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May 2026 Newsletter

Maidstone Borough Council first to recognise the Rights of Nature

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is proud to be the first council in the UK to formally adopt a Rights of Nature framework, embedding the principle that nature has an intrinsic right to exist, thrive and evolve across our governance, decision‑making and service delivery.

Agreed by Cabinet, the framework marks a significant step forward in how local government recognises and protects nature, placing Maidstone at the forefront of environmental leadership. Rather than a symbolic declaration, it provides a practical and deliverable approach to safeguarding the borough’s natural systems, ensuring nature’s interests are considered alongside social, economic and financial factors in our decisions.

Delivered through action

We are delivering Rights of Nature through tangible, measurable action already underway across the borough. This includes strengthening habitat protection and connectivity, prioritising tree retention and canopy expansion, integrating river health and water quality into planning, and ensuring ecological impacts are considered in relevant decisions.

The framework builds on Maidstone’s existing leadership, including a 20% Biodiversity Net Gain requirement for new developments, the use of nature‑based solutions for climate resilience, and community guardianship of trees and green spaces.

Alongside this milestone, we have continued to make strong progress on climate and biodiversity action. Over the past year, more than 9,000 native trees and new hedgerows have been planted, five parks now hold Green Flag status, and community projects such as the Midley Close Tiny Forest have gained national recognition. We have reduced the council’s own environmental impact through LED lighting, low‑emission vehicles, renewable energy and a green electricity tariff, while nearly £500,000 has been invested through the Nature Recovery Fund. The Rights of Nature framework will now be delivered through our annual action plans in partnership with local communities and organisations

No mow May-dstone

This May, Maidstone Borough Council is adapting mowing in selected green spaces to better support wildlife, while keeping areas safe and accessible for residents.

Allowing some grass and wild plants to grow for certain periods helps create habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity across the borough. Areas including Grove Green, Willington Street, Ringlestone, South Park, New Cut Road and Allington Open Space are part of this approach. This seasonal campaign also helps us use resources more efficiently, supporting a wider range of environmental and community projects across Maidstone.

We’re putting temporary 'No Mow May' signage in place to explain these changes, with longer-term pollinator-friendly signage planned for areas where we leave nature to do its thing for longer periods of time.

Harmony with nature at Maidstone's interfaith event 

A massive 'thank you' to the organisers of the Inter-aith event last month and inviting the MBC Biodiversity and Climate Change team to support the theme of “Harmony with Nature.”

It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with people from different faiths across Maidstone, and explore how their traditions inspire environmental stewardship.

Our team gave out herb plants and pollinator‑friendly perennials, sparking many engaging conversations about how faith communities are taking practical steps to protect nature.

Faith communities can play an important role in climate and nature action. Across Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism, there are faith‑led eco and climate action groups that support communities to care for the natural world, drawing on shared values of stewardship, responsibility and care for future generations. Working through faith communities can be a powerful way to take collective action locally, bringing people together around common purpose. 

Hot composter - lucky winner! 

Congratulations to Mrs W from ME16 who was the lucky winner of our prize draw for the remaining hot composter.

Did you know?

Kent residents can get discounted compost bins and food waste caddies, making it easier to turn kitchen and garden waste into free compost at home. 

Get outdoors and explore Maidstone's Scenic Green Trail

With spring finally here, now is a great opportunity to get outdoors again and explore the local area on foot

The Scenic Green Trail is a new long distance path around the borough of Maidstone, created as a lasting legacy by local resident Phil Riches. It uses public footpaths and short sections of road to link important nature reserves, green spaces and historic villages together. The route is 42 miles long in total, so it's divided into 7 sections. Waymarking stickers have now been added to help you follow the route, but Phil has also designed a detailed Walker’s Guide which you can download via the link below.

You can also follow the route on your phone by downloading the Kent Connected App.

Get Involved

Would you be interested in becoming a voluntary Section Champion? If you enjoy walking and can spare half a day every few months, your help would be crucial in keeping the route in great shape. A litter-pick and reporting any issues with gates/signs or overgrown vegetation is all that is needed. Get in contact here.

