News

Check out the September events organised by the White Cliffs Countryside Project.

AUTUMN WALKS
Join a walk this weekend to discover the wonderful autumn countryside.
Thursday 1st October
SCRUB & PATHS, HIGH MEADOW, DOVER
Pushing back dense scrub encroaching onto paths. LEADER: Paul Willmott, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706991). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am Noah’s Ark Road (opposite the Boys Grammar School), Tower Hamlets, Dover (TR 303 418).

Saturday 3rd October 2.00pm
PRESTON & THE DEERSON VALLEY
Walking out from Preston we will return along the Stour. Please bring water to drink. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village Hall car park, Mill Lane, Preston (TR 245 605). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 4th October
RIDE CREATION, WHINLESS DOWNS
Maintaining the butterfly rides on the lower slopes at Whinless Down. We shall be having a bonfire to clear the vegetation. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am Elms Vale Recreation Ground car park, Elms Vale Road, off Folkestone Road, Dover (TR 298 414).

Sunday 4th October 11.00am - 1.00pm
AUTUMN MIGRATION GUIDED WALK (Please book)
Summer visitors will be on their way out and winter birds may be arriving. Slavonian grebe, migrating thrushes, waders and warblers might all be seen. Booking essential. CHARGE: £6 adults, £4 for concessions and £3 for children. There is a 50% discount on events for RSPB and Wildlife Explorer members. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness, Lydd (TR 068 185). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS

Sunday 4th October 2.00pm TWENTY
AUTUMN ON THE DOWNS
A walk over the Folkestone Downs in search of any wildlife still flying, flowering or fruiting. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Philip Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706993). MEET: At the bottom of Castle Hill, off M20 Junction 13, Folkestone (TR 210 394). DISTANCE: 2.5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 4

Tuesday 6th October
HELPING THE HOE, SAMPHIRE HOE, DOVER
There is always plenty to do at the Hoe, it could include erosion control, bramble and sea buckthorn cutting or a beach clean. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover 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.

Wednesday 7th October FAAF
SCRUB CLEARING, AYCLIFFE, WESTERN HEIGHTS
Continuing to create the butterfly rides on the lower slopes of the Western Heights. We shall be having a bonfire to clear up the vegetation. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am outside 76 -78 St. David's Avenue, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 305 402).

Thursday 8th October WELLIES
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 eleven years now and recent studies have seen a rich assemblage of beetles as well in the ponds. Please note the earlier pickup times. . LEADER: Mark Tuson, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07971 276698). MEET: 9.00am Dover, 9.20am Wood Avenue, 9.30am Folkestone, 9.45am Red Lion Hotel Hythe, 10.00am Ocean Inn Dymchurch, 10.15am Cinque Port Arms pub New Romney or 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.

AUTUMN WILDLIFE WALKS
Discover the wildlife that can be seen at this time of year.

Saturday 10th October & Sunday 11th October
CONSERVATION WEEKEND IN FRANCE (Please book)
We will be joining French volunteers to work on a conservation project in northern France. Booking essential as places will be limited. Contact WCCP (01304 241806) for further information and to book a place.

Saturday 10th October 11.00am
RAILWAY GUIDED WALK (Please book)
Discover the forgotten industrial railways of the White Cliffs. Enjoy a ramble while learning about the unlikely railways that traversed this beautiful place. Limited spaces so pre booking advisable. Normal car park fees apply. Booking advisable. LEADER: National Trust (01304 202756). MEET: White Cliffs Visitor Centre, Upper Road, Langdon Cliffs, Dover (TR 335 422). DISTANCE: 5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 10th October 1.30pm
AUTUMN GUIDED WALK AT DUNGENESS (Please book)
Join us for an autumn wildlife walk around the reserve’s nature trail. Booking essential. CHARGE: £6 adults, £4 for concessions and £3 for children (50% discount on events for RSPB and Wildlife Explorer members). LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: RSPB Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness, Lydd (TR 068 185). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS

Saturday 10th October 2.00pm
PILGRIMAGE TO BARFRESTONE
From Shepherdswell to the Norman Church at Barfrestone, 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: Shepherdswell Railway Station (TR 257 482). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 11th October
COMMUNITY COPPICING, COOMBE WOOD, HAWKINGE
Traditional coppicing of ancient woodland to benefit wildlife. We will also be looking for signs of dormice. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am the far end of Coombe Wood Lane, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 223 397).

