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.