Does Your Local Green Space Have a Friend?

Darlington is blessed with over 100 green spaces, ranging from historic heritage parks to simple grassed roundabouts. Whether we use them to walk the dog, enjoy a family picnic, or simply de-stress after a long week, these spaces are vital for our wellbeing. But who looks after them?

While Darlington Borough Council owns these spaces, the special care that turns a patch of grass into a community hub often comes from volunteers. You might have seen them: the lone litter picker on a Sunday morning, or a group of neighbors planting bulbs in the spring.

Most of these efforts start with a simple conversation between neighbors: "We really should tidy up that bit of ground."

This is where DOVES (Darlington Open Spaces Volunteer Environment Scheme) steps in. Established in 2017, DOVES has a clear and ambitious mission: They want every green space in Darlington to have a friend.

DOVES aims to support the Council’s recent Nature Restoration Motion, together with the existing Climate Emergency. Be the focal hub for discussions, supporting government and council initiatives and  also working with other conservation partners. Educate, raise awareness, engage with local communities, organisations and schools about biodiversity, nature recovery and the importance of green spaces. 

DOVES can help Starting a community group can feel daunting, but DOVES acts as a focal hub to make it easy. They remove the barriers that stop well-meaning neighbors from getting started. By providing templates for constitutions and risk assessments, they handle the boring paperwork so volunteers can focus on the green work. Crucially, through funding provided by the Council, DOVES provides member groups with public liability insurance—a vital safety net for any volunteer activity.

Nature Recovery and Restoration DOVES is about more than just tidying up; it is about looking forward. Supporting the Council’s recent Nature Restoration Motion and Climate Emergency declaration, DOVES supports volunteers to ensure their local spaces are safe havens for wildlife as well as humans.

Working with partners like Durham Wildlife Trust, Friends of the Earth, and the Darlington and Teesdale Naturalists Field Club, we are currently compiling a register of local green spaces. DOVES are also developing guides and information sheets to help volunteers create wildlife habitats that capture carbon and boost biodiversity.

Get Involved DOVES is currently looking for individuals and groups to join their network. Whether you are an existing group needing support, or an individual who simply cares about your local patch of green, DOVES wants to hear from you.

How to join:

• Email: dovesdarlington@gmail.com

• Facebook: Visit the DOVES Facebook Group

• Website:  www.dovesdarlington.co.uk

• Meet: The group meets quarterly to share skills, knowledge, and funding advice.

Together, we can ensure our green spaces remain truly "local"—supported by the community, for everyone to enjoy.