Sunday 11th October 2.00pm
ALKHAM VALLEY WALK
A walk through the lovely Alkham Valley with some hills. LEADER: Len Wilson, Shepway Footpaths Preservation Society (01303 893126). MEET: Car park, Kearsney Abbey Gardens, Alkham Valley Road, Dover (TR 287 438). DISTANCE: 5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 11th October 2.00pm TWENTY
DOZY DORMICE OF LYOAK WOOD
Discover the ancient woodland around the village of Lydden and find out about the elusive dormice that will soon be hibernating for the winter. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Mark Tuson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07971 276698) MEET: Car park at the Lydden Bell (please do not park in the pub car park), Canterbury Road, Lydden, near Dover (TR 261 454). DISTANCE: 5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 4 (some steep hills).

Sunday 11th October 2.00pm
CYCLE RIDE: A FRUITY PEDAL ON THE MARSH
This is the last of the guided bike rides on the Romney Marsh in 2009. Join a small friendly bunch of cycling novices on a guided tour. It does not matter what the autumn weather can throw at us, come along in lycra or woolly jumpers to pedal around some quiet rural lanes. Children over 9 with accompanying adult welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Pay and Display car park (opposite Cinque Port Arms), West Street, off the High Street, New Romney (TR 063 247). DISTANCE: 11 miles (2.5 hours).

Tuesday 13th October FAAF
SCRUB CLEARING, GIBBIN’S BROOK, SELLINDGE
We will be clearing scrub from around the wet areas to conserve and enhance the orchids and other wildlife interest of this unusual site. Please bring wellies. LEADER: Leonie Seymour, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07939 569138). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wood Avenue or 10.30am at the pond on Gibbin’s Brook, Brook Lane, off Swan Lane, Sellindge, near Hythe (TR 116 387).

Wednesday 14th October WELLIES FAAF
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! LEADER: Mark Tuson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (07971 276698) MEET: 9.30am Dover, 9.50am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.15am Red Lion Hotel, Hythe, 10.30am Ocean Inn, Dymchurch or 10.40am at New Romney Warren car park, off the St Mary’s Bay to New Romney road (A259) (TR 078 261). Please bring wellies.

Thursday 15th October WELLIES
POND MANAGEMENT, FOLKESTONE WARREN
Cutting vegetation around the edges of a few seasonal ponds in the Folkestone Warren. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706993). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 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.

Friday 16th October
SCRUB CLEARING, AYCLIFFE, WESTERN HEIGHTS
Continuing to create the butterfly rides on the lower slopes of the Western Heights. We shall be having a bonfire to clear up the vegetation. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07773 619121). MEET; 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am, outside 76 - 78 St. David's Avenue, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 305 402).

WHITE CLIFFS COUNTRY
Join a leisurely walk in the countryside around Dover.

Saturday 17th October 2.00pm
SHEPHERDSWELL & WOMENSWOLD WALK
Using part of the long distance North Downs Way path. Varied views and terrain with some wooded stretches. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Top of Church Hill by village green and St. Andrew's Church, Shepherdswell, near Dover (TR 263 478). DISTANCE: 5 miles (2.75 hours). GRADE:3. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 18th October
SCRUB CLEARING, CHERITON HILL, FOLKESTONE
Cutting scrub and gorse from a flattish area at the top of Cheriton Hill. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (07880 706993). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am at the start of Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 221 384). Then driving along the road to the top of Cheriton Hill.

Sunday 18th October 2.00pm TWENTY
SAMPHIRE HOE AND THE MEGA FLOOD
A walk around Samphire Hoe to find out about the fantastic history and wildlife of this beautiful place. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649 or 07899 758748). MEET: Site office, Samphire Hoe, near Dover (clearly signposted off A20 from Dover to Folkestone) (pay and display car park) (TR 294 392). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2

Tuesday 20th October
SCRUB CLEARING, AYCLIFFE, WESTERN HEIGHTS
Continuing to create the butterfly rides on the lower slopes of the Western Heights. We will be having a bonfire to clear up the vegetation. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706990). MEET; 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am, outside 76 - 78 St. David's Avenue, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 305 402).

Wednesday 21st October FAAF
COMMUNITY COPPICING, COOMBE WOOD, HAWKINGE
Traditional coppicing of ancient woodland to benefit wildlife. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am the far end of Coombe Wood Lane, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 223 397).

Thursday 22nd October
SCRUB CLEARING, FOLKESTONE DOWNS
Clearing scrub from a flat area at the base of Holywell & Round Hill. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706993). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am at the bottom of Castle Hill, off M20 Junction 13, Folkestone (TR 210 377). Then driving off into Holywell Field if it's dry enough.

Friday 23rd October 7.30pm
ILLUSTRATED TALK: NORTHUMBERLAND AND THE FARNE ISLANDS
An illustrated talk on Northumberland and The Farne Islands, known for their breeding colonies of seabirds and seals, by Heather Willis, landscape and natural history photographer. LEADER: Pauline Bateson, Kent Wildlife Trust (01304 853503). CHARGE: £2.50 including refreshments. MEET: The Salvation Army Hall, Portland Road, Hythe, CT21 6EG.

