New rules at three Maidstone spots announced as new nature reserves

Three new nature reserves have been given approval for Maidstone, bringing about some new rules for future visitors of these green spaces. Maidstone Borough Council has confirmed that new nature reserves have been approved at Allington Millennium Green, Fant and the combined site of Weavering Heath, Five Acre and Wents Wood.

After the application from the council’s Parks and Open Spaces Team proved successful, the new nature reserves brings the total number in the borough up to six. Such spaces were first introduced in an effort to protect some of the nation’s most important habitats, species and geology, as well as encouraging learning, with more than 1200 found across England.

Nature reserves are open for the public to visit, but those attending will now need to ensure that they follow the countryside code. Cllr Patrik Garten, MBC Cabinet Member for Environmental Services said: “We are committed to providing places for nature to thrive which allow our residents and visitors to connect with biodiversity, protect habitats and species and learn from the environments around them.

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“We are delighted that Natural England have approved our three sites as new local nature reserves during 2023. We will put up signs in the three areas showing the declaration and ask anyone visiting our reserves to please follow the countryside code to enable everyone to enjoy, value and respect England’s most important places for nature.

“They will provide great opportunities to schools, specialist interest groups and the public to experience wildlife at first hand and to learn more about nature conservation.”

The three previously declared nature reserves found in Maidstone are:

• Allington Milliennium Green – around 0.83 hectares

• Fant – around 3.55 hectares

• Weavering Heath, Five Acre and Wents Wood – around 10.24 hectares

Further information about nature reserves can found on the Wildlife Trust website here. Declaration of the three new Maidstone nature reserves can be found here.

Countryside Code

Launched in 2004, the countryside code is a set of guidelines designed for use by both the public and land managers across England and Wales. The code is managed by Natural England in England and Natural Resources Wales in Wales.

The outlines of the Countryside Code are as follows:

Respect everyone

• be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside

• leave gates and property as you find them

• do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking

• be nice, say hello, share the space

• follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available

Protect the environment

• take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit

• do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can

• always keep dogs under control and in sight

• dog poo – bag it and bin it in any public waste bin or take it home

• care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance

Enjoy the outdoors

• check your route and local conditions

• plan your adventure – know what to expect and

• what you can do

• enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory

Follow advice and local signs

The arrows show the legal and recorded rights of way for different user groups

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