Maidstone Borough Council will be opening a brand new nature trail along the River Medway between Allington and Teston in Maidstone.

They have been working with Maidstone River Park, Medway Valley Countryside Partnership and The Old Boat Cafe to bring the new trail, highlighting some of the Maidstone's significant wildlife.

Deputy Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Derek Mortimer, is launching the new river trail on Saturday March 26 at 11.30am by the Old Boat Cafe, between the two main bridges in Maidstone.

Families and wildlife entusiasts will be able to follow 20 posts marking the trail.

Each post will have a zinc rubbing plate on the top and a small information plaque featuring special wildlife or habitats along the river, and will include QR code to provide more details.

Special packs have also been produced for the first 1,000 users to enjoy the trail which will be available at the Old Boat Café .

Each pack contains a sketch book, stickers and wax crayons as well as a trail map to direct you to each post.

Packs can also be obtained from the kiosk at the Kentish Lady, The Little Old Toll House Café and Teston Park Café.

Mr Mortimer said: "The River Medway is a very special environment which attracts considerable wildlife, so each post has been placed in an area where you are likely to see or find signs of specific creatures or habitats.

"Of course, creatures are wild, so sometimes they may be around and sometimes not, although these are good places to sit quietly, take in the beautiful scenery and watch the river running along.”

The zinc plaques have been created by Brighton University student Hannah Connolly. The plaques are unique, beautiful and are close to Hannah’s heart as she cares greatly about the river.

Money from The Government and the European Regional Development Fund, as part of the ‘Welcome Back Fund’ have made it possible for The Council to carry out this work to make Maidstone more welcoming.