A rainbow in a grey sky over a field.
© Marie Dipple

Restoring local green space: Dane Valley Woods

In this feature, we hear from Steve Darling, the secretary for the steering group of volunteers at Dane Valley Woods. I visited the site with Steve and Michaela and they kindly showed me around, talking through the history of the site. I am excited to share with you the incredible journey they’ve been on since 2005, working to transform what was once a landfill into a thriving wildlife site. 

Located within the ownership of Thanet District Council, the Dane Valley Woods that you see today is a very different place from what it once was: a former landfill site, mostly comprised of building rubble. The landfill had been closed and capped in the 1990s, but it wasn't until 2003 that the volunteer group was formed with a vision to create a community woodland. Over the years, they’ve made remarkable progress, planting over 6,700 native trees and helping the site to develop various habitats, including grassland, wildflower meadows, mown glades, and bramble/scrub. 

The journey so far 

The journey has not been without its challenges. Dane Valley Woods is situated in one of the most deprived wards in Kent, where vandalism and anti-social behaviour were prevalent issues. However, their resilient group of volunteers, along with support from the wider community through donations and positive feedback, has allowed them to overcome these setbacks. Now, they are celebrating two decades of dedication and determination. 

What makes Dane Valley Woods truly special is the accessibility to nature it provides for the residents of a large urban estate in a socially deprived area. Many local people in this neighbourhood live in flats and may not have the privilege of access to green space. Dane Valley Woods serves as a valuable resource, bringing the beauty of nature right to their doorstep. 

In a world where reports on the state of nature often paint a bleak picture, the mosaic of habitats on site is a beacon of hope for biodiversity, in a district historically known for its low tree cover. The group organise regular educational events and actively use social media to raise awareness about conservation issues within the local community.

Conservation and community 

One of the key aspects of their work is fostering a connection between people and nature. The wildlife site is a place where people can learn, appreciate, and actively engage with the natural world. The group believe that understanding and valuing their local environment is crucial for the well-being of both the community and wildlife. 

Their continued efforts are a testament to the power of community-driven conservation. Dane Valley Woods stands as a living example of transformation, showcasing what can be achieved when dedicated individuals come together to restore and protect our natural spaces.  

As they move forward, the group hopes to see even more growth, more trees, and more wildlife flourish within Dane Valley Woods. It is through the support of their community that they can continue to make this incredible transformation a reality.  

We invite you to join us at Kent Wildlife Trust in our mission to preserve and cherish the beauty of nature in Kent, please contact Steve if you are local to the area and want to get involved.  

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A hummingbird hawk moth and a purple flower.
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