Plans to find a new national park have been announced during a government minister’s visit to Kent.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay stopped by Castle Farm in the Darent Valley, between Dartford and Sevenoaks, to announce a further 34 landscape recovery projects nationally.

During the visit, the minister met with Kent Wildlife Trust, project partners and farmers to see how an existing pilot river restoration scheme was progressing.

He also announced a new package of measures including launching a search for a new national park and funding to help more children get outdoors and into the great British countryside.

The Darent Valley Landscape Recovery Project was made possible after a farming in protected landscapes (FiPL) grant was awarded to the Darent Valley Farmer Cluster, a group of farmers and landowners committed to sustainable farming and better management of the landscape.

It is aimed at protecting and improving the River Darent, a rare chalk stream providing clean drinking water to thousands of homes in the county.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Through our environmental improvement plan we are creating more opportunities for people to access nature, spend time outdoors and enjoy our beautiful countryside – as well as supporting wildlife.

“A healthy natural environment is critical for our wellbeing, our economy and combatting climate change.”

Earlier this year it was announced an abandoned golf course had been transformed into a wildlife haven as part of a landmark rewilding project.

Heather Corrie Vale, a 123-acre site in the Darenth Valley, has been rejuvenated thanks to the major scheme aimed at ‘rewilding’ large neglected landscapes

Kent Wildlife Trust’s Marc Crouch, Darent Valley Landscape Recovery Project Manager, said: “It is encouraging that the government recognise the huge value that projects like this have, not only in terms of nature recovery but also in food production.

“Through our restoration work, we aim to boost biodiversity with the river functioning as a corridor for wildlife and connected with the landscape. The end result being, a sustainable farming economy, improved access to nature for local communities and a landscape that can sustain us in the long-term.”

The River Darent is one of about only 210 chalk streams in the world.

It should offer clear and cool water that supports an abundance of wildlife. However, historical modifications have left it over-straightened and fragmented and there are 51 barriers to fish being able to pass along the river network.

Staff from Kent Wildlife Trust and project partners also used the visit as an opportunity to encourage the government to do more for the environment in a round-table discussion where barriers and frustrations were discussed.

The Trust also presented the minister with a letter outlining policies they would like to see addressed before the next election.

The series of nature pledges comes ahead of the COP28 summit – a United Nations climate meeting where governments discuss how to limit and prepare for future climate change – which kicked off in Dubai today (November 30).

Kent Wildlife Trust’s Charlotte Lewis said: “Projects like the Darent Valley Landscape Recovery Project are the perfect example of how partnership can drive real change, deliver real impact, and must be supported in the long-term.

“We need the government to step up and give the ambition, clarity and funding nature needs if we are to protect 30% of our land and sea by 2030.

“As we head towards COP28, now is the time for action, now is the time for change and we ask the government to put nature first so we as a nation can thrive.

“We have invited the secretary of state to visit more of our projects to showcase how Nature-based Solutions are boosting biodiversity and making our landscapes more resilient to climate change so we hope to see him again soon.”