Maidstone becomes first UK council to formally adopt Rights of Nature framework
With Lib Dem councillors playing a key role, Maidstone Borough Council has taken a historic step to embed nature's right to exist and thrive at the heart of local decision-making.
Maidstone Borough Council has made history as the first local authority in the United Kingdom to formally adopt a Rights of Nature framework, embedding the principle that nature has an intrinsic right to exist, thrive and evolve across its governance, decision-making and service delivery.
The landmark decision, agreed by Cabinet, ensures that the interests of nature are considered alongside social, economic and financial factors in all council decisions — with a particular focus on waterways, trees and wildlife.
"Our wildlife and habitats are facing the biggest threat we have ever known, with many species going extinct or on the verge of extinction. It is time to draw a line and reverse what we can reverse. Talking to residents across the borough, we know how deeply people value their natural environment — they want to see it protected and enhanced, and this framework is a direct response to that desire. Maidstone Borough Council will lead by example in facing up to our pressing biodiversity crisis."
— Cllr Clive English, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement
Rather than a symbolic declaration, the framework takes a practical, deliverable approach — integrating Rights of Nature directly into the Council's Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plans, and building on existing commitments including a 20% Biodiversity Net Gain requirement for new developments, nature-based solutions for climate resilience, and community guardianship of trees and green spaces.
"Despite a planning system that too often ignores or undervalues nature, we are determined to make Maidstone Borough Council the most effective local authority in the UK at defending the natural world."
— Cllr Tony Harwood, Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management
The framework was triggered by a Lib Dem councillor motion in October 2025, followed by detailed officer research, legal advice and cross-party consideration. Implementation will be delivered through annual updates to the Council's Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plans, monitored through established governance processes and delivered in partnership with communities, landowners and organisations across the borough.
Strong progress on nature recovery
The landmark governance milestone is already backed by a strong record of practical action over the past year.
9,300 native trees and 280 metres of native hedgerow planted, on council land and with private landowners
Five Green Flag Award parks, with Brenchley Gardens in the town centre the most recent recipient
The Midley Close Tiny Forest and Food Forest have gained national recognition
Conservation grazing, species reintroduction and soil restoration trials are helping restore nature where it has been lost
Nearly £500,000 made available through the Nature Recovery Fund to support local projects
Council buildings switched to 100% LED lighting, with solar panels, battery storage and a green electricity tariff all in place
Thousands of residents have benefited from water-saving, energy-saving and sustainability initiatives
