A town centre green space has been officially designated as a Local Wildlife Site in what has been hailed as a “major milestone for urban nature conservation”.
The newly recognised Buckland Hill Wildlife Site in Maidstone lies tucked between Maidstone Barracks railway station and apartment blocks, and yet is a shining example of biodiversity thriving in the heart of the town.
The Buckland Hill Local Wildlife Site in MaidstoneA lawn shrimp at Buckland Hill. Image Tony Harwood
Despite its urban setting, the site supports a rich variety of wildlife, with the railway embankment providing vital connectivity for terrestrial species.
Earlier this year, surprised ecologists discovered a rare Landhopper – also known as a lawn shrimp – at Buckland Hill, only the second recorded sighting in Maidstone.
Typically found near coastal areas, the tiny jumper’s presence in such an urban location underscores the ecological importance of even the smallest of green spaces.
Also newly designated as a Local Wildlife Site is an area known as the Veitch Land at Blue Bell Hill, where the rare Green Hairstreak butterfly has been spotted.
Owned by the borough council, the site offers a rich mosaic of native woodland, chalk downland and neutral grassland, and is particularly famed for its downland orchids and butterflies.
Cllr Tony Harwood at the Veitch LandThe Veitch Local Wildlife Site, beside the A229 Blue Bell HillA Green Hairstreak butterfly at the Veitch Land. Image Tony Harwood
However, the Veitch Land is under threat. It lies within the proposed route of Kent County Council’s A229 widening plans.
Kent Wildlife Trust’s local wildlife sites officer David Shenton said: “These designations are a hugely positive step forward.
“They show how well-managed green spaces can support thriving ecosystems, even in the heart of our towns.
“Buckland Hill and Veitch Land, which is a remarkably wildlife-rich area sandwiched between the A229 Blue Bell Hill and High Speed 1, are living proof that development and nature don’t have to be in conflict.
“We can create vibrant urban communities while still making space for wildlife to thrive.”
Broad-leaved helleborine at the Veitch Land. Image Tony HarwoodA black and yellow longhorn beetle at Buckland Hill. Image Tony HarwoodThe Buckland Hill Local Wildlife Site in the centre of Maidstone
“These sites are a powerful case study in how coexistence is not only possible, it’s essential.”
The council’s cabinet member for climate transition and nature recovery, Cllr Rachel Rodwell (Green), said: “We are delighted. Buckland Hill is a hidden gem, nestled between homes and transport infrastructure.
“Buckland Hill and the Veitch Land are now formally recognised for their ecological importance, and we’re committed to working with partners to ensure their future is protected.”
Cllr Tony Harwood (Lib Dem) added: “Alongside many other local people, I have volunteered hundreds of hours to help care for both the Buckland Hill and Veitch Land Local Wildlife Sites, over many years.
“These Kent Wildlife Trust declarations are a vindication and big vote of confidence in all of the local commitment and hard work to protect and enhance these precious wildlife oases.
Candlesnuff Fungus at Buckland Hill Nature Reserve. Image Tony Harwood
“There are some big battles ahead to defend the Veitch Land from KCC’s road widening plans, which makes this citation particularly timely.”