New Countryside Officer for the Canterbury area

Matt Hayes has recently joined the Kentish Stour Countryside Project as the new Countryside Officer for Canterbury and Wantsum.

Matt, after graduating in 2003 from Writtle College (Essex), has worked all over the country in various roles for different organisations, from the National Trust in Cornwall to his most recent position with Essex County Council as a Country Park Ranger. Matt said "I am excited to have the opportunity to work in such a beautiful area of the country and get involved in helping to manage some of Kent's most valuable landscapes and areas for wildlife."

Matt will be working with local landowners and groups around Canterbury and down to Sandwich.

The Kentish Stour Countryside Project has been operating since 1992, working with land owners and community groups to help improve and enhance the area for people and wildlife. With the help of committed and enthusiastic volunteers, KSCP have undertaken projects including the creation of ponds, planting of hedgerows, the conversion of arable land to wet pasture, the return of flower-rich chalk downland from agricultural land and the rejuvenation of neglected orchards.

Last week KSCP volunteers carried out conservation work at Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, undertaking coppicing of willow trees with Matt on his first task with the volunteer group. The sun was shining and a great day was had by all.