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Come along dressed in your best spooky costumes and bring your carved pumpkins. Prizes will be given for the best. Then join with a spooky walk around the ditches of the Western Heights to hear about the changing of the seasons and things that go bump in the night. Please bring a torch and wear shoes with good grip. More details and all this month's event are listed below.....

NOVEMBER 2008 DI|ARY

Saturday 1st November 1.45pm

FOLKESTONE OLD TOWN

Discover the history behind the old areas of Folkestone, in particular the Old High Street and the Bayle to lead into the History Weekend the following weekend. CHARGE: £2 per adult. LEADER: Maureen Criddle for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 275318). MEET: Bottom of Old High Street, Folkestone (TR 233 361). DISTANCE: 1 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 3.


Saturday 1st November 2.00pm

ELHAM VALLEY THROUGH NORTH ELHAM

There is a steep climb near the start of the walk, but the views are worth the effort. Fifteen stiles and 3 gates to get through. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Church Square car park, Vicarage Lane, Elham (TR 177 437). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 4.


Saturday 1st November 4.00pm

PUMPKIN PARADE ON THE WESTERN HEIGHTS, DOVER (Green Gang)

Come along dressed in your best spooky costumes and bring your carved pumpkins. Prizes will be given for the best. Then join with a spooky walk around the ditches of the Western Heights to hear about the changing of the seasons and things that go bump in the night. Please bring a torch and wear shoes with good grip. Please note there are no toilets available. There are plenty of steps and, unfortunately it is not suitable for prams. No dogs please. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706990). MEET: St. Martin’s Battery car park, South Military Road, Western Heights (or if the car park is full please park considerately along Citadel Road), Dover (TR 314 407). DISTANCE: 0.75 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (night).


Sunday 2nd November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: DUNGENESS BEACH CLEAN

As part of the follow up from the National Beachwatch 08 in September, the Romney Marsh Countryside Project will be clearing rubbish from the tide line from in front of the Dungeness Power Station. MEET: 10.45am Dungeness Old Lighthouse. We will be working beyond the Lighthouse and Red and White Gate on the foreshore during the day (TR 089 169).


Sunday 2nd November 10.00am

ROARING GUTTER WALK

A gentle walk to Roaring Gutter guided by nature lovers from Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory on the local flora and fauna of the area. Please bring your binoculars, field guide and appropriate footwear. CHARGE: £3.50 for non members (to include refreshments). LEADER: Dave Kirkaldie, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (01304 617341 or www.sbbot.co.uk). MEET: Sandwich Bay Observatory Field Centre, Guilford Road, Sandwich (TR 354 574). DURATION: 2.5 hours. GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.


Sunday 2nd November 11.00am

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: GREAT COAST CLEAN

Everyone is invited to come along and help clean the cliff top of the world famous white cliffs. All equipment is provided. We will be taking a gentle stroll along the coast clearing litter as we go, ending by 12.30pm for lunch. You are invited to join the guided walk at 1pm to discover the wildlife and history of The Warren Local Nature Reserve. Further information from WCCP (01304 241806).


Folkestone – Meet at car park, The Pavilion, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone
Capel-le-Ferne – Meet at Clifftop Café, Old Dover Road, Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone (please park along Old Dover Road and not the clifftop café car park)
Dover (Shakespeare Cliff) – Meet at the Bridge over A20, Old Folkestone Road, Aycliffe, Dover


Sunday 2nd November 11.00am

BIRD MIGRATION AT DUNGENESS

Join one of our expert guides to find out which birds migrate to and from this part of Kent’s coast as we stroll round the RSPB’s Dungeness nature trail. CHARGE: £5 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2 for children. There is a 50% discount on events for RSPB and Wildlife Explorer members. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: RSPB Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness Road, Lydd. DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.


Sunday 2nd November 1.00pm

AUTUMN IN THE FOLKESTONE WARREN

A walk through the Folkestone Warren looking at any autumn colours and the reasons for them, as well as any wildlife still active. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Philip Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: The Cliff Top Café (please park along the road and not in the café car park), Old Dover Road, Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone (TR 254 385). DISTANCE: 4 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 4.


