News

A gentle walk along the green route to Reinden Wood, with Christmas and tree stories, as we walk around the woodland. More details and all this month's event are listed below.....

DECEMBER 2008 DI|ARY

Tuesday 2nd December

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

We hope to complete planting trees and bulbs at the Eaton Lands, Hythe. MEET: 10.40am at entrance to Eaton Lands, Tanner’s Hill Gardens (junction with Castle Road), Hythe (TR 161 351 Please bring wellies.


Tuesday 2nd December 12.00noon

WHITE CLIFFS WINTER WARMER (Please book)

A gentle guided walk around the White Cliffs followed by homemade soup and warm drink. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for prevailing conditions. Maximum 20, pre-booking advisable. CHARGE: £6.30 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: 1 mile (1 hour). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.


Wednesday 3rd December

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).


Thursday 4th December

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING, FOLKESTONE WARREN

Clearing scrub to reclaim some of the chalk grassland which has recently been lost. MEET: 10.15am at the Little Switzerland café, off Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 242 377).


Thursday 4th December 7.30pm

ILLUSTRATED TALK: SAMPHIRE HOE

An illustrated talk on Samphire Hoe, an interesting area for wildlife that is enjoyed by over 100,000 people a year. CHARGE: £4 for non members (to include refreshments). Organised by 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 hours. NO DOGS.


Friday 5th December 7.30pm

ILLUSTRATED TALK: WATER VOLES

An illustrated talk on water voles by Jon Bramley. 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 6th December 12.00noon

COLLYER’S COMPANIONS CHRISTMAS LUNCH (Please book)

Meeting at Sandwich for a pre-booked lunch or snack. No walk is arranged but join us for a drink around 2pm if you are not coming to the lunch. Please book on one of the autumn walks by the 1st November. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Kings Arms pub, Strand Street, Sandwich (TR 330 584).


Sunday 7th December

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB MAINTENANCE, WHINLESS DOWN

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).


Sunday 7th December 10.00am - 12.30pm

CHRISTMAS CREATION (Please book)

Create some decorations ready for Christmas. Use natural materials to craft table centres and wreaths. Please book on 08458 247600. CHARGE: £4 per item made. Pay and Display car park (£1.50). LEADER: Paul Sidders (01303 266327). MEET: By the Visitor Centre, Brockhill Country Park, Sandling Road, Saltwood, near Hythe (TR 146 356). NO DOGS.


Sunday 7th December 10.00am

BACKSAND SCRAPE WALK

A gentle walk to Backsand Scrape 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 7th December 11.00am

WINTER ARRIVALS GUIDED WALK (Please book)

On this walk we will be concentrating particularly on the wide variety of water birds that spend the winter at Dungeness. 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 7th December 2.00pm

CHRISTMAS TREE TALES

A gentle walk along the green route to Reinden Wood, with Christmas and tree stories, as we walk around the woodland. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07885 599182) MEET: Village Hall, Canterbury Road, Hawkinge, Nr Folkestone (TR 216 398) Please park along Canterbury Road and not in the village hall car park. DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2


Tuesday 9th December

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 10th December

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 10th December 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, near Folkestone (TR 223 397). DISTANCE: 1 mile (0.5 hour). GRADE: 3


Thursday 11th December

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).


Saturday 13th December 2.00pm

TWO ABBIES WALK

Leaving from Kearsney Abbey car park, through woods and tracks to the ruins of St Radigunds Abbey. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Kearsney Abbey car park (by Café) (TR 288 438). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.


Sunday 14th December

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: CHRISTMAS VOLUNTEER DAY, CHERRY GARDEN, FOLKESTONE

We shall be clearing scrub from the garden around our Folkestone office. There will also be the traditional winter barbecue and a few mince pies too! MEET: 10.15am at the bottom of Castle Hill, off M20 junction 13, Folkestone (TR 210 377). Then driving up to our office by the Cherry Garden reservoirs. Please note that after 10.15am the access will be closed for cars, but you will be able to walk to the site.


Sunday 14th December 2.00pm

WINTER TREE WALK ON FOLKESTONE DOWNS

An easy afternoon stroll around Folkestone Downs to learn a little about winter trees and to hear some stories about their folklore and traditional uses. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182). MEET: Bottom of Castle Hill (off Junction 13, M20), Folkestone (TR 212 378). DISTANCE: 3 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 4 (one steep hill).


Tuesday 16th December

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARANCE, GIBBIN’S BROOK, SELLINDGE

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.


Tuesday 16th December 12.00noon - 1.00pm

WHITE CLIFFS WINTER WARMER (Please book)

Please see 2nd December for details.


Wednesday 17th December

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.


Friday 19th December

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: 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 (TR 303 417).


Saturday 20th December 2.00pm

A FREE DOWN FLING

From Ringwould through Oxneybottom Wood and across the Free Down. One steep hill. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Five Bells public house, Ringwould, near Deal (TR 360 482). DISTANCE: 3.75 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3.


Sunday 21st December

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).


Sunday 21st December 1.00pm

SPINNEY WOODS WINTER WONDERLAND (Green Gang)

A short walk (30 minutes) around Spinney Wood to learn a little about ancient woodland and traditional coppice management. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07899 758748). MEET: Entrance to Spinney Wood, Wilcox Close, off Cooting Road, Aylesham (TR 228 519). DISTANCE: 0.5 mile (30 minutes). GRADE: 2


Sunday 21st December 10.00am

SANDWICH BAY

A gentle walk to Sandwich Bay 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, 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 21st December 2.00pm

WINTER SOLSTICE AT THE HOE

Join in a walk around the Hoe on the shortest day of the year. Discover what causes the seasons to change, and the impact of global warming. Donations 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 (TR294 391). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 1


Tuesday 23rd December 12noon - 1.00pm

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL GUIDED WALK (Please book)

Guided walk at White Cliffs followed by turkey & cranberry sandwich, minced pie and hot drink/mulled wine. Maximum 20, pre-booking advisable. CHARGE: £6.85 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: 1 mile (1 hour). GRADE: 3 NO DOGS.


Saturday 27th December 2.00pm

SAMPHIRE HOE WALK

A healthy walk around Samphire Hoe. You will have the chance to test your fitness with information about how to improve your fitness and health. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182). MEET: Office, Samphire Hoe, near Dover (clearly signposted off A20 from Dover to Folkestone) (TR 294 392). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2


Sunday 28th December 2.00pm

FOLKESTONE WARREN WALK

A healthy walk along the coast to the East Cliff and Warren Country Park. You will have the chance to test your fitness with information about how to improve your fitness and health. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182). MEET: Tourist Information Centre, Folkestone Harbour (TR 233 360) DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3


Tuesday 30th December 12noon - 1.00pm

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL GUIDED WALK (Please book)

Please see 23rd December for details.


Wednesday 31st December

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: HEDGELAYING WORKSHOP, CRETE ROAD WEST

This is a great opportunity for local landowners and any other interested people to come along and learn all about this ancient hedgerow management technique. Veteran hedgelayer Allan Rogers will be teaching us about pleachers, withies and bindings using tools such as billhooks and slashers. This is a joint project run between HEdGe (Hawkinge Environment Group) and White Cliffs Countryside Project. MEET: 10.30am at the start of Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 221 384).