Boughton Monchelsea Amenity Trust (BMAT)

“It is wonderful to live surrounded by nature”

Resident

The Boughton Monchelsea Amenity Trust (BMAT) was originally formed in the 1980s in the parish of Boughton Monchelsea, a couple of miles from Maidstone, Kent. Its objective was to ensure the parish was to remain rural in character. Whenever opportunities arose, BMAT bought land to protect it from development. The Trust would usually lease the land to farmers while retaining the Freehold.

More recently, the Trustees of BMAT became aware of the growing crisis for nature and the climate. As a result, they saw an opportunity to do more for the community and environment with their now extensive landholdings. The parish initially funded community and nature recovery projects through small grants and volunteer labour. The parish initially funded community and nature recovery projects earmarked on the land through small grants and volunteer labour. As the ambition has grown, so have the opportunities for working at scale.

The Trustees have since received support from Kent Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust and the Forestry Commission. Consequently, BMAT have been able to negotiate carbon-focussed woodland creation at Salts Wood and more varied nature recovery at Lyewood. Funded by Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), Lyewood has wetland incorporated as part of a wider flood prevention plan. Additionally, lightly grazing sheep have promoted species rich grassland, open mosaic habitat as well as small coppices and hedgerows. Other opportunities for BNG schemes are being looked into.

It is intended that these sites will provide recreation, health benefits and connection with a rich and varied natural world close to the community.