Martin Hall
(Director)
Greening the Gateway Kent and Medway
Tel: (01634) 337593 | E-Mail
Joanne Smith
(Cluster Study Officer)
Tel: (01634) 337713 | E-Mail
Address:
Innovation Centre Medway (Phase 2) Maidstone Road Chatham Kent ME5 9SD
Isle of Sheppey
INTRODUCTION
The Isle of Sheppey has a distinctive character and culture. Its identity is shaped by separation, a sense of independence and abrupt contact with nature. People and activity are concentrated at the historic ports, towns and holiday villages along the east, north and west coasts, linked by a busy cross-island road and connected to the mainland by the new Sheppey Crossing. Even subtle variations in landform are prominent and the interplay of settlements, hills and marshes suggests that there are a series of islands on Sheppey, each with views out to sea and across the marshes and each with its own heritage, stories and mind-set.
Between the hills and stretching across the south of the island, the Elmley Marshes are a tranquil wilderness and a mecca for ornithologists, with internationally important nature reserves; there are no roads, no overhead power lines and (virtually) no people.
A major regeneration project at Queenborough & Rushenden will transform a vast area of derelict land, re-connecting the existing town and turning the new development to front a revived waterfront and creek. Sheerness is also due to be the focus for regeneration projects which will build on the recent healthcheck and profiling studies for the town. Other developments planned for the Isle of Sheppey include the Queenborough & Rushenden Link Road, the final phases of a major housing development at Kingsnorth in Minster and the ongoing expansion of HM prison to the south of Eastchurch.
Implementation of the Thames Estuary Path initiative has commenced with a detailed feasibility study by Sustrans, which explores the scope for a cycleway between the Sheppey Crossing and Shellness.
THE BIG VISION
The Green Cluster Studies' vision for the Isle of Sheppey draws together and expresses a common vision for the Cluster. It is an ambitious vision, which focuses on new greenway connections, enhancing three big greenspaces and promoting a step change in perceptions of Sheppey through an exciting programme of public art, plus extensive landscape restoration projects and new opportunities for sustainable lifestyles. The vision complements existing projects and activities across the island. Key stakeholders responsible for leading and influencing the ongoing projects and activities in the Isle of Sheppey Cluster include Swale Borough Council, Kent County Council, SEEDA, local parish and town councils, the Environment Agency, Kent Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the RSPB, Elmley Conservation Trust, Sustrans, Groundwork Kent and Medway, Peel Ports Medway, Kent Wildfowling Conservation Association, Medway Swale Estuary Partnership and the National Farmers' Union.