BUSINESS + TECH
inextricably linked. Future considerations must include biodiversity conservation, particularly in sensitive areas like the Kent Downs and the coastlines, and adaptation to climate change through effective management of water resources, soil protection and the support of carbon sequestration through tree planting and regenerative farming.
The need for a low-carbon rural economy that relies on renewable energy generation through solar farms and biomass, as well as a massively reduced dependence on fossil fuels is absolutely vital here and policies such as the UK’ s Environmental Land Management( ELM) scheme aim to support farmers in delivering public goods, while local initiatives like Kent’ s Climate Action Plan are guiding the county towards a more sustainable rural future.
FUTURE PROSPECTS Kent’ s robust rural economy has the potential to thrive further still by embracing innovation, diversification and sustainability through forward-thinking collaboration between local government, businesses, communities and environmental organisations. Prioritising key areas including rural entrepreneurship through access to finance, business support and digital infrastructure; sustainable food systems within local supply chains and community-supported agriculture; investment in skills and training for young people wanting to break into rural careers; better connectivity in terms of transport and digital networks; and a healthy balance between development and the preservation of Kent’ s rural landscapes and existing communities are all essential to ensure that Kent’ s rural economy can maintain prosperity, resilience and positive environment practices for years to come.
As is evident, Kent’ s rural economy is a complex and evolving system that reflects the county’ s unmatched natural and cultural heritage, as well as its capacity for adaptation and innovation. While challenges such as housing pressures, environmental sustainability and economic diversification remain, there are huge opportunities for Kent’ s rural economy to flourish in the years ahead, not least because of the incredible local companies and changemakers making significant steps in these areas.
By harnessing its obvious strengths and pre-empting challenges that will naturally arise, there’ s little doubt this flourishing and prosperous county will continue to live up to its Garden of England moniker, not only in terms of its produce but as a vibrant, adaptable and sustainable rural economy that works for the benefit of all. inDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
FUELLED BY A PASSION FOR THE WONDERS OF NATURE, THESE INSPIRED BUSINESS OWNERS PROUDLY EMBRACE KENT IN ALL ITS EXCEPTIONAL RURAL BEAUTY THROUGHOUT EACH OF THEIR UNIQUE VENTURES.
WILD CLASSROOM wildclassroom. co. uk wildclassroomuk
Holding two decades of teaching experience yet recognising the numerous benefits of outdoor education, Scott Ryan founded Wild Classroom in 2019 to provide educational campfire cooking for all ages.“ I felt that outdoor learning was both something that I enjoyed and that children really benefited from,” says Scott.“ Initially I was planning to pursue a more traditional forest school route, but I decided to focus on my main passion which is cooking outside with fire.” Combining ancient techniques with modern methods, sessions focus on cooking fresh food out in the wild using easy, healthy recipes- championing enjoyment of the mind, soul and the taste buds! Alongside hands-on workshops within schools, Wild Classroom also visits many locations and events across Kent including summer sessions at the likes of Belmont House and Brogdale Collections. Catch Scott at the upcoming Kent County Show, Fort Burgoyne Summer Open Day, Brogdale Plum Weekend or Belmont Woodfest, or check out his outdoor cooking blog.
BRACKEN & BLOOM Bracken & Bloom bracken _ and _ bloom
Founded in 2022 by the creative Kate Henshaw-Hughes, inspired floristry business Bracken & Bloom first began from Kate’ s home setup with beautiful arrangements, seasonal workshops and pop-ups. In May this year, however, Kate was delighted to announce the launch of her idyllic shop housed within a shepherd’ s hut on her family farm in East Brabourne.“ All of my methods and materials are sustainable and I offer fresh and dried bunches and wreaths. But this little hut is not just about me, it’ s a guilt-free gifting hub selling sustainable, locally produced cards, candles, gifts and more.” In time, Kate has exciting plans to rewild a section of the paddock to grow wildflowers, both to use herself and to provide a pick-your-own patch for visitors.“ The full ethos behind my brand will continue to celebrate nature whilst minimising waste, enhancing and giving back to the environment and supporting a circular, local economy as I have always set out to do.”
TANSY IN THE WILD tansyinthewild. com tansyinthewild
Helping others to feel calmer, clearer and more connected, not by doing more, but by simply stepping outside, Tansy in the Wild, founded by Tansy Dowman, offers welcoming nature-led experiences that support wellbeing, personal growth, resilience and calm.“ I started my business in 2018 following a deeply challenging period in my life that took a toll on my mental health,” says Tansy.“ While training to become a personal growth coach, I intuitively turned to mindful walking as a therapeutic practice and found it to be profoundly healing; it helped me reconnect mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” Today, Tansy guides others through restorative practices such as forest bathing, outdoor coaching and seasonal retreats, holds helpful stress-reducing Workplace Wellness sessions, shares her wellbeing insight at various events and is also developing digital offerings to make nature connection more accessible to all.
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