Thanet District Council is inviting residents, businesses and community groups to help shape the future of the district’s natural environment.
A public consultation on the draft Thanet Biodiversity Strategy launches today, Friday 15 May. The proposed strategy is the council’s first dedicated plan to protect, enhance and restore the “all-star cast” of living things that make our coastline and countryside unique.
In Thanet, nature is facing challenges from habitat loss and climate change. The proposed strategy moves away from protecting small, isolated patches of nature. Instead, it takes a broader approach to join up fields, cliffs, parks and gardens, giving wildlife the space it needs to travel and grow.
The draft strategy focuses on five key themes:
- Renewed Woodlands: Increasing our tree cover to provide shade and cleaner air.
- Dynamic Marinescapes: Protecting our world-famous chalk reefs and sea life.
- Robust Wetlands: Looking after our marshes, streams and ditches to prevent flooding and support rare species.
- Biodiverse Agriculture: Working with farmers to create “wild edges” and hedgerows.
- Urban Connection: Making our towns greener with mini-woodlands and wildlife-friendly gardens.
Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, said: “Thanet’s natural environment is part of our identity, from our iconic chalk cliffs to our precious open spaces. But nature needs our help to recover. This strategy isn’t just about protecting what we have; it’s about actively bringing nature back into our daily lives.
“Whether it’s planting more trees in our towns or supporting our rare coastal birds, we want to create a district where both people and wildlife can thrive. We really want to hear from as many people as possible. Your local knowledge and passion are essential to making this plan work for everyone in Thanet.”
The consultation is open until Friday 26 June 2026. Feedback from the public will be used to finalise the strategy before it is presented to Cabinet for formal adoption in August.
How to get involved
Residents can read the draft strategy and complete a short survey on the council’s engagement website: Your Voice Thanet.
Following a review of the consultation responses, a report will be prepared for Cabinet in August 2026. If the final wording of the strategy is agreed and adopted, it is expected to be implemented from September 2026.