So, what are you waiting for... download the Walker’s Guide, put your walking boots on and feel the immense benefits to your health and wellbeing from a local waymarked walk!

Drive Electric event success

Last month, MBC supported an electric vehicle expo in partnership with Mid Kent College and Let’s Experience Electric. The event was a great success with over 150 people attending and 40 people test driving an electric vehicle.

A huge thank you to all the businesses and organisations who attended to showcase the benefits of electric cars, commercial vehicles, bikes and active travel, as well as electrical home energy technologies. Special thanks to all our speakers and attendees for their engagement and insightful questions in the Q&A.

Instability in global energy markets and fuel costs, as well as the health and climate benefits of electrification, make it more important than ever for our residents to be informed about the options available. This is why MBC and our partners are hoping to make this an annual event.

Kent County Council has secured over £12 million from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, the largest LEVI allocation to any local authority in England. 10,000 new on‑street EV charging sockets are planned across Kent, primarily in residential areas without off‑street parking. Rollout begins this summer with around 4,000 charging sockets planned by 2030 making this the perfect time to begin exploring EV options.

Watch out for giant hogweed this summer

Some plants cause more than just a sting - giant hogweed is one of the UK’s most hazardous invasive species. It spreads rapidly, harms native habitats, and its sap can burn and blister human skin.

Giant hogweed looks like giant cow parsley — but with red flags:

• Enormous white “umbrella” flowerheads
• Thick green stems with purple blotches and bristly hairs
• Huge jagged leaves
• Height matters: giant hogweed can reach 3–5 metres tall by early–mid summer. Our native hogweed (common hogweed) usually tops out at 1–2 metres, has smoother stems and does not pose a threat.

If in doubt, don’t touch - and keep children and pets well clear

Late spring and summer is peak growth season, when plants shoot up fast and sap risk is highest. If you spot suspected giant hogweed on council land, please report it - and never attempt to remove it yourself.

A huge thank you to residents who have already reported sightings - your help really does protect people and wildlife.

Grants and Funding

Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The Wildlife Trusts Green Community Grants

Get Involved

Calling all Volunteers

Maidstone residents invited to learn more about volunteering

Send your enquiries to: VCSLiaison@maidstone.gov.uk

Maidstone residents are invited to explore local volunteering opportunities at a Volunteer Day:

Monday 1 June, from 10am to 2pm at Market Hall

The event will bring together a wide range of voluntary and community organisations offering informal conversations, taster activities and sign‑ups, helping people build confidence, wellbeing and skills, and supporting routes into work or greater social connection.

The event is free and open anyone interested in getting involved in their community.

Archbishop’s Palace by head judge Alex Hare

Photographers invited to get snappy and capture Maidstone’s stories

Visit Maidstone has launched a new photography competition inviting people to share images that capture the essence of the borough, from its landscapes and heritage to everyday moments and community life. Capture Maidstone’s Stories: Through Your Lens is open to anyone aged 16 or over living in or visiting the UK, with entries judged by a panel led by professional photographer Alex Hare.

For those inspired by the natural environment, the competition includes a Nature & Landscapes category celebrating Maidstone’s countryside, waterways, wildlife and seasonal change.

Winners will be selected by the judging panel, with a £250 prize for the overall winner and £50 for each category winner.

Entries close on 30 June 2026, and selected images will help promote Maidstone as a place where nature, heritage and people thrive.

Be Nice to Nettles Week!

14 - 25 May 2026

Leaving nettles to grow in gardens and green spaces is one of the simplest ways to support biodiversity.

Stinging nettle is often overlooked as a weed, but it is one of the most important plants for wildlife in the UK, supporting over 40 species of insects.

It is a vital food plant for the caterpillars of several well‑known butterflies, including the small tortoiseshell, peacock, red admiral and comma, as well as many moths, beetles and aphids, which feed birds and other wildlife.

Alongside its huge ecological value, nettle has a long human history, having been used since the Bronze Age for food, medicine and textiles, including as a substitute for cotton during the war.

Share your thoughts - pump track consultation

MBC has launched a consultation on plans for a new pump track at the former Park and Ride site on Willington Street, alongside proposals to retain part of the site as a natural, rewilded space to support wildlife and boost local biodiversity.

