Purpose

This
report presents the proposed Thanet Biodiversity Strategy, which
sets out a vision “to protect, enhance, and restore
Thanet’s biodiversity through responsible development,
habitat conservation, and community engagement”. The Strategy
covers all major habitats in the district – woodlands,
coasts, wetlands, farmland, and urban greenspaces – and
establishes five thematic priorities (Renewed Woodlands, Dynamic
Marinescapes, Robust Wetlands,
Biodiverse Agriculture, and Urban Connection) to guide local nature
recovery. It outlines clear objectives (e.g. enforcing Biodiversity Net Gain in development,
creating habitat banks, sustainable land management, improving
habitat connectivity, and engaging communities) to deliver
measurable biodiversity improvements across Thanet. The Strategy is
intended as a framework for Thanet District Council (TDC) to
integrate nature recovery into planning, land management, and
community initiatives, in line with county and national-level
targets.

Decision

Cabinet agreed the
following:
 
1. 
To approve the Draft Biodiversity
Strategy for Thanet for public consultation, and to approve the
Strategy document and its overarching vision and objectives
(including the implementation of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain
and habitat restoration initiatives) for consultation and future
adoption, subject to consultation. And, subject to the consultation
outcomes;
 
2.  To
integrate Strategy objectives into Council policy. Embed its
actions in the Local Plan, planning guidance, and asset management
to ensure new developments deliver biodiversity gains and that
Council-owned lands are managed for nature;
 
3.  To
allocate resources and partnerships. Commit staff time and budgets
to deliver key actions (e.g. establishing habitat banks, planting
woodlands, enhancing wetlands) and formalise partnerships with
stakeholders such as Kent Wildlife Trust, Natural England, local
farmers, community groups and schools to support
implementation;
 
4.  To pursue
external funding and monitoring. Actively apply for environmental
grants and developer contributions (through BNG and Section 106),
and establish monitoring frameworks (as per Strategy) to track
outcomes.

Reasons for the decision

1.  Thanet’s rich natural environment
– including chalk cliffs, coastal dunes, wetlands,
species-rich grasslands, and farmland – supports many birds,
plants, and invertebrates. However, this biodiversity is under
serious threat from habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation
driven by development, intensive agriculture, historic land-use
changes, and pollution. Climate change (coastal erosion, extreme
weather) and invasive species add further pressure. Without
intervention, key species and ecosystems could decline
irreversibly.
2.  The Strategy provides a coordinated,
place-based plan to reverse these trends by restoring and
reconnecting habitats. Its five interlinked themes align with the
Kent Local Nature Recovery Strategy and national priorities. For
example, wooded corridors will improve wildlife movement and carbon
storage, while enhanced coastal and wetland habitats will boost
flood protection and water quality. This multifaceted approach
delivers co-benefits for climate adaptation, flood risk management,
and community wellbeing. 
3.  In summary, adopting the Strategy is needed
to halt local biodiversity decline, meet TDC’s statutory
obligations (e.g. under the Environment
Act’s biodiversity duty and biodiversity net gain
requirements), and contribute to wider environmental and public
health goals.

Alternative options considered

Full Strategy Adoption
(Recommended): Implementing the
Strategy’s comprehensive approach ensures coordinated nature
recovery across Thanet. It aligns TDC with legal requirements and
unlocks grant funding. This option maximises biodiversity gains and
community benefits.

Partial or Thematic Adoption: The Council could focus only
on selected themes or individual projects. While this yields some
improvements, it risks inconsistent outcomes and may forgo the
efficiency of an integrated plan.

Maintain Status Quo: Rejecting a formal strategy
would mean continuing current, fragmented practices. Inaction risks
ongoing habitat decline and missed funding opportunities, and may
leave TDC out of step with statutory biodiversity net gain
requirements.