Darlington is blessed with over 100 green spaces owned by Darlington Borough Council. They are frequented by young and old, offering the opportunity to see wildlife, play, picnic, de-stress and generally appreciate being outdoors. The spaces also vary greatly, from a heritage park to a grassed roundabout. All need management of different kinds and all benefit from extra care, for example, from additional planting to supporting wildlife, carbon capture or climate change. 

Many of these spaces are actively cared for by members of the community, sometimes just a lone litter picker; often by a friends group.   Most friends' groups in Darlington started when a couple of neighbours agreed “ We should tidy up that bit of ground”. They started by planting a few bulbs and picking up some litter, then wanted to plant a couple of trees.

DOVES aims to promote the enjoyment of Darlington’s Green spaces and support those who want to help and enhance them. If you wish to promote your local green space by registering your group or as an individual volunteer please send your details to dovesdarlington@gmail.com. and can come along to our next meeting, we meet quarterly. Or visit our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/848220745348818

DOVES there to help to get groups started by supplying documents such as constitutions and risk assessments.  Darlington Borough Council provides funds to DOVES with which to provide member groups with public liability insurance. DOVES can also help groups apply for funding for improvements.

DOVES support the Council’s recent Nature Restoration Motion, together with the existing Climate Emergency. The declaration shows how important green spaces are and how we must  all work to ensure they become safe places for wildlife as enjoyable spaces for humans.

DOVES is the focal hub for discussions, supporting government and council initiatives and  also working with other conservation partners, such as Durham Wildlife Trust. DOVES are now taking the initiative with other groups such as Friends of the Earth, Darlington and Teesdale Naturalists Field Club to compile a register of the local green spaces. Alongside this DOVES are developing information sheets to help  volunteers create and enhance wildlife habitats to address nature recovery and biodiversity. 

DOVES aim is to educate, raise awareness, engage with local communities, organisations and schools about biodiversity, nature recovery and green spaces. It is essential that green spaces are really "local" and that communities actively support them so they are there for everyone to enjoy.