The Blean Biopark has been developed by Kent Wildlife Trust and Save The Blean along with the University of Kent, RSPB Kent, the Crab & Winkle Line Trust and other partners. Residents of Canterbury were also invited to contribute ideas via a survey that was disseminated between March and May, with 128 responses from people aged under 18 to over 80.
The proposals we have created offer a viable alternative to 2,000 houses in which the land can become an open, thriving space connecting people, nature, culture, heritage and education. Importantly, this alternative vision also generates substantial revenues for the University of Kent; allows the University to develop its research, teaching and funding plans in the fields of ecology, sustainability, food and farming; and has potential for an area of housing that is proportionate to the local villages and fits with existing infrastructure, to meet local housing needs.
The Blean Biopark has a focus on conservation and enhancement of the natural environment through:
- Rewilding initiatives
- Biodiversity restoration
- Innovative ecological solutions
- Celebrating local history and heritage
- Supporting community wellbeing through accessible activities and learning
- Collaboration with local partners and initiatives to maximise impact and establish financial resilience.
Members of the Save The Blean team gave a presentation about the Blean Biopark at Tyler Hill Memorial Hall in May, and the slides can be viewed here for further info.
We are continuing to work with the University to see if they will adopt the Biopark plans as the alternative to a massive car-led housing development. We will also be presenting the proposals to the Open Spaces and Biodiversity Group – a cross-functional group of Councillors, council officers and other local partners with expertise in biodiversity. We’ll let you know how that meeting goes!