News

Come and join in a celebration of Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve. This Festival will be full of fun and discovery with activities, demonstrations and display stalls all relating to the special habitats and wildlife found on the Reserve. There will be marquees in case it rains. More details and all this month's event are listed below.....

OCTOBER 2008 DIARY

Wednesday 1st October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: POND MANAGEMENT, FOLKESTONE WARREN Cutting vegetation around the edges of a few seasonal ponds in the Folkestone Warren. MEET: 10.15am at the Pavilion car park, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 239 365). Then driving off behind the bowls/tennis courts. Please bring wellies.

Saturday 4th October 2.00pm

WINGHAM TO LITTLEBOURNE A walk to Wingham church to see the plaque to a famous soldier. Then walking over gentle rolling countryside to Ickham. Across the Little Stour by stepping stones and returning over Bramling Downs. Walk includes walking through a water meadow so please bring waterproof footwear. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village car park, Wingham (TR 574 246). DISTANCE: 5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 5th October 9.00am

STODMARSH 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: 2. NO DOGS.

Sunday 5th October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: POND MANAGEMENT, COLDRED We will be working with local people to manage the large pond on the village green at Coldred. MEET: 10.20am Pond, Coldred village green, near Shepherdswell (TR 260 468). Please bring wellies. Please ring (01304 214806) to confirm that this event will be taking place at this location.

Sunday 5th October 11.00am

AUTUMN MIGRATION GUIDED WALK (Please book)

Come and look for wheatears, whinchats, warblers and waders as they pass through Dungeness on their autumn migrations. 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.

Sunday 5th October 2.00pm

GUIDED WALK ON FOLKESTONE DOWNS A leisurely autumn stroll over the Folkestone Downs, looking at any wildlife still active and the various fruits still on the bushes. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Philip Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 / 07880 706993). MEET: At the bottom of Castle Hill, off M20 Junction 13, Folkestone (TR 210 377). DISTANCE: 3 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 4.

Tuesday 7th October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: CRUB CLEARING, GIBBIN’S BROOK, SELLINDGE We shall be building on the excellent work done last year, clearing invading birch and willow from this wonderful wildlife site, one of only three acid wetlands in Kent. MEET: 10.20am at the pond along Brook Lane, Gibbin’s Brook, Sellindge (TR 116 387). Please bring wellies.

Saturday 11th October 11.00am

INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE GUIDED WALK (Please book) A walk to the South Foreland Lighthouse and return to discover fascinating facts on the industrial heritage of the area and enjoy a guided tour of the lighthouse followed by cream tea. Maximum 20, pre-booking advisable. CHARGE: £5 per person. Normal car park fees apply. LEADER: National Trust (01304 202756). MEET: White Cliffs Visitor Centre, Upper Road, Langdon Cliffs, Dover (TR 335 422). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3 Dogs on leads

Saturday 11th October 11.00am - 4.00pm

STODMARSH NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE FESTIVAL Come and join in a celebration of Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve. This Festival will be full of fun and discovery with activities, demonstrations and display stalls all relating to the special habitats and wildlife found on the Reserve. There will be marquees in case it rains! LEADER: Natural England (01233 811205 or email:wildside@naturalengland.org.uk). MEET: Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, Grove Ferry end (parking opposite the Grove Ferry pub) near Canterbury (TR 236 631). Dogs on leads.

Saturday 11th October 1.30pm

AUTUMN GUIDED WALK (Please book) Join us for an autumn wildlife walk around the reserve’s nature trail. 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 11th October 2.00pm

SAMPHIRE HOE AUTUMN WATCH Join in a walk around the Hoe looking for autumn wildlife and discover how and why migration is in full flow at this time of year. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649). 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: 2

Saturday 11th October 2.00pm

ASH AMBLE 2 An afternoon walk through the orchards north of Ash. Windfalls may be picked up. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village hall car park, Queen’s Road, Ash (TR 288 584). DISTANCE: 5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 12th October

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: or 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 12th October 10.00am

FUNGI WALK (Please book) Join in an exciting forage of the fungi on Ham Street Woods National Nature Reserve. LEADER: Welcome to the Wildside, Natural England (01233 811205). MEET: Main entrance to Ham Street Woods National Nature Reserve, Bourne Lane, Hamstreet, near Ashford (TR 002 338). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 12th October 10.00am - 4.00pm

FUNGI WORKSHOP (Please book) This workshop is designed to help people learn more about fungi; 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, sbbot@talk21.com). Please bring your binoculars, field guide and appropriate footwear. CHARGE: £16. LEADER: Jo Weightman, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (01304 617341, www.sbbot.co.uk). MEET: Sandwich Bay Observatory Field Centre, Guilford Road, Sandwich (TR 354 574). GRADE: 2 (for walk). NO DOGS.