Tuesday 4th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING, GIBBIN’S BROOK

We shall be building on the excellent work done last year, clearing invading birch and willow from this wonderful nutrient poor fen. MEET: 10.20am at the pond along Brook Lane, Gibbin’s Brook, Sellindge (TR 116 387). Please bring wellies.


Wednesday 5th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: HELPING THE HOE, SAMPHIRE HOE, DOVER

There is always plenty to do at the Hoe which could include path clearing, electric fence work and erosion control. Come along and help at this wonderful site. For more information phone Paul on 01304 225649. MEET: 10.15am at the Site Management Office, Samphire Hoe, Dover (sign posted off the A20 when driving from Dover to Folkestone) (TR 294 391). Park in the back car park and collect a parking permit from the office.


Thursday 6th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT, FOLKESTONE WARREN

Cutting scrub and grass at the start of the sea wall in the Folkestone Warren. MEET: 10.15am at the Pavilion car park, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 239 365). Then driving down to the work site on the sea wall.


Saturday 8th November 10.00am - 4.00pm

WADERS’ WORKSHOP (Please book)

This workshop is designed to help people learn more about waders; it includes both presentations and practical field sessions. Spaces are limited to ensure everyone has plenty of time with the leaders, therefore advance booking is essential (01304 617341 or sbbot@talk21.com). Please bring your binoculars, field guide and appropriate footwear. CHARGE: £16. LEADER: Pete Findley, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (01304 617341 or www.sbbot.co.uk). MEET: Sandwich Bay Observatory Field Centre, Guilford Road, Sandwich (TR 354 574). GRADE (for walk): 2. NO DOGS.


Saturday 8th November 11.00am

BITTERN SAFARI (Please book)

A handful of bitterns usually spend the winter at Dungeness – come along and help us find them! Booking essential. CHARGE: £5 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2 for children. There is a 50% discount on events for RSPB and Wildlife Explorer members. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: RSPB Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness Road, Lydd. DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.


Saturday 8th November 2.00pm

WHITFIELD TO ASHLEY WALK

Walking from Whitfield to Ashley using part of the North Downs Way and skirting the village of West Langdon. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: By Whitfield village hall, Manley Close, Whitfield, near Dover (TR 301 453). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.


Sunday 9th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: FOOTPATH CREATION & SCRUB CLEARANCE, DOLL’S HOUSE HILL, FOLKESTONE

We will be working to complete the creation of a new footpath from the bottom to the top of Doll’s House Hill, with magnificent views over Folkestone. MEET: 10.15am at the small layby along Danton Lane, Peene, Newington, near Folkestone (TR 192 381).


Sunday 9th November 10.00am

WALK TO GREEN WALL

A gentle walk to Green Wall guided by nature lovers from Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory on the local flora and fauna of the area. Please bring your binoculars, field guide and appropriate footwear. CHARGE: £3.50 for non members (to include refreshments). LEADER: Dave Kirkaldie, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (01304 617341 or www.sbbot.co.uk). MEET: Sandwich Bay Observatory Field Centre, Guilford Road, Sandwich (TR 354 574). DURATION: 2.5 hours. GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.


Sunday 9th November

INVASION COAST 1939-45

In the 1940’s the cliffs to the west of Dover were a hive of activity. Sixty years later take this opportunity to see the remains of the Rifle Ranges, Lydden Spout and Hougham Batteries and an almost complete Anti-Aircraft Battery hidden above the town. Profusely illustrated. Please wear sensible footwear. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Wells and Jeff Howe for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: End of Old Folkestone Road, Aycliffe (by the bridge over the A20) (TR 303 397). DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 4


Tuesday 11th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CUTTING & RIDE CREATION, AYCLIFFE, WESTERN HEIGHTS

Cutting back scrub to improve edge habitat for butterflies. There are magnificent views over the coast and Channel. MEET: 10.20am at the far western end (near the bridge over the A20) of Old Folkestone Road, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 302 397).


