On Thursday 10 April 2025, Kent Wildlife Trust confirmed that Dane Valley Woods in Margate has been designated as a Local Wildlife Site (LWS). The designation means that it is recognised as an important place for wildlife and nature in Thanet.
Kent Wildlife Trust assessed the site in 2024, and found that it met the Kent-wide criteria for designation. A nine-week consultation was held that year, and key stakeholders and the Kent Nature Partnership were invited to comment on the proposal.
Local Wildlife Sites are an important part of the nation’s natural heritage. They are important for the conservation of wildlife, often covering land which supports threatened habitats or is important for wild plants or animals.
The new status of Dane Valley Woods is set to benefit the area. Kent Wildlife Trust’s Land Management Advisors will help the council to protect or improve the wildlife on the site, giving advice on habitat management, running training courses, and helping to identify grant funding.
The management or use of the site won’t change, and there aren’t any additional regulations. The designation does not affect existing rights of way. There is more information about Local Wildlife Sites on Kent Wildlife Trust’s website.
Mike Humber, Director of Environment at Thanet District Council, said: “As a council, we are committed to protecting our environment and improving biodiversity across the district. This is important not just for nature, but for the enjoyment and wellbeing of our communities and people visiting Thanet. We welcome Dane Valley Woods’ new designation, and the additional support that we will be able to access from Kent Wildlife Trust.
“Thank you to the Dane Valley Woods volunteer team for their ongoing hard work and dedication; they play an invaluable role in helping to look after the area. I’m confident that our continuing partnership will bring more benefits to Dane Valley Woods.”
The council planted 2,000 trees at nearby Dane Valley in Margate between Monday 28 October and Saturday 2 November 2024, with the help of community volunteers. This was part of the ongoing project to introduce mini-woodlands across the district. There is more information on the mini-woodland project in the council’s Newsroom. Details of further opportunities to get involved in tree planting will be published later in 2025.
