Why a Network?

Within Kent there are a multitude of different bodies operating along the coastline and many of these are undertaking work that may be of interest to some or all with a stake in the coast. The challenge, with such a diverse range of stakeholders, is disseminating this work out to all the relevant organisations. The Kent Coastal Network aims to assist with this by linking the stakeholders and raising awareness of Kent's coastal activities.

Aims of the Network

• To improve communication between stakeholders
• To increase awareness of activities
• To facilitate working in partnership
• To provide a platform to discuss common issues

Network activities

The establishment of a network of stakeholders - the Network has a large established base of members, representing different organisations from many different sectors including:

• Coastal local authorities
• Coastal groups, projects & partnerships
• Regulators & agencies

• Ports, harbours & coastal industries
• Recreation
• Conservation & wildlife
• Heritage & archaeology
• Universities, research institutions & consultants
• Coastal societies & parish councils
• Land owners

The Network members and their details can be viewed on the members page.

Bulletin - the bulletin is distributed quarterly to a wide range of coastal stakeholders throughout Kent and also nationally. The bulletin provides readers with:

• reports on network activities, e.g. working groups
• news from members
• articles looking at issues for Kent
• events diary

The Bulletin is open to any Network member to use for the promotion of their activities and all are encouraged to contribute articles.

The Bulletin can be downloaded from the Bulletin page.

Email updates - To keep members up to date with Kent's coastal activities between Bulletins, an email update is sent to members once or twice a month and provides:

• updates on the network's activities
• news and events for the Kent coast and other items of interest from the UK
• requests for information from other members.

Any member can use the email update to inform the network of news and events, simply by passing details on to the Kent Coastal Officer.

Website - the aims of the Network's website are to:

• Provide a channel for dissemination of information

• Improve communication
• Raise awareness
• Provide platform for information on Kent coast
• Assist in making email update more concise
• Provide the Network with an identity and roots

It is hoped that this website will become a vital information portal for Kent's coastal stakeholders.

Working groups - the Network represents many different stakeholders and can therefore serve as a facilitator for getting people together to discuss common issues. The many organisations represent different experience and knowledge within the network and so these groups will not only act as a discussion group but also providing opportunities to learn from each other. The working groups are set up in response to a common issue identified by the network and their aim is to provide a platform for different stakeholders to come together to discuss the issue, share experience and knowledge and hopefully identify ways to improve the situation.

Details of forthcoming working groups can be found on the events page.

Annual conference - the Network will also host an annual conference, which will provide members with the opportunity to discuss their work of the past year and their aspirations for the next. The conference, and resulting proceedings, will act as a showcase for the valuable work and activities taking place along Kent's coast.

Details of the conference will be made available from the events page.

Benefits of Network membership There are a number of benefits to becoming a member of the Kent Coastal Network, including:

• The opportunity to promote your activities to a wide range of coastal stakeholders

• Improved awareness of coastal activities in Kent
• Working with others to address Kent's coastal issues
• Exchange of knowledge and experience
• Reduced duplication of effort
• Opportunities for partnership working and funding
• Shared resources and costs

Becoming a member of the Kent Coastal Network

You can register as a member of the Kent Coastal Network from this website - see the New Network member page. Alternatively contact the Kent Coastal Officer on kent.coast@kent.gov.uk.