GREEN GANG & KENT COASTAL WEEK (24th October - 2nd November)
A special programme of activities for children and their families are organised during the school holidays. The full programme can be found in the free Green Gang magazine, which is available from local libraries, local Tourist Information Centres or from WCCP (01304 241806). Please note that children must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult.
Saturday 24th & Sunday 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. Apple experts will be on hand for consultations and other local produce stalls will be selling their wares. Try your hand at guessing the weight of the pumpkin or finding the maggot! Prizes to be won. LEADER: National Trust (01304 202756). Free event but usual car parking fees apply. MEET: White Cliffs Visitor Centre, Upper Road, Langdon Cliffs, Dover (TR 335 422).

Saturday 24th October 10.30am - 3.30pm
FEED THE BIRDS DAY - FAMILY EVENT
Join us in the classroom to make wildlife feasts to keep your birds fit and healthy through the colder months. Then take a short stroll on our Homes for Wildlife trail to find out how to make your garden friendlier for all wildlife. Activities free but donation for materials appreciated. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: RSPB Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness, Lydd (TR 068 185). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS

Saturday 24th October 2.00pm
GOODNESTONE & NONINGTON WALK
Join our friendly autumn walk from Goodnestone to Nonington via Bonnington. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Goodnestone House car park, Goodnestone (TR 254 544). DISTANCE: 5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 24th October 2.00pm
SAMPHIRE HOE SURVIVOR (Green Gang)
What skill would you need to survive in the wild at a place like Samphire Hoe? Discover different ways of making fire and the plants and animals you could eat. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649). MEET: Site Management Office, Samphire Hoe (Pay and Display car park), Dover (signposted off the A20 when driving from Dover to Folkestone) (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2

Saturday 24th October 6.30pm
MARVELLOUS MOTHS AT FRANK & BETTY'S MEADOW (Green Gang)
Come along to Hawkinge's newest wildlife site to see some marvellous moths and find out how you can search for them in your back garden. Donation appreciated. BRING A TORCH. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: Village Hall, Canterbury Road, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 216 398). Please park along Canterbury Road and not in the village hall car park. DISTANCE: 1 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (night)

Please note clocks go back tonight.

Sunday 25th October
MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY, HILL'S RESERVOIR, FOLKESTONE
Working with staff from Veolia Water Services on Hills Reservoir. We will be cutting small scrub and making cuttings from areas of the grassland which are rich in wildlife. LEADER: Leonie Seymour, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07939 569138). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wood Avenue or 10.15am at Hills Reservoir (top of Castle Hill, Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 213 382).

Sunday 25th October 10.00am
FUNGI WALK AT HAMSTREET (Please book)
Join a fungus expert in an exciting foray of the fungi on the reserve. Please bring outdoor clothing and suitable footwear. Booking needed. LEADER: Natural England (0300 060 4765). MEET: Car park, Hamstreet Woods, off Bourne Road, Hamstreet (TR 004 337). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads

Sunday 25th October 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK AT SANDWICH BAY
A gentle walk guided by nature lovers from Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory. Please bring binoculars, field guides and appropriate footwear. CHARGE: £2.50 per member, £3.50 non-members (children under 16 £1.00). LEADER: Dave Kirkaldie, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory (01304 617341). MEET: Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Field Centre, Guilford Road, Sandwich (TR 354 574) DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.

Sunday 25th October 2.00pm TWENTY
WARREN DISCOVERY WALK 1
A walk through the dramatic landscape of The Warren to discover the history and wildlife of this nationally important site. Your chance to find out more about the proposed future management of the site and how you can help conserve and enhance one of the most important nature reserves in Britain. There will be another walk on Sunday 1st November which will explore the eastern half of The Warren. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, WCCP (01304 241806 or 07885 599182) MEET: The Pavilion, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 239 364) DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours) GRADE: 4 (some steep slopes).

Monday 26th October 2.00pm
BEACH SCULPTURES AT GREATSTONE DUNES (Green Gang)
Come and try out your artistic skills using natural materials from the tide line at Greatstone beach. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Mark Tuson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07971 276698). MEET: Car park (pay and display) opposite the Jolly Fisherman's pub, The Parade, Greatstone (TR 081 229). DISTANCE: 0.5 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (Beach).

Tuesday 27th October FAAF
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. LEADER: Paul Willmott, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706991). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am at the former 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.

Tuesday 27th October 11.00am
ROCKPOOLING AT LOWER LEAS COASTAL PARK (Green Gang)
Come and discover the wildlife of the seashore and go beach combing for treasures. Bring a clean margarine tub to put your finds in. Please wear suitable clothes and shoes with good grip and take great care on the rocks. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706990). MEET: At the amphitheatre, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Folkestone (TR 220 353). DURATION: 2 hours. GRADE: 5 (rocky shore).

