Wilder Kent Awards
Since its launch, the Wilder Kent Awards have played a vital role in helping Kent Wildlife Trust achieve its vision of a Wilder Kent by 2030. The awards celebrate schools, community groups, businesses and more who are taking action for nature. Last year saw over 16,000 people get involved and make a tangible difference for nature and wildlife in Kent and we anticipate even more taking part in 2025.
Each year, we are inspired by the creativity and commitment of those who step up to defend wildlife and restore natural habitats – whether by rewilding school grounds, transforming community green spaces, or changing working business practices to be more sustainable. The Wilder Kent Awards don’t just celebrate success – they inspire change.
Having won an award in 2023, Lynsted Community Kitchen Garden were inspired to set up a biodiversity working party within the volunteer group, and oversaw a drive to create a diverse range of habitats, particularly for nesting birds, hedgehogs, insects and small mammals.
Fairview Community Primary School found taking part in the awards transformative, not only for their grounds, but also for their pupils.
If you or someone you know is part of a school, community group, business, or village, town or city council taking action for nature and wildlife in Kent this year, then sign up for the Wilder Kent Awards 2025 and gain recognition for your efforts.
Join us in celebrating excellence - become a proud sponsor of the Awards
To find out more or become a sponsor, email corporate@kentwildlife.org.uk or call 01622 357800.
Wilder Perspectives
They say it takes a village to raise a child – well Liz Milne, Natural Environment & Coast Manager at Kent County Council, believes it takes a county to create a strategy for nature.
So often, strategies and plans are designed with limited involvement of those that will ultimately be responsible for delivering them, with the first opportunity for input being at consultation.
The development of the Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy adopted a different process. From the very start, we wanted a fully collaborative approach, that involved stakeholders – all interested and invested citizens, local authorities, organisations and businesses – in the design of, and making decisions for, nature recovery in the county. It was crucial that the Strategy addressed the county’s environmental threats and reflected our wildlife’s needs and priorities. This would ensure we truly put the “local” into the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
This was a big ask – participation would require a huge commitment of time, effort and resources from our partners and stakeholders. And for those perhaps not directly involved in nature recovery work but whose input was critical, we would be taking them away from their core business – and in difficult and uncertain economic times. So, we embarked upon the work with some trepidation.
And the result? Well, Kent and Medway stepped up and in a massive way. We were blown away by not only the numbers, but the passion and commitment to make this a strategy that’s both reflective of nature’s needs and the delivery of ambitions for its future.
Over 1,000 individuals were engaged at some point in the year-long development, with over 678 people (representing 285 different organisations bodies, businesses, affiliations and more) attending workshops that determined the pressures, agreed the priorities, designed the actions and mapped the target areas. In addition to these workshops, many also contributed through our technical advisory groups and steering groups. The level of expertise and knowledge gleaned from all this input was phenomenal and one which has resulted in a robust strategy for nature’s recovery. And Kent Wildlife Trust, and its many members, were among these numbers, so we say a big thank you to you all.
Of course, following the Strategy’s publication, the real hard work starts now – but a further benefit of this approach is that we already have the partnerships and momentum to turn this ambition into reality.
Find out more about the Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy at makingspacefornaturekent.org.uk
Show us your wild side - Volunteer spotlight
Why volunteer with Kent Wildlife Trust?
Volunteering is a powerful force for good - not just for the causes it supports, but also for the individuals who give their time. People choose to volunteer for many reasons: to help others, to improve their surroundings, to use and develop skills, to meet like-minded people, or to support a cause they deeply care about.
With so many charities and non-profits in need of volunteer support, why choose us? The answer lies in our mission and the diversity of opportunities we offer. Here, our goal is simple yet ambitious: to increase wildlife abundance and climate resilience across 30% of Kent’s land and sea, and we need local people to help us.
This is not just about protecting rare species. It’s about restoring the natural processes that keep our ecosystems thriving, from pollination to soil health to carbon sequestration. We believe that by working closely with communities and partners, we can restore balance to our environment and secure a sustainable future for all.
Finding a role for you
We believe that everyone has something valuable to offer, and that in return, volunteering can change your life in ways you never expected. We offer a broad range of roles to suit different lifestyles, skills, and interests. Volunteering with us doesn’t mean heading out in steel-toe boots each week – unless that’s your thing! Whether you want to:
- Restore habitats with a local conservation team
- Help run events or welcome visitors to our reserves
- Monitor wildlife and generate critical data
- Support campaigns, photography, education or digital content
... there's a place for you here.
