News

Here is a list of the December events organised by the White Cliffs Countryside Project.

Wednesday 2nd December
RIDE CREATION, WHINLESS DOWN, DOVER
Maintaining the butterfly ride on the lower slopes at Whinless Down. We shall be having a bonfire to clear the vegetation. LEADER: Paul Sampson, 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). (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).

Thursday 3rd December
SCRUB CLEARING, FOLKESTONE WARREN
Clearing scrub from alongside paths near 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 4th December
HELPING THE HOE, SAMPHIRE HOE, DOVER
There is always plenty to do at the Hoe, it could include path clearing, beaching clean or erosion control. For more information call Steve Walker on 01304 225649 or 07789 758748. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road,10.00am Dover or 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.

TWENTY YEARS OLD
The White Cliffs Countryside Project celebrates its twentieth year of operation this weekend.

Saturday 5th December
HEDGE PLANTING AT SANDWICH
We will be joining local people to plant a new hedge around new allotments at Sandwich. Please telephone to confirm details. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am Sandwich Guildhall (TR 329 582).

Saturday 5th December 2.00pm
COLLYER'S COMPANIONS XMAS LUNCH (Please book)
Join us at the Kings Arms in Sandwich for lunch or a snack or just pop in later for a drink. Please book on one of the previous walks. LEADER: All of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Kings Arms pub, Strand Street, Sandwich CT13 9HN. NO DOGS

Saturday 5th December 7.00pm
HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY WCCP! (Please book)
Come and celebrate with us at a joint 20th birthday and volunteer Christmas party celebrations. There will be a slide show, table quizzes and a raffle. Bring along any photos you have from the last 20 years! A hot and cold buffet will be provided, but please bring food to share. Please telephone to let us know you are coming or if you would like a lift to the hall. LEADER: White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: Alkham village hall, Hogbrook Hill Lane, Alkham, Dover (TR 258 421).

Sunday 6th December
FOOTPATH CLEARING, WHINLESS DOWN
Maintaining the butterfly rides on the lower slopes at Whinless Down. We shall be having a bonfire to clear the vegetation. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley and Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706990). MEET: 10.00am Folkestone, 10.10am Wingate Road, 10.30am Dover or 10.45am Elms Vale Recreation Ground car park, Elms Vale Road, off Folkestone Road, Dover (TR 298 414). Please note later pick-up times.

Sunday 6th 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. Shovelers, goldeneyes and smew are just some of the species that should 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: RSPB Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness, Lydd (TR 068 185). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.

Sunday 6th December 2.00pm TWENTY
SHAKESPEARE CLIFF A PEOPLE'S HISTORY
Join in a gentle walk around the Hoe to hear some of the stories and memories of local people who we recorded as part of the ‘Shakespeare Cliff A People’s History’ project. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649). MEET: Site Management Office, Samphire Hoe, near Dover (clearly signposted off A20 from Dover to Folkestone) (TR 294 392). DISTANCE: 2 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 1

Tuesday 8th December
SCRUB CLEARING, WHINLESS DOWNS
Maintaining the butterfly rides on the lower slopes at Whinless Down. We shall be having a bonfire to clear 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 Elms Vale Recreation Ground car park, Elms Vale Road, off Folkestone Road, Dover (TR 298 414).

Wednesday 9th December FAAF
COPPICING, SPINNEY WOOD, AYLESHAM
We continue our coppicing work in this popular woodland where we will be coppicing areas to benefit the fantastic flora this wood supports to cut stakes and binders for hedgelaying. We will also be looking for signs of dormice. LEADER: Steve Walker, WCCP (07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.20am at the Spinney Lane entrance to Spinney Wood, Aylesham (TR 230 516).

Thursday 10th December
HELPING THE HOE, SAMPHIRE HOE, DOVER
There is always plenty to do a the Hoe, it could include erosion control, bramble and sea buckthorn cutting or a beach clean. LEADER: Paul Holt, WCCP (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.

Friday 11th December
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).

HERITAGE COAST
Join a walk in the South Foreland and Dover-Folkestone Heritage Coasts.

Saturday 12th December 11.00am
BITTERN SAFARI (Please book)
Please see 8th November for details.