Wednesday 28th October 9.00am
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. For more information, including details regarding access for those with disabilities, please phone 07889 822412 or 07747 608292. Donations welcome. LEADER: Jason Mitchell, Biodiversity Warden, Kent Wildlife Trust (07889 822412 or 07747 608292). MEET: Car park, Pegwell Bay Country Park, just south of Cliffsend village on the A256 Ramsgate-Sandwich road (TR 342 635). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 1. Dogs on leads.

Wednesday 28th October
CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE AT HAWKINGE
We will be working to clear footpaths and scrub at Frank & Bettie's Meadow in Hawkinge. We will also be looking for signs of dormice. Sponsored by Hawkinge Parish Council. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am outside the village hall Canterbury Road, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 217 398).

Wednesday 28th October 2.00pm
FOSSIL FORAY (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).

Thursday 29th October FAAF
SEA BUCKTHORN CUTTING, GREATSTONE DUNES, NEW ROMNEY
We will be cutting sea buckthorn shrubs which are spreading on the coastal Greatstone Dunes Site of Special Scientific Interest, threatening rare species of plants. Although we are next to the car park, it is exposed and might be cold! LEADER: Mark Tuson, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07971 276698). 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 083 236).

Thursday 29th October 10.00am - 2.00pm
BUILD A BIRD FEEDER READY FOR THE WINTER (Green Gang) (Please book)
A family event in the hall where we shall be building bird feeders out of willow found growing on and harvested from our wetland area at Gibbins Brook, nr Sellindge. These feeders will be made from the cut down material which is green, bio degradable and sustainable. Easy to make and when made you will be able to take away your creations. We will also be making bird feed fat balls to help your garden birds through the winter. CHARGE: A small charge of £1.50 will be made per item. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07773 619121). MEET: Clarendon and Westbury Community Association Hall, Belgrave Road, Dover. CT17 9RA.

Friday 30th October FAAF
SEA BUCKTHORN CUTTING, GREATSTONE DUNES, NEW ROMNEY
We will be cutting sea buckthorn shrubs which are spreading on the coastal 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! LEADER: Mark Tuson, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07971 276698). 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 083 236).

Friday 30th October 2.00pm
ROCK POOLING AT ST. MARGARET’S (Green Gang)
A family event held at St. Margaret’s Bay. Rock pooling with experts on hand to help with the identification of flora and fauna. Please bring a pond net if you have one and wear suitable footwear. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Nature Table for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01795 535504). MEET: St. Margaret’s Bay car park (Council car park charges apply on the beach side at St. Margaret’s Bay), bottom of Bay Hill, St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover (TR 369 446). DURATION: 2 hours. GRADE: 5 (rocky shore).

Saturday 31st October 10.00am - 4.00pm
PEBBLE OPEN DAY
Help to make a giant pebble mosaic, have a go at pebble art, watch a demonstration of flint knapping and then follow our pebble trail to find out all about Dungeness's pebble story. Free entry. In conjunction with ‘Kent’s Coastal Week. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: RSPB Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness, Lydd (TR 068 185). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS

Saturday 31st October 2.00pm
EASTRY SAFARI
Walking from Heronden to Tickenhurst Shave and skirting Knowlton and Hammill. Please bring water. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village car park, Eastry, near Sandwich (TR 309 548). DISTANCE: 5.5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 31st October 2.30pm
MAKING FISHY LANTERNS AT SAMPHIRE HOE (Green Gang)
Come and make a seashore or smuggler lantern to take along to the evening 'Spooky Pirates Parade' with fishy goings-on at Samphire Hoe. Please come prepared with clothing appropriate for the weather and a picnic and drink before joining the 'Spooky Pirates Parade'. Please bring a jam jar or similar. CHARGE: £2 per lantern. LEADER: Arty Crafty for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649). MEET: Site Management Office, Samphire Hoe (Pay and Display car park), Dover (signposted off the A20 when driving from Dover to Folkestone) (TR 294 391). DURATION: 1.5 hours.

Saturday 31st October 4.00pm
SPOOKY PIRATES AND FISHY LANTERNS AT SAMPHIRE HOE (Green Gang)
Fancy dress competition to start 4.00pm, followed by the Parade with fun and games from approx. 4.30pm. Come along dressed in your best spooky pirates or smuggler costumes. Prizes for the best. Fathom the 'Fishy Goings-on' (fun and games) to discover the treasure lost by 'Black Beard', me hearties! Bring your lantern or torch with you and wear shoes with good grip. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley & Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649). MEET: Site Management Office, Samphire Hoe (pay and display car park), Dover (signposted off the A20 when driving from Dover to Folkestone) (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (night).