Deer and sheep may graze in Mote Park, Maidstone, if a conservation group has its way.

The Friends of Mote Park attracted more than 40 people to its second annual meeting at Maidstone Town Hall.

Its ambition to conserve the 435-acre park for future generations could be supported by a Lottery fund bid, submitted by Maidstone council, for £1.8 million, to enhance wildlife and restore landscaping.

One of the Friends members, Chip Carpenter, who has lived in one of the houses in the parkland for more than 20 years, said: “I look upon Mote Park as a metaphor for everything about Maidstone.

He added: “If we looked after our own trust, we would be able to secure for the people of Maidstone for the next 100 years a beautiful space that is big enough to give you a sense of proportion.

“We could build a fund that would support the good causes when it is necessary and maintain our public assets properly.”