We understand that people have different schedules and capabilities. That’s why we offer flexible and seasonal volunteering opportunities, including roles that can be done from home. These opportunities allow people with busy lives or mobility limitations to make a meaningful impact.
Volunteers with Sevenoaks Greensand Commons
Learn, grow and gain skills
One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering with us is the chance to learn directly from our experienced and passionate conservationists. You’ll gain practical skills in wildlife identification, habitat management, and ecological principles, especially valuable for those considering a career in conservation or environmental sciences.
You’ll also get access to discounted study days and trainings, including nationally recognised qualifications, perfect for those looking to brush up their CV or just simply love learning for the joy of it.
Shoresearch at Dumpton
Build community and connection
At its heart, volunteering is about connection, both to nature and to other people who care as much as you do. Whether you’re working on a nature reserve, participating in a beach clean, or attending training sessions, you’ll meet people from all walks of life who are united by a common goal: protecting our natural heritage. Many of our volunteers say the friendships and community spirit they’ve found through the Trust are among the most fulfilling aspects of their experience.
Garden volunteers
A boost for your wellbeing
Spending time outdoors, working with your hands, and connecting with nature has proven benefits for mental and physical health. In fact, many of our volunteers tell us they feel happier, less stressed and a stronger sense of purpose. Why not join them?
Make a real difference
Every action you take as a volunteer supports vital conservation work. You’re helping to protect species, restore habitats, and educate others about the importance of the natural world. At Kent Wildlife Trust, your contributions matter, and together, we can create lasting change for wildlife and people across the county.
So if you’re looking to learn, connect, recharge, or make a difference, there’s never been a better time to join us. Volunteering with us means joining a movement for nature – and you’re warmly invited.
Volunteer Day, Tyland Barn
6 ways you and your family can reduce your carbon footprint this summer
1. Shop second-hand (and only when you really need to!)
Wherever possible, it’s fantastic to say no to fast-fashion and instead buy second-hand. According to Oxfam, if all UK adults bought half of our wardrobe second-hand, it could prevent 12.5 billion kilogrammes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere – equivalent to a plane flying around the world more than 17,000 times! It’s amazing what you can find in your local charity shop, car-boot sale, or on second-hand platforms like Vinted and eBay. Think of it like a treasure hunt, and any pieces you find will mean so much more.
2. Ditch the car
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – if you have an opportunity to walk, wheel, or take public transport instead of hopping in the car, it’ll do wonders for the planet and your wellbeing. Not only will you reduce your carbon emissions, but you also won’t have to sit in endless traffic, watching green lights turn red, as your heart rate steadily rises. Opting for a lovely view from the train window or taking a mindful walk to your destination isn’t something you’re likely to regret.
Choosing to take a ‘stay-cation’ over an international f light is also something that the planet will thank you for, and it’s a chance to discover some idyllic destinations right here at home.
3. Switch up what you eat
Changing what you eat can make a big difference in reducing your carbon footprint. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, meat and dairy accounts for about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Opting for a plant-based meal a few times a week will help to reduce that scary statistic.
When you’re shopping for your veggies to make your tasty dish, it’s also great to go local – check the label to see how far your greens have travelled! Can you find some that have been grown in the UK or nearby countries to reduce the carbon footprint of transporting them to you? Finally, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that food waste makes up nearly 10% of total man-made greenhouse gases emitted, so plan your meals well to prevent this from going into our atmosphere!
© Tim Horton
4. Get involved with community action groups
Often, we find that there are already communities of people taking action to reduce environmental issues in your village, town or city, so make sure to see what’s already happening in your area. It could be anything from litter picking, group meetings, or swift monitoring, to a community garden. Join in with the fun and help make real, tangible change whilst meeting lovely people with similar mindsets.
5. Put pressure on those in power
Remember that whilst we do all need to keep taking individual action, a lot of responsibility over global issues like climate change falls on the shoulders of world leaders. If they commit to making changes globally by implementing policy and new legislation, it can make a huge difference. Why not write a letter as a family to your local MP, or the Prime Minister, asking them to make impactful change?
You can view our guidance on writing to your MP below
6. Keep learning and spread the word
The more open-minded we are to new, reliable, scientific information about climate change, the more resilient we will be as communities. If we continue to seek out knowledge and learn more about wildlife and the environment, we can go on to help others understand why it’s important to look after our planet. And that’s one of the biggest differences that we can make!
Bella creates resources and delivers education sessions at our nature reserves and across schools in Kent. With a background in environmental social sciences, she cares deeply about the relationship between people and nature, and how this can impact wildlife and the environment.