Wednesday 12th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: COMMUNITY COPPICING, COOMBE WOOD, HAWKINGE

Join local people in traditional coppicing of the ancient woodland to benefit wildlife. MEET: 10.15am Coombe Wood, Coombe Wood Lane, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 223 397).


Wednesday 12th November 1.15pm

LUNCHTIME STROLL AROUND COOMBE WOOD

A short (30 minutes) lunch-time stroll around the ancient woodland of Coombe Wood to learn a little of the wildlife and traditional management. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07899 758748). MEET: Coombe Wood, Coombe Wood Lane, Hawkinge (TR 223 397). DISTANCE: 1 mile (0.5 hour). GRADE: 3


Thursday 13th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: FOOTPATHS & SCRUB CLEARANCE, HIGH MEADOW, DOVER

We will be cutting scrub to reclaim the grassland on Dover’s newest Local Nature Reserve. MEET: 10.15am at the top of Noah’s Ark Road, opposite the Boys Grammar school, Dover (TR 303 417).


Saturday 15th November 2.00pm

EASTRY TO KNOWLTON

Circular walk from Eastry via Heronden walking through village of Knowlton passing the church, Black Lane Path then back to Eastry. Please wear stout footwear. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Rod and Mavis of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village car park (next to Doctors surgery), Eastry (TR 310 547). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.


Sunday 16th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING, WHINLESS DOWN

We will be cutting scrub to benefit the wildlife of the old chalk grassland of this Local Nature Reserve. MEET: 10.20am at the car park, Elms Vale Recreation Ground, Elms Vale Road, Dover (TR 298 414).


Sunday 16th November 2.00pm

WHITE CLIFFS WILDLIFE

Join in a walk around the Hoe to hear about the history and wildlife of this country park created from the construction spoil from the Channel Tunnel. Discover what causes the seasons to change, and the impact of global warming. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649 or 07899 758748). MEET: Site management office, Samphire Hoe (pay and display parking). The Hoe is sign posted off the A20 from Dover to Folkestone (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 1. Dogs on leads.


Tuesday 18th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: COPPICING, HAMSTREET NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE

A chance to coppice part of Hamstreet Woods National Nature Reserve; owned by Natural England. We have worked in this wood for over 12 years now and we will be coppicing along one of the woodland rides. MEET: 11.00am at Bournewood Car park, end of Bourne Lane (the entrance to Hamstreet Wood NNR) (TR 004 338). Please bring wellies.


Wednesday 19th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING, WHINLESS DOWN, DOVER

We will be clearing scrub along the footpaths across Whinless Down to benefit wildlife and people enjoying the walks and views from this Local Nature Reserve. MEET: 10.20am at the car park, Elms Vale Recreation Ground, Elms Vale Road, Dover (TR 298 414).


Saturday 22nd November 2.00pm

PILGRIMAGE TO BARFRESTON

From Shepherdswell to the Norman church at Barfreston with a short explanation of some of the carvings over the famous south door. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Shepherds Well railway station, Shepherdswell, near Dover (TR 257 482). DISTANCE: 4.5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 2/3.


Sunday 23rd November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: HELPING THE HOE, SAMPHIRE HOE, DOVER

There is always plenty to do at the Hoe which could include path clearing, electric fence work and erosion control. Come along and help at this wonderful site. For more information phone Paul on 01304 225649. MEET: 10.15am at the Site Management Office, Samphire Hoe, Dover (sign posted off the A20 when driving from Dover to Folkestone) (TR 294 391). Park in the back car park and collect a parking permit from the office.


Sunday 23rd November 10.00am

STODMARSH NATURE RESERVE WALK

A gentle walk guided by nature lovers from Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory on the local flora and fauna of the area. Please bring your binoculars, field guide and appropriate footwear. CHARGE: £3.50 for non members (to include refreshments). LEADER: Dave Kirkaldie, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (01304 617341 or www.sbbot.co.uk). MEET: Stodmarsh reserve car park, (TR 221 609). DURATION: 2.5 hours. GRADE: 1. NO DOGS.


