Kentish Milkwort Plant Recovers with Seven-Fold Population Increase

Kentish milkwort, once near extinction, has seen a seven-fold population increase at Queendown Warren due to dedicated conservation efforts led by Kent Wildlife Trust and partners.

Significant Recovery of Kentish Milkwort

A wildlife trust is marking a remarkable recovery of a plant species that was once nearly extinct, after documenting a seven-fold increase in its population.

A total of 1,245 self-sown Kentish milkwort plants have been recorded at Queendown Warren, near Sittingbourne in Kent, representing the largest population of this species in the United Kingdom.

Kent Wildlife Trust The image shows three men on some land covered in small purple flags. — The trial reintroduction at Queendown Warren was successful, with 160 plants growing in three years

This growth is attributed to a long-term conservation initiative led by Kent Wildlife Trust, in collaboration with The Species Recovery Trust, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and local volunteers.

Conservation Efforts and Future Plans

Area warden Rob Pennington commented on the progress, stating:

"We hope the population will continue to spread in the coming years and eventually become a donor site, allowing us to collect seed for future restoration work at other suitable locations."

The Kentish milkwort was on the brink of extinction and became the focus of urgent conservation measures starting in 2013.

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Previously, the species existed as two separate populations in northern England and Kent but had declined to only a few plants across three sites in Kent.

To prevent complete loss, seeds were gathered from the strongest surviving population and cultivated at Kew, creating a secure seed stock for future restoration efforts without imposing further pressure on wild plants.

Between 2018 and 2019, additional seed collections facilitated the production of plants for reintroduction, which led to the "incredible" seven-fold increase, according to Pennington.

Maintaining Habitat and Expanding Populations

The next phase of the project will focus on preserving the open habitat conditions essential for the species' survival. This includes the use of pigs at Queendown Warren to create and maintain areas of disturbed ground.

Further introductions to appropriate chalk grassland sites are planned to strengthen and expand the species’ long-term presence in Kent.