Wildlife conservation work to get £1m boost

Beavers, endangered butterflies and birds will be among the species to benefit from a £1.28m government grant.

The money has been awarded to the Kent Wildlife Trust, through Natural England's Species Recovery Programme, backed by The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

It will be spent on projects on the River Stour, with Kent the home to England's largest population of wild beavers, and ancient woodland at the Blean, near Canterbury.

The Trust said the award shows the county's importance in conserving endanged wildlife.

Paul Hadaway, director of conservation and engagement, said: "It gives us the opportunity to strengthen our nationally important beaver population, deepen our understanding of some of England's least known woodland invertebrates, and create the conditions for them to recover and thrive.

"The knowledge we gain here in Kent won't just benefit local wildlife - it will help shape species recovery across England."