The boss of Natural England has said he is “concerned” over the budget for nature restoration following the launch of a new reserve in Kent.

Chairman of the government’s environment body, Tony Juniper, shared his worries ahead of the upcoming spending review at the unveiling of The North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve, near Gravesend.

Speaking to PA at the launch today (May 30), he said the “very tight” spending settlement expected in light of current economic stresses will pose “big challenges” for those working to reverse the country’s decline in nature.

The new nature reserve forms part of King’s Series of National Nature Reserves (NNR), established in King Charles III’s Coronation celebrations.

It joins 220 others across the country, but is the first to feature a vineyard.

The site spans 800 hectares – equal to more than 1,100 football pitches – across Gravesend and Medway and is home to ancient woodlands, chalk grasslands, and rare species.

During the celebrations today, Mr Juniper added: “Creating bigger, better and more joined-up natural areas is one of the most vital and fundamental steps we must take in meeting our national targets for Nature’s recovery.

“The spaces offered in this newly recognised area are so important to our community and I hope the residents of Kent and Medway, as well as our visitors, enjoy exploring the North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve.”

Around 400,000 people live within five miles of it and will have new opportunities to explore it.

It was officially launched today (May 30) and featured the unveiling of a plaque by Natural England.

The reserve covers Shorne Woods Country Park, Ashenbank Wood, Cobham Woods, Cobham and Cuxton Woodland, Ranscombe Farm and vineyard Silverhand Estate.

Gravesham council cabinet member for operational services Cllr Emma Morley said: “We are blessed to have such beautiful and historically significant landscapes within our borough, which are rightly being recognised through the creation of this NNR.

“Nature does not recognise human boundaries, and so we look forward to working with the various partners and colleagues to protect and nurture this extensive, beautiful and fascinatingly varied reserve, allowing generations to come to enjoy its beauty.

Leader of Medway Council Cllr Vince Maple added: "I’m really proud that Medway is part of this fantastic collaborative approach, with Ranscombe Farm forming the new North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve.”

“Ranscombe is one of Medway’s eight Green Flag parks on the slopes of the North Downs and is a much-loved walking route surrounded by wildflowers, woodlands and wildlife.

“The area is critically important with its 600 acres boosting biodiversity.”