The Medway Valley Countryside Partnership formally the Medway River Project was set up in March 1988. The aim was to "maintain and enhance the Medway Valley from Tonbridge to Rochester as a green corridor for the benefit of wildlife and the local community, through the promotion of community awareness and action".

It was formed by its funding partners as an unincorporated body, which gives us the independence to work freely with the local community to achieve a range of objectives.

We are currently supported by the Environment Agency, Kent County Council, Tonbridge & Mailing Borough Council and Maidstone Borough Council.

In the last few years the project has grown to work in other parts of the countryside in the boroughs of Maidstone and Tonbridge and Malling.

Action for your countryside

• We provide advice and practical support to community initiatives to conserve landscape features and wildlife habitats e.g. through advice, training and practical involvement.
  
  
• We work with the local community, Councils and Public Rights of Way to improve access and recreation along the Medway e.g. bank erosion repairs, footpath and restoration and footbridge construction.
  
  
• Encouraging landowners to take a positive role in enhancing the Medway Valley and surrounding countryside through advice about grants and practical assistance e.g. developing control programs for invasive species and to support agri-environment schemes.
  
  
• Work through partnership with statutory and non-statutory bodies for the management of special habitats for target species such as otters, barn owls and water voles.
  
  
• Give free sites visits, talks, presentations and leaflets to schools, Parish Councils, Community Groups and Landowners to educate and inform as much as possible.
  
  
• Provide opportunities for people of all ages to get involved on a voluntary basis to carry out practical tasks, survey work and enhancing their local area.