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Dane Valley Woods: Project Recovery & Resilience
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£240 raised of
9 donations
Help Dane Valley Woods recover after an extensive fire, restoring vital wildlife habitats and increasing the site’s natural resilience.
For those of you not yet familiar with the site, Dane Valley Woods is a young community woodland located in the heart of Margate, on a former landfill site. The project is run entirely by volunteers, who since its inception in 2002, have planted over 6,500 trees on this 12 acre site. Aside from planting trees the group carefully manage the site following an ecologist developed land management plan, creating and maintaining a rich mosaic of habitats, increasing biodiversity and making the site accessible to the local community through a myriad of pathways.
On Wednesday 5th of August, following a spell of extremely dry weather, a fire was started and spread through the south eastern part of the woods. Thanks to quick reporting by local residents and a swift response by Kent Fire & Rescue Service fire was contained and extinguished. We estimate that nearly one of our 12 acres site was affected, mainly containing thick bramble which has been a vital habitat for many species.
We are devastated by the loss of habitat caused by the fire. But we are also all the more determined to recover it and make the woods even more vibrant and resilient. We have drafted a plan for recovery of the affected site which includes: establishing a new hedgerow, wild flower meadows and grassland glades, and accessible pathways connecting them.
Project Recovery & Resilience - Our Plan of Action
Immediate work:
- Clearance & Preparation - removing debris from the burnt site, litter picking, making it safe for further work, marking paths, meadow and grassland areas
Medium term:
- Nurture & Recovery - existing wildflower meadow maintenance and establishment of new meadows in the fire affected area, tree care - freeing existing trees from encroaching vegetation
Longer term:
- Hedgerow Planting & Aftercare - establishment of hedgerow on the SE border of the woods, tree planting and aftercare, ongoing maintenance of grassland, meadow and paths
How can you help?
We are extremely grateful for all the messages from the local community expressing support, encouragement and asking how they can help.
Donate to our Hedge(row)fund!
We are planning to establish a large hedgerow in the affected area and beyond, bringing many benefits to the site:
- Restoring and enhancing an essential habitat, refuge and source of food for many wildlife species
- Creating a wildlife corridor connecting to an existing flourishing hedge near our site along the railway line
- Contributing to increased carbon capture
- Acting as a wind and fire belt and helping prevent spread of wildfires in the future
The full hedgerow will consist of approx 600 trees but will be planted in stages. This winter, we aim to plant 200 native hedge trees purchased through a reputable supplier - Habitat Aid
Any amount you can spare is most welcome and hugely appreciated.
Each £3.70 will help us buy 1 tree!
Funds will be used to purchase trees, wildflower seeds and any essential equipment needed to carry out the work.
Can you spare some of your time? You can volunteer with us:
We run regular Task Days to carry out the physical works and encourage everyone to come and help. Getting involved and becoming a part of the project is invaluable! Any amount of time and skills you can spare is hugely appreciated.
Follow @danevalleywoods on Facebook or Instagram and find out more about volunteer sessions and dates
Thank you so much for your support!
Organizer
