Introduction to Cluster Studies

Environmentalist Jonathon Porritt recently said that humankind has been suffering from 'a nature bypass', (CABE Grey to Green, 2009) and that we have become disconnected from nature. The cluster studies are an attempt to reconnect people in towns, cities and villages with their natural environment by improving access to open land through new or enhanced footpaths, cyclepaths and bridleways; by creating 'greenways' that can be of benefit to humans and wildlife, reconnecting or restoring fragmented or damaged landscapes, and freeing up congested lanes by attracting visitors away from the tourist honeypots and into the greater countryside.

Funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, these studies look at areas where regeneration is taking place or is planned within North Kent that could offer opportunities to enhance the landscape and improve the quality of life for residents, visitors and workers while protecting or enhancing wildlife habitats.

The process involves desktop studies and site visits resulting in a series of maps setting the context of the area, from topography and the ecological network to culture and heritage. A series of workshops were held where stakeholders including wildlife charities, parish councils, government agencies, local authorities and landowners were able to put forward their views about how they wanted the landscape to respond to the challenges of population growth, development and climate change. The result for each study area is an action plan and technical report, plus a glossy brochure highlighting the key findings of the studies and a common vision.

Eight cluster studies have so far been completed and a ninth is due to be finished by March 2010.