News

An afternoon walk in the beautiful Alkham Valley with stories about wildlife and history including visiting the site of St Radigund’s Abbey. More details and all this month's event are listed below.....

FEBRUARY 2009 DIARY

Sunday 1st February

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 1st February 2.00pm

HEDGEROW DETECTIVE

An afternoon walk to learn about the history of hedgerows along with stories about traditional uses and folklore of hedge plants. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07885 599182). MEET: Car park, Lyminge Library, Station Road, Lyminge, near Folkestone (TR 165 411). DISTANCE: 3 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3


Tuesday 3rd February

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 4th February

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

Clearing young scrub regrowth from the lower slopes of Castle Hill. MEET: 10.15am at the bottom of Castle Hill, off M20 junction 13, Folkestone (TR 210 377).


Thursday 5th February

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: COPPICING, SPINNEY WOOD

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 entranvce to Spinney Wood, Aylesham (TR 230 516).


Saturday 7th February 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.


Saturday 7th February 2.00pm

CIRCULAR WALK FROM EYTHORNE TO TILMANSTONE

Pleasant country walk across fields from Eythorne. Looking at Tilmanstone village and maybe seeing snowdrops in the woods. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Monkton Court Lane, Upper Eythorne (TR 288 493). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3.


Sunday 8th February

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 8th February 2.00pm

GRAND SHAFT AND DROP REDOUBT WALK (Please book)

A brisk stroll around the hidden Napoleonic defences of the Western Heights - see the Grand Shaft, the site of the barracks and get the opportunity for a brief look at the town from within the Drop Redoubt. Please wear sensible footwear. Numbers are limited so please e-mail walks@doverpast.co.uk to book your place. All places are pre-book only. CHARGE: £3 adults, accompanied children free. LEADER: Jeff Howe and Paul Wells, Western Heights Preservation Society (07771 550730). MEET: St Martin’s Battery car park, South Military Road, Dover (TR 314 407). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3 (steep steps).


Tuesday 10th February

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).


Wednesday 11th February

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 (signposted 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 12th February

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

Clearing scrub regrowth from the upper slopes of Round Hill, to continue reclaiming the ancient grassland for wildlife. MEET: 10.15am at the start of Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 221 384).


Saturday 14th February 2.00pm

ASH AMBLE 3

Through fields and orchards to Upper Goldstone, a short section of the Stour Valley Way, and Paramour Street. Returning past Great Knell farm to Weddington and Ash. Please bring water to drink. 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: 4.5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 2/3.


Sunday 15th February

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: FAMILY SCRUB CLEARING, 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).


Sunday 15th February 2.00pm

HOE HISTORY- A STORY OF LOVE, WAR AND MUCH MORE

Join in a walk around the Hoe to discover the fascinating history of the area. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt (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: 1


Sunday 15th February 2.00pm

WINTER WARREN LAND

A wonder through the warren undercliff looking at the wildlife already starting to stir after the winter rest. 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.


Sunday 15th February 2.00pm

A PEBBLE WALK

Take a gentle stroll on a circular walk around the vast, flat expanse of the Dungeness National Nature Reserve from Lade to Lydd-on-sea and back along the Greatstone Beach. Look for the vast array of wildlife which we can find on the shingle and across the mud - in this delightful corner of Kent. 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/Sands) (TR 085 208). DISTANCE: 3 miles (4.5km) (2.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (beach)


Tuesday 17th February

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

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


Wednesday 18th February

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)


Wednesday 18th February 1.00pm

A LUNCHTIME STROLL AROUND SPINNEY WOODS

A short (30 minutes) stroll around the ancient woodland of Spinney Wood to learn a little about the wildlife and history of the woodland and try the traditional art of coppicing. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07899 758748). MEET: MEET: Entrance to Spinney Wood, Wilcox Close, off Cooting Road, Aylesham (TR 228 519). DISTANCE: 1 mile (0.5 hour). GRADE: 2


Wednesday 18th February 10.30am

WILDLIFE DETECTIVE AGENCY - FAMILY EVENT (Please book)

By reading natures clues we can discover a wealth of winter wildlife around the reserve. We will spend some of the morning investigating owl pellets! Booking essential. 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 19th February

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: FAMILY 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).


Thursday 19th February 7.30pm

ILLUSTRATED TALK: THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF FUNGI

An illustrated talk on fungi by Irene and John Palmer, who have been photographing fungi for many years. 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 20th February

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SEA BUCKTHORN CUTTING, GREATSTONE DUNES, NEW ROMNEY

We will be cutting sea buckthorn shrubs which are spreading on the Greatstone Dunes Site of Special Scientific Interest, threatening rare species of plants. Although we are next to the car park, it is exposed and will probably be cold! MEET: 9.30am Dover, 9.50am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.15am Red Lion Hotel, Hythe, 10.30am Ocean Inn, Dymchurch, 10.40am Cinque Port Arms pub, New Romney or 10.45am at Varne Boat Club car park, next to Littlestone Lifeboat (TR 083 235).


Friday 20th February 10.30 am - 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm

BIRDWATCHING EXPLORE AND MAKE DAY - FAMILY EVENT (Please book)

Join our field teachers to find some of our winter visitors and then spend some time working on crafts inspired by our finds. Equipment, materials and supervision provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 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.


Saturday 21st February 2.00pm

IN SEARCH OF ELHAM’S SECRET STREAM

Circular walk from Elham church and back via Acrise passing fertile fields and a lush green valley. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Rod and Mavis of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Elham church (TR 177 438). DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.


Sunday 22nd February

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB COPPICING, ROUND HILL, FOLKESTONE

Continuing on from previous years to coppice a large block of mostly black thorn scrub, on the eastern side of Round Hill. The aim being to create a mixed age block of scrub, ideal for birds to nest in. MEET: 10.15am at the start of Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 221 384)


Sunday 22nd February 2.00pm

SNOWDROP WALK

An afternoon walk in the beautiful Alkham Valley with stories about wildlife and history including visiting the site of St Radigund’s Abbey. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182) MEET: Café, Kearney Abbey Gardens, Kearsney, Dover (TR 288 438). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 4 (two steep hills).


Tuesday 24th February

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


Wednesday 25th February

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 26th February

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 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.


Friday 27th February

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB CLEARANCE, HILL’S RESERVOIR, FOLKESTONE

We will be cutting small scrub and raking cuttings from areas of the grassland around Hill’s Reservoir which is rich in wildlife. MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wood Avenue or 10.15am Hills Reservoir (top of Castle Hill), Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 213 382).


Friday 27th February 7.30pm

ILLUSTRATED TALK: AN INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING

A practical demonstration by Roy Pearson from Dover and District Beekeepers on all aspects of keeping bees. 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 28th February 2.00pm

COLDRED, SHEPHERDSWELL, EYTHORNE

Starting near Coldred church and walking thro’ part of the Waldershare estate to Eythorne and returning via the outskirts of Shepherdswell. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Near St. Pancras church, Coldred (TR 274 476). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.