News

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

Sunday 1st November 2.00pm TWENTY
WARREN DISCOVERY WALK 2
A walk along the famous white cliffs and the eastern half of 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. This is the second of two discovery walks; the first was held on Sunday 25th October. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182) MEET: Clifftop Café, Old Dover Road, Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone (TR 254 385). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours) GRADE: 4 (steps).

Sunday 1st November
SCRUB CLEAR, SOUTH FORELAND VALLEY, ST MARGARET’S-AT-CLIFFE
We will be helping local volunteers to continue clearing scrub from this important chalk grassland Site of Special Scientific Interest. We will also be working on improving footpaths this winter. LEADER: Paul Willmott, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706991) MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Dover, 10.15am Outside Pines Gardens or 10.20am Water trough, Goodwin Road, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe (TR 363 438).

Sunday 1st November 2.00pm
SHRIMPING AND BAIT DIGGING AT DUNGENESS (Green Gang)
Join a guided walk to the fishing boats on Dungeness Beach to see a bait digging and a shrimping demonstration. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Old lighthouse, Dungeness. DISTANCE: 3 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (shingle)

Wednesday 4th November
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 5th November WELLIES FAAF
FENCE REPAIRS AND SCRUB CLEARING, NEW ROMNEY WARREN
We will be cutting back vegetation and repairing fencing to allow animals to graze the site in order to maintain the wildlife interest. LEADER: Mark Tuson, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367 934 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 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.

Friday 6th November FAAF WELLIES
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).

AUTUMN COLOUR
Join a walk to explore the autumn colours of the countryside.

Saturday 7th November 2.00pm
GUILTON TO BARNSOLE
A scenic walk starting from Poulters Lane down through the valley to Barnsole skirting Staple and back to Guilton. Please wear boots and bring water. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Rod & Mavis of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Volunteer Inn (please do not park in Inn car park), The Street, Guilton (TR 583 281). DISTANCE: 3.5 - 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 8th November
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.

Sunday 8th November 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: £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: RSPB Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness, Lydd (TR 068 185). DISTANCE: DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS

Sunday 8th November 1.00pm TWENTY
AUTUMN IN THE FOLKESTONE WARREN
A wander in the Folkestone Warren looking at the autumn Colours and any wildlife still active. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Philip Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706993). 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

Tuesday 10th November
VEGETATION CLEARING, CLARENDON, WESTERN HEIGHTS
Clearing brambles and associated scrub near the 'piggy steps' on Clarendon Field. 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 Cut-off car park, North Military Road, Dover (TR 313 411).

Wednesday 11th November 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 12th November
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 at Folkestone, 9.40am at Wingate Road, 10.00amDover or 10.30am, outside 76 -78 St. David's Avenue, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 305 402)..

Friday 13th November
SCRUB CLEARING, SUGARLOAF HILL, FOLKESTONE
Scrub clearing on the middle slope of Sugarloaf Hill, to reclaim some of this internationally important chalk grassland. 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 far end of Holywell Avenue (by kissing gate into field), Folkestone (TR 224 377).
VOLUNTEER WEEKEND
Come along and join with French volunteers working with us to conserve the countryside.
Saturday 14th November WELLIES
SCRUB CLEARANCE AT GIBBIN’S BROOK, SELLINDGE
The French volunteers will be joining us to clear an area of scrub that is shading the orchids of Gibbin’s Brook. 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).

Saturday 14th November 11.00am
WINTER WILDFOWL & WADERS
Watch the spectacle of thousands of birds flying in to roost as the tide comes in. Please wrap up warmly. Donations welcome. LEADER: Tony Swandale, Kent Wildlife Trust (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 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 1. Dogs on leads.

Saturday 14th November 2.00pm
A WINGHAM WANDER
Walking over Neavy Downs to Bossington, through Broome Wood and return via Wingham Well. Water meadow to walk through. Please bring water. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village car park, Wingham (TR 574 246). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 15th November WELLIES FAAF
COPPICING, HAMSTREET WOODS NNR
A chance to coppice along one of the woodland rides, part of Hamstreet Woods National Nature Reserve. 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 11.00am Bournewood car park, at the end of Bourne Lane (the entrance to Hamstreet Wood NNR) (TR 004 338). Please bring wellies.

