WKPS is a non-political environmental pressure group, registered charity 261992. We have three principal aims:
- To protect and enhance the character and environment of the Wealden towns, villages and countryside
- To safeguard the amenities of the Weald of Kent
- To cultivate a wider interest in and care for the beauty, history and character of the Weald of Kent
To carry out these aims, WKPS works to encourage stricter enforcement of planning legislation, works closely with official bodies in Town and Country planning matters. We attend public enquiries, organise meetings, exhibits, lectures, promotes activities of a charitable nature and works to arouse, and inform public opinion and debate.
The Society was formed in 1960 when the Weald came under pressure from changing farming practices, the loss of listed buildings without consultation and the push of industry into the countryside.
The Weald was formed by erosion of the ground between the North and South Downs. It also includes part of the High Weald and the North Downs. The Society’s area includes: Appledore, Benenden, Bethersden, Biddenden, Boughton Malherbe, Brenchley, Charing, Cranbrook, Egerton, Frittenden, Great Chart, Goudhurst, Hawkhurst, Headcorn, High Halden, Hothfield, Iden Green, Kenardington, Kilndown, Kingsnorth, Little Chart, Matfield, Newenden, Pluckley, Rolvenden, Rolvenden Layne, St Michael’s, Sandhurst, Shadoxhurst, Sissinghurst, Smarden, Staplehurst, Stone in Oxney, Stone in Ebony, Sutton Valence, Tenterden, Ulcombe, Westwell, Wittersham, Woodchurch.
