North West Kent Countryside Partnership was established in 1985 using funds from the then Countryside Commission (now Natural England), the Environment Agency, Kent County Council, and local authorities. North West Kent Countryside Partnership was developed out of a desire to the help the environment and local community. Since its inception over twenty years ago, we have worked hard to provide support where it’s most needed to schools, local community groups, parish and district councils and private landowners.

We are a not-for-profit organisation working in the boroughs of Bexley, Dartford, Gravesham and Sevenoaks on a wide variety of conservation and community projects. Working with local communities, landowners, statutory bodies and community organisations to conserve the area’s countryside and green spaces. We are part of a network of Countryside Partnerships that covers the county of Kent, delivering a wide range of conservation and environmental projects in association with Kent County Council.

The North West Kent Countryside Partnership operates with the following aims:

• Conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage and
  the biodiversity of North West Kent.
• Conserve and enhance the special landscape character of North West Kent.
• Support, work in partnership with, and assist communities and local groups to undertake projects and practical action that conserves their local environment, urban green space and countryside.
• Develop opportunities for all members of the public to explore the countryside of the Partnership Area that are sustainable and support the other aims of the Partnership.
• Promote respect and understanding of the countryside and increase knowledge of the issues that affect rural areas and the countryside around towns.
• Promote and utilise the social and health benefits of the countryside and rural environment for both urban and rural communities.
• Develop sustainable tourism opportunities that support the rural economy and benefit the countryside.

We are hiring!

Trainee Partnership Officer (Practical Conservation)- North West Kent Countryside Partnership

We are looking for a trainee with enthusiasm to learn new skills in the countryside industry with a focus on assisting partnership officers to develop, coordinate and deliver a range of countryside management projects across North and West Kent. The successful candidate will work alongside our North West Kent Countryside Partnership officers.

Our trainee partnership officer in 2022 has written a testimonial about her experience with us which you can read by clicking on the following link: Trainee Testimonial

Note that this is an unpaid part-time position designed to help people gain experience and subsequently gain full time employment. However, it does come with a training budget and paid travel expenses. Hours are negotiable but we would anticipate the duration to be for 6 months on a three day a week basis.

For a role description or to discuss more details please contact Nina Skinner, Partnership Officer at nina.skinner@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 421735.

If you would like to view the role description please click on the following link: NWKCP Trainee Role Description
Closing date for applications: applications open until 12th March 2024
Interviews to be held on Date TBC