Kent Wildlife Conference - The Natural History of North-West Kent

The Natural History of NorthWest Kent

Saturday, 22 October 2011,10:00am – 4:00pm

Pilkington Lecture Theatre

University of Greenwich, Medway Campus

This year the aim of the conference will be to look at the current status of the flora and fauna of north-west Kent. This region has become increasingly urbanised in recent decades as London's suburbs and its commuters have spread farther east into Kent. The 'North-West' extends from Bromley and Bexley east to Gravesend and to the towns along the river Medway. The built area in the west is known to support some of the largest and most important brownfield sites for invertebrates in the country, owing to its warm, south-easterly location in the UK. By contrast there are some wonderful stretches of open downland and woodland rich in wildlife along the area's southern boundary. The northern boundary is defined by the river Thames and includes the Isle of Grain. Entirely different types of habitat occur here; isolated woodland remnants, extensive patches of grazing marsh and lagoons important for overwintering and breeding birds, sea defences and saltmarshes. The river Thames itself is rich in marine flora and fauna.This area appears to have received less attention from naturalists than other equivalent areas of Kent in recent years and one of the aims of the meeting is to collate information for future conservation purposes. For example, the siting of a third London airport in the region remains an issue. Landscape scale conservation plans for the area have been prepared and will be discussed during the day.

View and download the conference programme and booking form here:

 Kent Wildlife Conference 2011 Programme