About North Kent
The North Kent catchment may be small, but it is hugely important for wildlife, communities and the wider landscape.
The catchment includes the Medway Estuary and Swale channel, often known together as the Medway Swale Estuary. This nationally and internationally important area supports a rich mix of wildlife and is recognised through several environmental designations, including Marine Conservation Zone status.
The freshwater tributaries in the catchment include the White Drain near Boughton-under-Blean, the Dry Valley south of Faversham, also known as the Westbrook, the Iwade and the Swale tributary at Lower Halstow, also known as the Libbet.
This is a landscape shaped by water, people and industry. It remains important today for wildlife, recreation, shipping, energy and local communities.
Why North Kent matters
North Kent is home to the North Kent Marshes, a rare and valuable wetland landscape surrounding the Medway and Swale Estuary.
Much of England’s historic marshland has been lost through artificial drainage. The North Kent Marshes provide an important reminder of this once widespread habitat, supporting priority species including water voles, lapwings and European eels.
The area also has a rich human history. Archaeological evidence shows people have lived here from prehistoric times, through the Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods and into the present day. Faversham also played an important role in the history of gunpowder production from the 16th century.
Healthy rivers, estuaries and marshes provide space for wildlife, help store and move water through the landscape, and give people opportunities to connect with nature.
Elmley Nature Reserve in North Kent
Challenges facing North Kent
The North Kent catchment faces pressures from pollution, habitat loss, flooding and impacts on fisheries.
These challenges affect water quality, wildlife and the wider health of the landscape. By working across rivers, wetlands and estuaries, we can help restore habitats, improve resilience and support a healthier future for people and nature.
Our work in North Kent
We co-host the North Kent Catchment Partnership with the Medway Swale Estuary Partnership, bringing together organisations and stakeholders with an interest in the health of the landscape.
Our work focuses on supporting healthier rivers, wetlands and estuaries, improving habitats, tackling pollution, building resilience to flooding and helping communities connect with the places they care about.
Discover the North Kent Catchment Partnership
We co-host the North Kent Catchment Partnership with the Medway Swale Estuary Partnership, bringing together organisations and stakeholders to support a healthier landscape rich in wildlife and opportunities for people. Visit the Partnership website to learn more about the catchment, the challenges it faces and how partners are working together.
