- £4 million invested over seven years in one of Kent’s most historic and biodiverse river valleys
- More than 40 conservation and heritage projects completed in the Darent Valley, across Sevenoaks and Dartford districts.
- More than 4,000 people took part in community events, volunteering, and educational programmes
- The Darent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme (DVLPS) was established in 2018 and delivered by the Kent Downs National Landscape team with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Interreg.
- New legacy group to continue nature recovery and access initiatives across the valley
The Darent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme (DVLPS), a £4 million initiative delivered by the Kent Downs National Landscape and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Interreg, and 13 core partners, ends this summer after seven years of ambitious heritage, cultural, and community-led conservation.
Stretching 15 kilometres from the chalk ridges of the Kent Downs to the Thames Estuary and just a short distance from London, the Darent Valley is home to rare chalk grasslands, ancient woodlands, and centuries of built heritage. Since 2018, the DVLPS has delivered more than 40 major projects to restore habitats, conserve historic landmarks, and connect thousands of people with this nationally important landscape.
From the restoration of chalk grassland at Polhill and Preston Hill, to the conservation of 18th-century buildings at Lullingstone Castle and the remains of the Archbishop’s Palace in Otford, the partnership has transformed both the natural and cultural fabric of the valley.
Nick Johannsen, Director of Kent Downs National Landscape and aspiring UNESCO Cross-Channel Global Geopark, said:
“The Darent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme exemplifies the power of long-term, collaborative work to protect and enhance a landscape of national importance. Over seven years, the project has successfully restored vital habitats, safeguarded historic sites, and engaged thousands of people through education and community activities. This integrated approach has strengthened the connection between local communities and the valley’s natural and cultural heritage, creating a resilient and thriving environment.
What truly sets this project apart is the lasting legacy it leaves – not just in improved biodiversity and conserved heritage, but in the relationships, knowledge, and shared commitment that will support the valley’s future. At Kent Downs National Landscape, we are proud to continue building on this foundation, ensuring the Darent Valley remains a place of inspiration, discovery, and wellbeing for generations to come.”
Collaboration has been key. The DVLPS united local authorities, conservation charities, landowners, artists, schools, and archaeologists to protect species-rich chalk grasslands and meadows, enhance access, and engage communities. More than 4,000 people participated in walks, talks, creative workshops, and school visits, including nature retreats during the pandemic, and youth-led heritage projects.
Digital tools like the Darent Valley Trails app and Samuel Palmer Trail have helped make the valley more accessible to locals and visitors, while archaeological work at sites like St John’s Jerusalem and Lullingstone Roman Villa has revealed new layers of the valley’s rich past.
A celebration event was held on Wednesday 4th July at Lullingstone Castle to mark the project’s end and recognise the contributions of key partners, volunteers, and stakeholders. Guests explored the restored Ice House, Queen Anne’s Bath House, and World Garden, and chatted to partners who helped bring the project to life.
William Alexander, speaking on behalf of the Darent Valley Farm Cluster and Nature Partnership, said:
“The Darent Valley Landscape Partnership has quietly delivered a diverse range of projects across this precious landscape during the past seven years. I have witnessed improvements to public access, archaeological work that has unearthed glimpses of our heritage, community engagement and educational events, environmental restoration projects to improve biodiversity and, alongside all this, a celebration of the valley’s art and culture.
The partnership team has had a broad and positive impact across the whole of the Darent Valley and leaves a valuable legacy for all who are fortunate to live in or visit this unique corner of Kent.”
As the programme concludes, the Kent Downs National Landscape will work with organisations to take forward the work, building on established partnerships and their legacy to ensure the Darent Valley remains a sanctuary for nature, culture and wellbeing.