Sunday 12th October 11.00am

AUTUMN MIGRANT BIRD WATCH Join the reserve warden to view and learn about the many fascinating species of bird which visit the National Nature Reserve at this exciting time of year. Donations welcome. LEADER: Jason Mitchell, Biodiversity 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.

Sunday 12th October 2.00pm

GRAND SHAFT BARRACKS AND GRAND SHAFT Take a gentle stroll around the Western Heights to see the remains of the former North and South gateways, and take the opportunity to descend the unique triple-spiral staircases of the Grand Shaft. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Wells and Jeff Howe for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: St Martin’s Battery car park, South Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 407). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3 (steps)

Tuesday 14th October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: CREATING BUTTERFLY RIDES, WESTERN HEIGHTS, AYCLIFFE, DOVER Cutting back scrub to improve edge habitat for butterflies. MEET: 10.20am at the far western end (near the bridge over the A20) of Old Folkestone Road, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 302 397).

Wednesday 15th October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING, MONEYPENNY PITS, WALLAND MARSH Help to continue scrub clearance in some small seasonal ponds at this important wetland site which holds good numbers of great crested newts, medicinal leech and the marshmallow plant. We have worked at this site for ten years now. MEET: 10.45am at the entrance to Moneypenny farm (TQ 938 211). The minibus will be parked several hundred metres beyond the farmhouse on the side of the track. Please bring wellies.

Saturday 18th October 2.00pm

WOODLANDS OF LYDDEN Enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside from the hills round Lydden, and the autumn leaves in the woodlands. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: By pond at Lydden, near the bottom of Lydden Hill (TR 262 454). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3 (steep hills). Dogs on leads.

Saturday 18th October 2.30pm

FUNGUS FORAY Guided walk and talk with Martin Newcombe, who will provide a fascinating insight into the fungus which can be found in the area. Dogs on leads. LEADER: Martin Newcombe for Walmer Parish Council (01304 381506). MEET: Small car parking area on Liverpool Road, opposite Grams Road, Walmer, near Deal (TR 373 419). DISTANCE: 1-2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 19th October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING AROUND SEASONAL PONDS, ROMNEY WARREN COUNTRY PARK We will be working on the seasonal ponds behind the Visitor Centre to increase the botanical interest and habitat for invertebrates, great crested newts and the medicinal leeches as well! MEET: 10.45am at New Romney Warren car park, off the St Mary’s Bay to New Romney road (A259) (TR 078 261). Please bring wellies.

Sunday 19th October 2.00pm

FRUIT AND NUT CASE! Join a gentle walk stopping to look at berries, seeds and autumn’s bounty. Learn about their culinary and folklore uses; search for evidence of small mammal dinner habits! And come home with a recipe sheet for autumn fruits. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: Outside the Aycliffe Church Centre, Old Folkestone Road, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 303 397).

Tuesday 21st October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARANCE, HILL’S RESERVOIR, FOLKESTONE We will be working to control invading scrub from the chalk grassland for the benefit of the wildlife. We will be working in a new part of the site. MEET: 10.15am at the top of Castle Hill on Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 213 382).

Wednesday 22nd October

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 23rd October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING, FOLKESTONE DOWNS Clearing scrub from around the base of Holywell/Sugarloaf Hill. MEET: 10.15am at the bottom of Castle Hill, off M20 junction 13, Folkestone (TR 210 377). Then driving nearer to the work site.

Friday 24th October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: RIVER DOUR CLEAR Come along and help keep the River Dour tidy and help conserve the wildlife. This is the last river clear until next year. MEET: 10.15am at B & Q car park, Charlton Green, Dover (TR 315 422). Please note that we may move from here during the day to any site that needs clearing.

