Kent Downs National Landscape: Protecting the Greensand Ridge and Len Valley

Maidstone Liberal Democrats have long led the fight to protect our countryside and wildlife.

They were the driving force behind the innovative campaign to extend the boundaries of the Kent Downs National Landscape, safeguarding the Len Valley and Greensand Ridge.

Following a successful Liberal Democrat motion at Maidstone Borough Council, Cabinet Member for Planning Cllr Tony Harwood helped define the proposed geographical extent and acted as a guide for an independent landscape consultant. The consultant confirmed that the local countryside fully qualified for enhanced protection.

The Kent Downs Joint Advisory Committee has now endorsed the proposal. 

If approved, this extension would protect much of the countryside around Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, and Lenham that is not already within the Kent Downs designation.

Cllr Brian Clark, who seconded the original motion, said:
"I proposed the Greensand Ridge for protection as part of the National Landscape review several years ago. While my photograph of the ridge at Linton Park was included in the Government’s White Paper, national landscape designation remained elusive at that time."

Cllr Tony Harwood added:
"This has been a lengthy process, but with the support of the Kent Downs Joint Advisory Committee we now have a real opportunity to secure the protection we have been seeking."

📎 Further details, including the official map of the proposed extension, can be found in the Maidstone Borough Council decision record: Greensand Ridge – National Landscape Designation.