Protecting biodiversity

Habitats often occur as fragments within the landscape, providing wildlife corridors, links or stepping stones from one habitat to another.

Preventing further fragmentation by safeguarding existing habitats, and improving linkages between them, will help to maintain the current range and diversity of our flora and fauna.
The biological role of land corridors is important in relation to green space networks and rights of way.

Future development should seek to maintain and enhance existing habitats and reverse fragmentation by identifying areas where the biodiversity potential is greatest.

This should be based on a clear understanding of the biodiversity interest of the development site (and other areas affected) in the context of the ecology of the area, as well as of national and county biodiversity priorities and targets.

Restoration and enhancement efforts, and mitigation and compensation for adverse impacts, should be concentrated in areas where there is scope for significant nature conservation gain, or where the most valuable and fragile habitats and species occur.

The potential value to biodiversity of previously developed land and previously worked sites should be taken into account.

Kent County Council is a key partner in the Kent Biodiversity Partnership, working together to ensure that Kent’s valuable species and habitats are protected and enhanced.