Friday 24th October 7.30pm

ILLUSTRATED TALK: THE LANDSCAPE AND BIRDS OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS An illustrated tour of the Falklands by Jenny Fairhall. Organised by the Folkestone, Hythe and Dover Local Group of Kent Wildlife Trust. Non-members welcome. CHARGE: £2 (to include tea and biscuits). Further information from Pauline Bateson, KWT (01304 853503). MEET: Age Concern Hall, Sanford House, Stade Street, Hythe.

Saturday 25th October 10.00am - 4.00pm

APPLE FAYRE A Marquee will accommodate a large selection of apples and juices, where visitors can taste old and new varieties before they buy. There will also be consultations with Apple Experts and other local produce stalls. Normal car park fees apply. LEADER: National Trust (01304 202756). MEET: White Cliffs Visitor Centre, Upper Road, Langdon Cliffs, Dover (TR 335 422). Dogs on leads.

Saturday 25th October 2.00pm

STODMARSH TO GROVE FERRY We will walk alongside the lakes and river of the nature reserve to Grove Ferry. Returning by a circular route. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Stodmarsh Nature Reserve car park (follow lane between Church and pub) (TR 221 608). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.

Saturday 25th October 3.30pm

CRETACEOUS COAST (Green Gang) Join a late afternoon walk about the beach, in search of natural treasures. Hear about the geology of chalk, flint and the formation of the English Channel and why we wobbled! See if you can find a fossil in a flint. Bring a bag to hold your ‘treasures’. Please wear shoes or boots with good grip. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706990). MEET: St. Margaret’s Bay car park (pay and display), bottom of Bay Hill, St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe, near Dover (TR 368 445). DISTANCE: 0.5 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (on shingle and rocks)

Please note clocks go back tonight.

Sunday 26th October 9.00am

PEGWELL BAY 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: Pegwell Bay reserve car park, (TR 342 635). DURATION: 2.5 hours. GRADE: 2. NO DOGS

Sunday 26th October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY, HILL’S RESERVOIR, FOLKESTONE Working with staff from Folkestone & Dover Water Services on Hills Reservoir. We will be cutting small scrub and raking cuttings from areas of the grassland which is rich in wildlife. MEET: 10.15am Hills Reservoir (top of Castle Hill), Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 213 382).

Sunday 26th October 10.00am - 4.00pm

APPLE FAYRE Please see 25th October for details.

Sunday 26th October 2.00pm

STEP BACK IN TIME AT DUNGENESS A gentle stroll on a circular walk around the Dungeness National Nature Reserve from Lade to Lydd-on-sea and back along the Greatstone Beach. We will marvel at the famous Listening Mirrors from a distance and hear stories of the fascinating history and wildlife of this stretch of coast. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934, mail@rmcp.co.uk) MEET: Lade Car Park, off Coast Drive, Lade (halfway between The Pilot Pub and the Romney Tavern) (TR 085 208). DISTANCE: 3 miles (2.5 hours) GRADE: 5 (beach)

Monday 27th October 11.00am - 3.30pm

NATURE TRAILS AT SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE A quiz sheet will lead children around the grounds. This is a family activity and all children must be accompanied by an adult. LEADER: National Trust (01304 852463). MEET: South Foreland Lighthouse, Lighthouse Road, St Margaret’s Bay (TR 358 433). No parking at the property, 2 mile walk from White Cliffs Visitor Centre (normal car park fees apply) or 1 mile walk from village of St. Margaret’s. Dogs on leads.

Monday 27th October 2.00pm

FOSSIL FORAY AT FOLKESTONE WARREN (Green Gang) Join in a family fossil foray in the East Cliff & Warren Country Park. An opportunity to see some of the fossils found on the site with a chance to find your own fossils to take home. Please wear strong footwear and take care on the rocks. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07880 706993). MEET: The Pavilion, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 239 364). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 5 (rocky shore).

Tuesday 28th October

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 362 438).

Tuesday 28th October 2.00pm

WILDLIFE WALK AT ROMNEY WARREN COUNTRY PARK (Green Gang) An easy walk to look for wildlife clues around the lakes and grassland in the Romney Warren Country Park. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316) MEET: Visitor Centre, Romney Warren Country Park, Dymchurch Road (A259), New Romney (TR 078 261). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 2

Tuesday 28th October 11.00am - 3.30pm

NATURE TRAILS AT SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE Please see 27th October for details.

