The exciting news is that all the results have been analysed by the university’s team (pictured on the day below, with DVW volunteers), and have now been published on our website in the ‘Wildlife’ section, here.

A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped organise, particularly Deborah, Hannah & Judy of CCCU – we particularly enjoyed the fish n chips! The university has also written about this event on their excellent Grapevine+ blog , you can read more here.

To get you in the mood, here is a video of Mike showing us how it should be done! How to plant a tree

And this is our snazzy new poster – feel free to download and distribute, to spread the word!

Tree Planting

Native tree species are those that were found in the United Kingdom before humans started moving plants and animals around.  We favour the planting of these trees as they have been a part of our environment for longer than other trees and generally more insects and other animals live on, in and around them.

Why not come and join us in the woods on Sunday 27th November or Sunday 11th December between 10am and 1pm.  This map will show you where the woodland is.

Willow used in Fedge

Not an everyday term is your actual fedge.  However, the idea is beautifully simple and with the help of AJS Crafts Dane Valley Woods have created one in their allotment HQ.  A fedge is an alternative to a hedge or fence but combines the properties of both to create a living willow border.  One year old willow stems are cut and then placed into the ground in the line of a hedge in a lattice formation.  These stems are then woven and tied into place.  These stems will then grow into living willow stems and create a semi permanent border as well as a beautiful structure.  Thanks to all of the people who helped out on the day as well as for the lovely food.

Liz, Kashmir & Fedge

We will be joined by woodland craftsman Alan Sage as we continue to improve the headquarters by planting a living willow woven fence (often called a fedge).  There will also be other tasks and we will have a fire with food.  Suitable for all ages.

We meet at the Dane Valley Woods HQ in Dane Valley Allotments at the end of St Peter’s Footpath or find us in the woodland.

There is no need to book but please let Steve know if you intend to come along as it helps us organise refreshments and tasks.

We provide all tools and safety equipment but please wear a sturdy pair of shoes.  All ages welcome.

Common Pipistrelle in flight

A “Bats & Moths” event was held last night, organised by the Windmill Community Allotment Project in conjunction with the Kent Bat Group. The assembled bat-hunters headed off into Dane Valley Woods at dusk, armed with special detectors that convert the bat’s high pitched calls to a noise that us humans can hear. We waited in the closing darkness on the cycle path leading through the middle of the woods, and then we heard them – a very quick pass as they are swift creatures in flight! Shirley, our bat expert, confirmed that due to the frequency at 45 kHz, we were hearing a Common Pipistrelle – using its call in the same way as sonar, to echo-locate insects to eat. To receive confirmation that there are these interesting creatures in the woods is very exciting, and can be added to the increasing list of flora and fauna that can be found within its boundaries. If you would like to become involved in helping to identify the biodiversity of the site, get in touch through our contact page – we’d love to hear from you!