News

A gentle stroll along the Royal Military Canal to Palmarsh from the other direction. This is an opportunity to discover some of the canal’s wildlife and the terrain is flat and should be fine for easy walking. More details and all this month's event are listed below.....

JANUARY 2009 DIARY

Saturday 3rd January 11.00am

NEW YEAR BIRDING (Please book)

Get your New Year’s list off to a flying start in the company of one of our expert staff.

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 4th January

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: 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).


Sunday 4th January 1.00pm

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY

A short (30 minutes) walk to discover what is happening in the ancient woodland of Coombe Wood. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 / 07899 758748). MEET: Coombe Wood, Coombe Wood Lane, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 223 397). DISTANCE: 1 miles (0.5 hour). GRADE: 3


Sunday 4th January 1.30pm

ELHAM VALLEY WAY WALK

A walk over Breach Downs and along a stretch of the Elham Valley Way. LEADER: Len Wilson, Shepway Footpaths Preservation Society (01303 893126). MEET: Park at Denton, by Jackdaw pub (TR 216 472). DISTANCE: 6 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3


Sunday 4th January 2.00pm

NEW YEAR WALK, LOWER LEAS, FOLKESTONE

A gentle stroll through the Lower Leas Coastal Park to blow away some of those New Year cobwebs. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Philip Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: On the Leas, opposite The Grand and Metropole Hotels, Folkestone (TR 217 353). DISTANCE: 3 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3.


Tuesday 6th January

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

We are clearing scrub from along footpaths for the benefit of wildlife as well as walkers on this dramatic Local Nature Reserve. MEET: 10.15am St Martin’s Battery, South Military Hill, Western Heights, Dover (TR 314 407).


Wednesday 7th January

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).


Thursday 8th January

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 with magnificent views over Dover. MEET: 10.15am at the top of Noah’s Ark Road, opposite the Boys Grammar school, Dover (TR 303 417).


Sunday 11th January 2.00pm

EAST CLIFF ODDITIES – THEN AND NOW

A circuit around the outside of Dover’s main fortress to see the other historical sights that skirt around the Famous Castle. See the site of Bleriot’s 1909 landing, the development of the Eastern Docks at the turn of the 1900’s, the Royal Naval Seaplane Station and much more! Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Wells and Jeff Howe for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: At the St James’s Church ruins, Woolcomber Street, Dover) (TR 323 416). DISTANCE: 2.5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3


Tuesday 13th January

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING AND PATH WORK, NEW ROMNEY WARREN

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.


Wednesday 14th January

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 15th January

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.


Thursday 15th January 7.30pm

ILLUSTRATED TALK: 200 YEARS OF BRITISH BREEDING BIRDS

A fun and informative evening with audience participation during about how the breeding populations of Britain’s birds have changed since 1800. 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.


Saturday 17th January 10.00am - 4.00pm

GULLS WORKSHOP (Please book)

This workshop is designed to help people learn more about gulls; 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 17th January 2.00pm

EAST LANGDON TO GUSTON

Over Poison Down to Pineham then on the Roman Road until branching off to go through Guston and back over Famine Down. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: The Village Green, East Langdon, near Dover (TR 334 462). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2/3. Dogs on leads.


Sunday 18th January

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 18th January 11.00am

WINTER WILDFOWL GUIDED WALK (Please book)

Dungeness is an excellent place to see wildfowl in the winter months. 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 18th January 2.00pm

WINTER WALK ON THE WHITE CLIFFS

An easy afternoon walk around part of the Frontline Britain Trail to discover the history and wildlife of the South Foreland Valley and St Margaret’s Bay. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 / 07885 599182). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3


Tuesday 20th January

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 21st January

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING, FOLKESTONE WARREN

Clearing scrub to reclaim areas of grassland in this area of Heritage Coast. MEET: 10.15am at the Pavilion car park, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 239 365). Then driving off to the work site.


Thursday 22nd January

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.


Saturday 24th January 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 24th January 2.00pm

ADISHAM TO ILEDEN

Walking through woodlands and using part of the long distance North Downs Way path. Beautiful views over Barham Downs and also the Isle of Thanet on a clear day. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Up the road from Woodlands Farm, parking on verge, Adisham (TR 223 537). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.


Sunday 25th January

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARING, 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 25th January 2.00pm

LIFE IN THE WET LANE

A gentle stroll along the Royal Military Canal to Palmarsh from the other direction. This is an opportunity to discover some of the canal’s wildlife and the terrain is flat and should be fine for easy walking. Donation appreciated LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). mail@rmcp.co.uk MEET: Car Park, West Hythe, bottom of Lympne Hill TR 125 344. DISTANCE: 2 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 2.


Tuesday 27th January

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 28th January

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).


Thursday 29th January

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


Saturday 31st January 2.00pm

BARFRESTON, NONINGTON AND FREDVILLE

A pleasant winter walk with views of parkland. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Road below Barfreston church (TR 264 502). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3.