Wednesday 29th October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING, NEW ROMNEY WARREN We will be working on the seasonal pond areas to the south of the Visitor Centre to increase the botanical interest and the habitat for the great crested newts and the leeches! MEET: 10.45am at New Romney Warren car park, off the St Mary’s Bay to New Romney road (A259) (TR 078 261). Please bring wellies.

Wednesday 29th October 11.00am - 3.30pm

NATURE TRAILS AT SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE Please see 27th October for details.

Wednesday 29th October 1.30pm

WILDLIFE DETECTIVE AGENCY - FAMILY EVENT (Please book) By reading nature’s clues we can discover a wealth of winter wildlife around the reserve. We will spend some of the time investigating owl pellets! Booking essential. CHARGE: RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2, non-members £3, accompanying adults free. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: RSPB Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness Road, Lydd. DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.

Thursday 30th October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: COPPICING, SPINNEY WOOD, AYLESHAM We return to this woodland where we will be coppicing areas to benefit the fantastic flora this wood supports and cut stakes for hedgelaying. MEET: 10.20am at the Spinney Lane entrance to Spinney Wood, Aylesham (TR 230 516).

Thursday 30th October 1.15pm

WOODLAND WALK AT SPINNEY WOOD Join a short (30 minutes) guided walk around the Spinney Wood to find out about the wildlife and fruits of the woodland, and maybe have a go traditional coppicing. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: Entrance to Spinney Wood, Wilcox Close, off Cooting Road, Aylesham (TR 228 519). DISTANCE: 1 mile (30 minutes). GRADE: 2

Thursday 30th October 2.00pm

ECOLOGICAL ORIENTEERING (Green Gang) Have a go at orienteering around the tree trail at Whinless Down Local Nature Reserve. The aim is to navigate your way around the tree trail as quickly as possible while learning about trees as you go. The orienteering map will be provided free. No experience is needed as full instructions will be given. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07773 619121). MEET: Elms Vale Recreation Ground, Elms Vale Road, Dover (TR 298 414). DISTANCE: 1 mile (1 hour). GRADE: 3

Thursday 30th October (two sessions: 10.30am -12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3.30pm)

BIRD MIGRATION - FAMILY EVENTS (Please book) In conjunction with Kent’s Coastal Week. Come and find out how and why birds use this special stretch of Kent’s coast as a migration stop off point on their journeys to and from Europe in the autumn. We will explore migration through games, art and a visit to our wildlife hides. Binoculars supplied. Please dress warmly as Dungeness can be cold at this time of year. CHARGE: RSPB Wildlife Explorers £2, non-members £3, accompanying adults free. Booking essential. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: RSPB Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness Road, Lydd. DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.

Thursday 30th October 11.00am - 3.30pm

NATURE TRAILS AT SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE Please see 27th October for details.

Friday 31st October

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: STEP BUILDING & FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENT, HIGH MEADOW, DOVER We will be building steps and cutting scrub to improve walking routes on Dover’s newest Local Nature Reserve. MEET: 10.15am at the High Meadow flats, junction of Widred Road and Edred Road, Dover (TR 312 410).

Friday 31st October 10.00am

WILDFOWL & WADERS Join the reserve warden to view and learn about the many fascinating species of bird which visit the National Nature Reserve at this exciting time of year. Donations welcome. LEADER: Tony Swandale, East Kent Coastal Warden (For more information, including details regarding access for those with disabilities, please phone 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.

Friday 31st October 2.00pm

AUTUMN WILDLIFE WALK, WESTERN HEIGHTS (Green Gang) Come along and join an easy guided walk around the Western Heights, to discover a little of the autumn wildlife of this Local Nature reserve, as well as the dramatic history of the fortifications with magnificent views over Dover. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07773 619121) MEET: Car Park, North Military Hill, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 411). DISTANCE: 2 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Friday 31st October 11.00am - 3.30pm

NATURE TRAILS AT SOUTH FORELAND LIGHTHOUSE Please see 27th October for details.