Orchids and rare fungi found in fire-hit wood

Volunteers have been working at Dane Valley Woods since 2003

A project to restore a large area of community woodland in east Kent which was badly damaged by fire is "showing signs of positive results", its organisers have said.

Dane Valley Woods in Margate, established on a former landfill site, is a wild space run by volunteers "for the benefit of both people and wildlife".

It was devastated by fire in August 2022 and the community has been working since to restore it to its former glory.

Steve Darling, the group's secretary, said "we have discovered orchids and a rare kind of fungi that have not been seen in this part of Kent for many years".

He said: "Out of adversity came the realisation that the local community really valued this space and they've been donating funds and their time to assist the restoration. "

The group is currently working to clear back Phoenix Glade, so named because it was at the heart of the large blaze which damaged about a quarter of the entire woodland site.

Mr Darling said: "We are managing the area by cutting it back in winter in order to encourage more biodiversity and address the overdominance of brambles."

The woods were devastated by fire in 2022

The steering group of Dane Valley Woods was established in 2003.

Since then it has planted 6,250 trees, created a pond, two bug hotels, a lizard basking area and a flower meadow.

Over 230 species have been recorded so far, including nine mammals, 34 species of bird, 24 moths and butterflies and a large population of lizards and frogs.

Mr Darling said: "Thanet as a district has a far lower tree count than the national average.

"We encourage participation in creating and managing the woods for enjoyment, health, learning and wildlife."