Sunday 15th November 2.00pm
FUNGI FORAY AT LYMINGE FOREST
Come and discover some of the huge range of fascinating fungi that can be found at Lyminge Forest. Please bring a magnifying glass if you have one. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Martin Newcombe for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01233 720229). MEET: Car park, West Wood, Lyminge Forest (TR 141 439). Driving along Stone Street B2068 towards Canterbury, turn right at Six Mile Garage and you will find the car park on your right hand side about 800 metres along the country lane. DISTANCE: 1 mile (2.5 hours). GRADE: 2

Tuesday 17th November FAAF
SCRUB CLEARING & SITE MAINTENANCE, HIGH MEADOW, DOVER
We will be cutting scrub, improving footpaths or other maintenance work on Dover’s newest Local Nature Reserve. 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 at the top of Noah’s Ark Road, opposite the Boys Grammar school, Dover (TR 303 417).
Wednesday 18th November
VEGETATION CLEARING, CLARENDON, WESTERN HEIGHTS
Clearing brambles and associated scrub near the 'piggy steps' on Clarendon Field. 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 Cut-off car park, North Military Road, Dover (TR 313 411).

Thursday 19th November
SCRUB CLEARING, FOLKESTONE WARREN
Clearing scrub alongside a footpath around the back of the Little Switzerland camp site. 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 Little Switzerland cafe, off Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 242 377).

Friday 20th November
SCRUB CLEARING, HILL’S RESERVOIR, FOLKESTONE
We will be clearing scrub from around the reservoir to protect and enhance the wildlife of the chalk grassland which is rich in orchids and insects. 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).

NOVEMBER WALKS
Join an easy afternoon walk in November.

Saturday 21st November 10.00am - 4.30pm
FAMILY DAY AT DOVER MUSEUM
Adults and children alike can design and make their own miniature Roman shield. Drop in at any time. CHARGE: Normal admission rate to museum. Free for Dover District residents. LEADER: Kim Norton, Dover Museum (01304 201066). MEET: Dover Museum, Market Square, Dover CT16 1PB.

Saturday 21st November 2.00pm
EACH END, MARSHBOROUGH, WOODNESBOROUGH
Join our friendly group on a relaxing autumn walk to Woodnesborough. Please bring water to drink. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Each End lay-by (Ash bypass) (TR 305 585). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 22nd November
STEP REPAIRS, COWGATE STEPS, WESTERN HEIGHTS, DOVER
Replacing wooden step boards, cutting back vegetation and generally tidying up this entrance to the Western Heights. 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 Albany Place car park (please collect parking permit from leader), Dover (TR 318 413).

Sunday 22nd November 2.00pm TWENTY
SAMPHIRE HOE EYES TO THE SKIES
Have you ever noticed a sun dog or a halo? Join in a walk to discover some of the strange weather effects that can be seen in Kent. 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 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2

Tuesday 24th November
STEP REPAIRS, COWGATE STEPS, WESTERN HEIGHTS, DOVER
Replacing wooden step boards, cutting back vegetation and generally tidying up this entrance to the Western Heights. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, WCCP (07880 706990). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am Albany Place car park (please collect parking permit from leader), Dover (TR 318 413).

Wednesday 25th November FAAF
HEDGE PLANTING, HAWKINGE
Come and help plant a brand new hedge at the new allotments in Hawkinge. 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 Stombers Lane Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 225 408).

Thursday 26th November WELLIES 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).

Friday 27th November 7.30pm
ILLUSTRATED TALK: OTTERS OF SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
An illustrated talk on otters of South East England by Jon Bramley, formerly Otter Officer for Kent Wildlife Trust and Sussex Wildlife Trust. CHARGE: £2.50 including refreshments. LEADER: Pauline Bateson, Kent Wildlife Trust (01304 853503). MEET: The Salvation Army Hall, Portland Road, Hythe, CT21 6EG.

NATIONAL TREE WEEK
Discover more about our trees and woodlands this week with the chance to plant a tree.

Saturday 28th November 11.00am
BIRDWATCHING FOR BEGINNERS GUIDED WALK (Please book)
A guided walk especially aimed at those new to bird watching. 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: RSPB Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness, Lydd (TR 068 185). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS

Saturday 28th November 2.00pm
SANDWICH TO RICHBOROUGH FORT
A gentle trail from Sandwich town up to Richborough Fort and back. Please wear boots and bring water. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Rod & Mavis of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Richborough Road (off Ash Road), Sandwich (TR 586 326). DISTANCE: 3 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 29th November
SCRUB CLEARING, FOLKESTONE DOWNS
Clearing scrub regrowth from the upper slopes (we come in from the top!) of Holywell, to continue reclaiming the grassland. 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).

Sunday 29th November 2.00pm TWENTY
TREE WALK AROUND LYMINGE FOREST
An easy afternoon walk to learn about the trees of Lyminge Forest. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Leonie Seymour, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07939 569138). MEET: Car park, West Wood, Lyminge Forest (TR 141 439). Driving along Stone Street B2068 towards Canterbury, turn right at Six Mile Garage and you will find the car park on your right hand side about 800 metres along the country lane. DISTANCE: 3 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2