The council is inviting residents to share their views, suggest improvements, and raise any concerns via its Let’s Talk Maidstone consultation hub, helping to shape a pilot project aimed at improving access to inclusive outdoor leisure while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

The consultation is open until Sunday 14 June 2026 and takes 4-7 minutes to complete.

We want your ideas for £20 million investment

MBC is recruiting for a Neighbourhood Board to lead the decision-making on behalf of residents. Applications close on 19 June 2026.

Help shape proposals for Heathlands Garden Community

Residents are being invited to help shape plans for Heathlands Garden Community, a proposed new development to the east of Maidstone.

Homes England and Maidstone Borough Council are running a programme of online and in‑person engagement from May, giving residents the chance to share views that will help inform the forthcoming planning application.

Upcoming Events

River Medway pilgrimage returns in 2026

From Source to Sea, 17-27 July 2026

Following the success of their first river pilgrimage last year, the Friends of the River Medway will once again be walking the River Medway from source to sea in 2026. The pilgrimage will travel from Forest Row to Rochester, celebrating the river while drawing attention to the need for greater care, connection and long‑term restoration.

Alongside the walk itself, the pilgrimage weaves together a wide programme of activities. These include hands‑on practical action such as litter‑picking and citizen science, cultural events inspired by the river, and a conference bringing together councillors, communities and legal experts to explore the Rights of Rivers and the future protection of the Medway.

This year, the pilgrimage will pause in Maidstone for a full day, with members of MBC’s Biodiversity and Climate Change Team joining them at Lockmeadow on 23 July for community litter‑picking activities along the river.

Everyone is welcome to join the pilgrimage for the full route or just part of the journey. Whether you’d like to walk, get involved in activities, or simply learn more about the river and its challenges.

River Park Celebrates 25 Years Maidstone River Park is marking its 25‑year silver anniversary with a celebration event 18 July 2026, celebrating a quarter of a century of this much‑loved green and blue space at the heart of the town. The celebration is part of a wider series of river‑focused events across Maidstone, designed to help people reconnect with the Medway through walks and other activities.

Green Open Homes Marden

Join this free event at Marden Village Club from 10am –1pm on Sunday 17 May 2026

Following the success of the first Green Open Homes event in Bearsted last autumn, another event is coming to Marden. Organised by Marden Parish Council and Kent County Council.

Drop by to learn more about home energy upgrades such as solar panels and heat pumps, see real‑life retrofit measures in a nearby home, and find out what support is available.

Help spread the word by sharing with your networks and register to attend on the link below, or contact climate.change@kent.gov.uk for more information.

Churches Count on Nature

Saturday 6 June to Sunday 14 June 2026

Churches Count on Nature 2026 is a nationwide citizen science wildlife survey celebrating the biodiversity of churchyards and burial grounds, inviting people to spot and record plants and animals in these special places.

Get involved by visiting a churchyard, recording wildlife you see (for example using the free iNaturalist app), or by organising a simple local event. Anyone can take part, free resources available.

National Emergency Briefing 

Free Film Screening and Community Discussion

Monday 18 May 2026 7pm-9pm
Maidstone Community Support Centre, ME14 1HH

Maidstone Climate Action Network invites the local community to a special screening of the National Emergency Briefing, a 45-minute film exploring the implications of climate and nature breakdown and highlighting positive responses.

The film includes contributions from Chris Packham, Deborah Meaden and other experts. Some topics include: Extreme weather, food security, health, economics and energy.

Following the screening, organisers will hold a short open discussion to explore what this means for communities in Maidstone and how we can take action.

Refreshments will be provided during the event.

Come along with your friends and/or family - everyone is welcome!

To promote your event through the Climate Change & Biodiversity newsletter please email climateandbiodiversity@maidstone.gov.uk

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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Visit Maidstone – the best places to visit and stay 

Business in Maidstone – workshops, events and business support 

Planning - see the latest planning applications in Maidstone

Maidstone Musuem - All the latest from Maidstone Musuem 

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 

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