Sunday 23rd November 2.00pm

TREE-MENDOUS WALK ALONG THE CANAL

A gentle and flat stroll along the banks of the Royal Military Canal to enjoy the range of trees which have been planted over the centuries. We won’t ignore the other wildlife we hope to come across in this amble. It is also a chance to find out more about the canal and its history. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or mail@rmcp.co.uk). MEET: Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Station, Hythe, next to the Canal (Please don’t park in the station car park, but on Military Road) (TR 153 347). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2


Tuesday 25th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING, SOUTH FORELAND VALLEY, ST MARGARET’S-AT-CLIFFE

Join with local residents to help cut invading scrub from the oasis of chalk grassland at the South Foreland Valley close to the white cliffs of the South Foreland. MEET: 10.20am water trough, Goodwin Road, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe (TR 361 437).


Wednesday 26th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING, SUGARLOAF HILL, FOLKESTONE

Clearing scrub from around the middle slopes of Sugarloaf Hill. MEET: 10.15am at the far end of Holywell Avenue (by kissing gate into field), Folkestone (TR 224 377).


Thursday 27th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: HEDGE PLANTING, LYOAK WOOD, LYDDEN

We will be planting a new hedge to connect the ancient woodlands of Lyoak and Lodge Wood, which will provide a corridor for wildlife. No experience needed. Please contact the office to confirm the planting site (01304 241806). MEET: 10.15am Entrance to Lyoak Wood, Swanton Lane, Lydden, near Dover (TR 252 449).


Friday 28th November 1.30pm

FOWLMEAD COUNTRY PARK

A gentle walk guided by nature lovers from Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory. All ages and abilities are welcome. Please bring your binoculars, field guide, appropriate footwear. CHARGE: £3.50 for non-members. LEADER: Graham Goodwin, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (01304 617341 or www.sbbot.co.uk). MEET: Fowlmead Country Park (TR 350 538). DURATION: 2.5 hours. GRADE: 1. NO DOGS.


Saturday 29th November 9.30am

WINTER WILDFOWL & WADERS

Watch the spectacle of thousands of birds flying in to roost as the tide comes in. Please wrap up warmly. Donation welcome. LEADER: Tony Swandale, East Kent Coastal Warden (07889 822412). MEET: Car park, Pegwell Bay Country Park, just south of Cliffsend Village on the A256 Ramsgate-Sandwich road (TR 342 635). DISTANCE: 1.5 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 1. Dogs on leads.


Saturday 29th November 10.00am

ELHAM WALK

A gentle ascent through fields and woods visiting Wheelbarrow Town. LEADER: Len Wilson, Shepway Footpaths Preservation Society (01303 893126). MEET: Elham village square (TR 177 438). DISTANCE: 6 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3


Saturday 29th November 2.00pm COAL BUS

A WINGHAM WANDER

Walking over Neavy Downs to Bossington through Broome Wood and return via Wingham Well. Friendly pigs and an elephant to be seen on the way. Please wear waterproof footwear as walking through water meadow. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village car park, Wingham (TR 574 246). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 2/3.


Sunday 30th November

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: TREE PLANTING, EATON LANDS, HYTHE

A fantastic opportunity to get involved in planting a range of trees and some bulbs in a large open informal public space called the Eaton Lands, Hythe. Hythe Town Council have been successful to the Breathing Places through the Big Lottery Fund to help create better access, tree planting and provide information for residents and visitors to this area. Please get involved. MEET: 10.40am entrance to Eaton Lands, Tanner’s Hill Gardens (junction with Castle Road), Hythe (TR 161 351). Please bring wellies.


Sunday 30th November 2.00pm

WINTER TREE WALK

An easy afternoon walk to learn more about trees and how to identify them in winter, with stories about their traditional uses and folklore. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07885 599182). MEET: Car park, West Wood, Lyminge Forest (TR 141 439) (Driving along Stone Street B2068 towards Canterbury, turn right at Six Mile Garage and you will find the car park on your right hand side about 800 metres along the country lane). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2