7,500 trees to be planted across Kent and Medway this winter
The Tree Council funding aims to protect biodiversity and enhance Kent’s natural landscape
Kent County Council (KCC) has announced it will plant 7,500 trees across Kent and Medway this winter, thanks to £47,500 in funding from a combination of grants. The project aims to enhance the county’s biodiversity and create habitats for wildlife.
The funding was secured through The Tree Council – DEFRA’s Trees Outside Woodland Fund and the Network Rail Community Tree Planting Fund. These grants will support the planting of thousands of trees, orchards, and hedgerows in publicly accessible areas or land benefiting the public.
The Network Rail grant includes 180 disease-resistant elm trees, which will provide future habitat for the White-letter Hairstreak butterfly—a priority species under the Kent & Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Tree planting is scheduled to run until the end of February 2026, beginning this week in Swalecliffe in partnership with Canterbury City Council. KCC is working closely with Medway Council, local borough and district councils, and parish councils to deliver the programme across the region.
David Wimble, Cabinet Member for Environment at Kent County Council, said:
“Trees are an important part of the Kent landscape and provide a rich habitat for our local wildlife. This funding will help us deliver our commitment to planting a tree for every Kent resident and support the ambitions within our Local Nature Recovery Strategy.”
Nature Minister, Mary Creagh, added:
“Trees bring us peace, shade, and joy, and people feel deeply connected to them across the country. This funding will see thousands of trees planted as part of our Plan for Change, bringing nature closer to people.”
Sara Lom, CEO of The Tree Council, said:
“Trees outside woodland are the trees we all come across most often – those in our parks, on our streets, and even the hedgerows that help capture carbon and act as heritage highways for a rich array of wildlife. We’re delighted to partner with Defra to offer this additional Tree Council grant opportunity to benefit people, wildlife, and our planet, and especially Kent County Council.”
The project supports the Kent & Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which joins national efforts to boost biodiversity and fight climate change. Planting trees not only enriches local wildlife habitat but also contributes to improved air quality, reduced flood risks, and long-term environmental sustainability for local communities.
To learn more about the funding sources, visit:
Trees Outside Woodland Fund - The Tree Council
Network Rail Community Tree Planting Fund - The Tree Council
For details about the Kent & Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy, visit: Homepage | Making Space For Nature Kent