Four more organisations secure a biodiversity grant

The hairy-footed flower bee (pictured) is among the local wildlife in line for a big boost after four organisations in the district were awarded a biodiversity grant from the city council.

It’s the third round of grants to be given out under the initiative, with this year’s successful bidders as follows:

• Canterbury Swifts Group – creation of housemartin hotspots – £1,564
• Kingston Parish Council – Kingston railway embankment adder habitat management – £5,500
• Cherry Orchard Nature Reserve – creation of shelters for housemartin, swallows and the hairy-footed flower bee – £1,500
• 1st Herne Bay Scout Group – creation of forest school environment – £700

In addition, two organisations that were unsuccessful in their bid will still be able to go ahead with their project, as the council has allocated section 106 developer money to them. These are:

• Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership – riverbank restoration in the Franciscan Gardens
• Herne Bay in Bloom – coastal garden areas at Neptune car park and William Street

Biodiversity grants were established in 2024 with the aim of helping local organisations run projects that support the district’s wildlife and environment.

Nearly 20 schemes have been backed financially since then, including tree planting, bug hotels, pond restoration, butterfly meadows and many more.

Cabinet member for biodiversity and the environment, Cllr Mel Dawkins, said: “It’s an often heard phrase – would somebody please think of the hairy-footed flower bee!

“Well, it turns out that that’s exactly what the Cherry Orchard Nature Reserve is doing, and we are very pleased to be backing them in their work, along with everyone else receiving funding in this latest round of grants.

“Each year we get organisations bidding for all sorts of interesting and different projects. This year, for example, is the first time we are funding work to look after the UK’s only venomous snake, the adder.

“It’s the variety we see that makes this grants initiative the success it is. We wish all the projects the very best of luck and look forward to seeing the progress in the coming months.”

Read the council’s report summarising the 2025/26 biodiversity grant projects.

Published: 14 September 2026