Saturday 12th December 2.00pm
A FREEDOWN FLING
From Ringwould through Oxney Bottom Woods and across Freedown. Please bring water. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Five Bells pub, Ringwould (TR 360 482). DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 13th December
CHRISTMAS TASK, HILLS RESERVOIR, FOLKESTONE
We will be cutting small scrub and from areas of the grassland which are rich in wildlife. We will then move on at lunchtime to our Cherry Garden office at the bottom of the hill for the traditional winter barbecue and a few mince pies. 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 13th December 2.00pm
XMAS IS COMING TO SAMPHIRE HOE
A walk to find out about the amazing effect the winter weather has on the wildlife and the landscape of this beautiful place. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649 or 07899 758748). 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

Wednesday 16th December
COPPICING, SPINNEY WOOD, AYLESHAM
We continue our coppicing work in this popular woodland where we will be coppicing areas to benefit the fantastic flora this wood supports and to cut stakes and binders for hedgelaying. We will also be looking for signs of dormice. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.20am at the Spinney Lane entrance to Spinney Wood, Aylesham (TR 230 516).

Thursday 17th December 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).
Friday 18th December 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 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 or 10.40am at New Romney Warren car park, off the St Mary’s Bay to New Romney road (A259) (TR 078 261).

CHRISTMAS GREEN GANG
Join a relaxing walk to escape the Christmas rush. There is also a special programme of activities for children and their families that has been organised for the Christmas school holidays. The full programme can be found in the free Green Gang magazine which is available from local visitor information centres, local libraries or the WCCP (01304 241806). Please note that children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Saturday 19th December 2.00pm
BRIDGE TO PATRIXBOURNE
Circular walk past converted oast houses. Walk the North Downs Way past St. Mary's church in Patrixbourne. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Margaret of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: By the church, Bridge Hill, Bridge, near Canterbury (TR 184 541). DISTANCE: 3.25 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2

Sunday 20th December
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). Donation appreciated. 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 20th December 2.00pm TWENTY
HOLLY & IVY WALK
An afternoon walk around Reinden to learn more about trees and their traditional uses and Christmas legends. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, WCCP (01304 241806 or 07885 599182) MEET: Hawkinge Village Hall, Canterbury Road, Hawkinge (TR 216 398) Please park along Canterbury and not in the village hall car park. DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2

Tuesday 22nd December
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).

Tuesday 22nd December 12noon
CHRISTMAS GUIDED WALK (Please book)
A gentle walk around the White Cliffs site, highlighting features and history, followed by turkey and cranberry sandwiches, mince pies and hot drinks in the coffee shop. Maximum 20 people, so pre booking essential. CHARGE: £7 per person. LEADER: National Trust (01304 202756). MEET: White Cliffs Visitor Centre, Upper Road, Langdon Cliffs, Dover (TR 335 422). DURATION: 1 hour.

Wednesday 23rd December
COPPICING, SPINNEY WOOD, AYLESHAM
We continue our coppicing work in this popular woodland where we will be coppicing areas to benefit the fantastic flora this wood supports and to cut stakes and binders for hedgelaying. We will also be looking for signs of dormice. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.20am at the Spinney Lane entrance to Spinney Wood, Aylesham (TR 230 516).
A Merry Christmas to everyone.

CHRISTMAS WALKS
Walk off your Christmas dinner on one of these walks.

Saturday 26th December 2.00pm
SAMPHIRE HOE STROLL FOR BOXING DAY
Come along for a gentle stroll around Samphire Hoe to blow away the cobwebs, get some welcome exercise and appreciate this beautiful wildlife site. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649 or 07899 758748). 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 27th December 2.00pm TWENTY
LYMINGE FOREST WALK
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

Monday 28th December 2.00pm
BILINGUAL TREE TRAIL ORIENTEERING (Green Gang)
Burn off the Christmas calories as you discover the Tree Trail around the beautiful Whinless Down and learn some of the names of the trees in French too! Small prize for all children who participate. Please wear warm clothing and footwear with good grip. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706990). MEET: Elms Vale Recreation Ground car park, Elms Vale Road, off Folkestone Road, Dover (TR 298 414). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1 hour). GRADE: 4

Tuesday 29th December 12noon
CHRISTMAS GUIDED WALK
Please see 22nd December for details.

Tuesday 29th December 2.00pm
WINTER STRANDING AT SAMPHIRE HOE (Green Gang)
Come along and discover what the winter storms have washed up on the beach at Samphire Hoe. If the weather is kind to us we will try and make a beach mobile to take home. 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

Wednesday 30th December
SCRUB CLEARING, WHINLESS DOWNS
Bring the family and enjoy a day cutting back scrub and vegetation on the last task of the year. We shall be working on the lower slopes at Whinless Down. Tea and cakes provided. 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).

Wednesday 30th December 2.00pm
WINTER WONDER WANDER (Green Gang)
On this walk we shall look back to the ghost of Hawkinge past. What clues are there in the countryside? What stories are there lurking in the landscape? Donation appreciated. 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: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Happy New Year to everyone