Recycling Fund, designed to make it easier for people across the UK to recycle or reuse unwanted small electricals.
With a pot of funding aimed at expanding existing services or trialling creative new collection methods, the scheme supports initiatives such as on‑street recycling banks, community drop‑off points in libraries or leisure centres, and upgrades to existing bring‑bank infrastructure. The fund seeks practical, scalable ideas that help overcome the gap between people wanting to recycle electricals and actually finding it easy to do so.
Eligible organisations, including charities and private companies, can apply for grants to grow or innovate household electrical collection services. Projects may range from improving kerbside systems, to piloting new ways to collect, repair, or reuse electrical goods.
Alongside funding, successful applicants receive project management support to help deliver impactful local solutions that reduce e‑waste and unlock more opportunities for reuse. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, making this an accessible opportunity for any organisation ready to boost electricals recycling in their community.
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Spring clean litter pick with Maidstone Climate Action Network (CAN)
Sunday 29 March 2026
Join volunteers from Maidstone CAN starting at 10:00am outside Lockmeadow Market Hall, and litter-pick the surrounding area and along the River Medway.
If you would like to participate, please contact maidstonecan@gmail.com
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Heart of Kent Walking Festival
20-29 March 2026
The Heart of Kent Walking Festival is back, offering ten days of guided walks through some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in Maidstone and the surrounding Kent countryside.
Whether you enjoy exploring hidden trails, discovering local history, or simply getting outdoors and meeting new people, the Festival has something for everyone. With a wide range of walks to choose from, varying in distance, difficulty, and theme, it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the natural beauty of our borough and connect with others who share a love of the outdoors.
With sustainability in mind, many of the walks will start close to train stations and bus routes, meaning you can leave your car at home. Several of the train lines travel through some beautiful countryside, so sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
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Drive Electric
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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Come and visit the Maidstone Repair Café
Maidstone Climate Action Network will run the new Repair Café on the first Saturday of every month at Lockmeadow Market Hall, ME16 8LW
If you have broken items that you would like repaired for FREE, take them to the next Maidstone Repair Café on Saturday 4 April
between 10am and 2pm.
There is no need to book, just turn up on the day!
Items that could be repaired include toys, jewellery, electricals, clothing, textiles, furniture, wooden objects, bicycle maintenance and computers and IT.
Let's save our items from landfill!
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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.
Environmental Services –parks, open spaces and waste services
What’s On in Maidstone – for all events
News – to keep up to date
Consultations – share your views
Visit Maidstone – the best places to visit and stay
Business in Maidstone – workshops, events and business support
Maidstone Musuem - News, updates and events from Maidstone Museum
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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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