News

This is a great opportunity for local landowners and any other interested people to come along and learn all about this ancient hedgerow management technique in Hawkinge. More details and all this month's event are listed below.....

MARCH 2009 DIARY

Sunday 1st March

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: HELPING THE HOE

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 1st March 2.00pm

GREEN ROUTE TO FOLKESTONE DOWNS

An afternoon walk along the green route from Hawkinge to Folkestone Downs, to hear about the wildlife and history of the countryside of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649 / 07899 758748). DISTANCE: 5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3


Tuesday 3rd March

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: SCRUB/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 4th March

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: HEDGELAYING AND WOODLAND CRAFTS, CRETE ROAD WEST, HAWKINGE

This is a great opportunity for local landowners and any other interested people to come along and learn all about this ancient hedgerow management technique. Veteran hedgelayer Allen Rogers will be teaching us about pleachers, withies and bindings using tools such as billhooks and slashers. This is a joint project run between HEdGe (Hawkinge Environment Group) and White Cliffs Countryside Project. MEET: 10.30am at the start of Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 221 384).


Wednesday 4th March 1.00pm

HEDGELAYING FOR BEGINNERS

Drop by at lunchtime to meet the hedgelaying gang and learn about the traditional country skill, with the chance to have a go at hedgelaying. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (07899 758748) MEET: Junction of Crete Road West with Canterbury Hill (A260), Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 222 384). DURATION: 30 minutes.


Thursday 5th March

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.


Thursday 5th March 7.30pm

ILLUSTRATED TALK: DRAGONFLIES OF BRITAIN

An illustrated talk on the identification, distribution and life histories of these amazing insects by John and Gill Brook. 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 7th March 2.00pm

ASH TO MARSHBOROUGH

A walk from Ash to Marshborough passing through the field where the Ringlemere gold cup was found. 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: 5.25 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 2/3.


Sunday 8th March

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: FOOTPATH CREATION & SCRUB CLEARANCE, DOLL’S HOUSE HILL, FOLKESTONE

We will be working to complete the creation of a new footpath from the bottom to the top of Doll’s House Hill, with magnificent views over Folkestone. MEET: 10.15am at the small layby along Danton Lane, Peene, Newington, near Folkestone (TR 192 381).



Sunday 8th March 2.00pm

GRAVE WORDS

A slow walk around Charlton Cemetery stopping to talk about some of the famous, courageous and downright curious people buried there. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Wells and Jeff Howe for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: At the entrance to Charlton Cemetery, Old Charlton Road, Dover (TR 315 305). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.


Tuesday 10th March

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 making 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 11th March

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: HELPING THE HOE, SAMPHIRE HOE

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 12th March

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.


Saturday 14th March 1.45pm

DISCOVER MOREHALL & BROADMEAD

A stroll to discover the history of the Morehall and Cheriton Garden areas of Folkestone. CHARGE: £2 per adult. LEADER: Maureen Criddle for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 275318). MEET: Corner of Cheriton Road and Ilex Road, Cheriton. DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 1.


Saturday 14th March 2.00pm

NORTHBOURNE TO MONGEHAM WANDER

Starting at Northbourne church walking through the village before setting off across the fields to Mongeham returning via Little Mongeham. Please wear stout footwear. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: The Drove (behind Northbourne church) (TR 332 522). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3.


Sunday 15th March

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 15th March 2.00pm

CYCLE RIDE: MAD AS MARCH HARES BIKE RIDE

The title is only to encourage the brave and hardy cyclists out on this gentle and flat bike ride in a small loop around the Romney Marsh. The first of the year, but the challenge is to see some hares and any other wildlife as spring is upon us. Don’t dust down your bikes at lunchtime before the ride after a winter break, give yourself plenty of time to prepare yourself and the bike. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316) mail@rmcp.co.uk MEET: West Street car park, New Romney (opposite the Cinque Port Arms pub). DISTANCE: 12 miles (2.5 hours – weather dependant!).


Tuesday 17th March

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 18th March

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: MEADOW CUT & RAKING, CHERRY GARDEN, FOLKESTONE

The annual spring management of the meadow at our Folkestone office. One of the few flat sites we work on! MEET: 10.15am at the bottom of Castle Hill, off M20 junction 13, Folkestone (TR 210 377). Then driving up to our office by the reservoirs.


Thursday 19th March

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: 10.15am Pines Gardens, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe, 10.20am water trough, Goodwin Road, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe (TR 362 438).


Saturday 21st March 2.00pm

NONINGTON WALK

Via parkland and tracks and pasture and views over Goodnestone Park returning by the church and old buildings in the centre of the village. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Opposite the Royal Oak pub, Holt Street, Nonington (TR 259 520). DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.


Sunday 22nd March

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: MEADOW CUT & RAKING, CHERRY GARDEN, FOLKESTONE

Continuing on from Wednesday’s task, helping to improve the quality of our meadow for the wildlife. MEET: 10.15am at the bottom of Castle Hill, off M20 junction 13, Folkestone (TR 210 377). Then driving up to our office by the reservoirs.


Sunday 22nd March 11.00am

BIRDWATCHING FOR BEGINNERS GUIDED WALK (Please book)

A guided walk especially aimed at those new to birdwatching. 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 22nd March 2.00pm

MARL-VELLOUS MOTHER DAY SAMPHIRE HOE

Bring your mothers on a walk around the Hoe and discover what happened to all the chalk marl that was dug to create the Channel Tunnel. Then treat them to a delicious hot chocolate or ice cream depending on the weather. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt (Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649). MEET: Site management office, Samphire Hoe (pay and display parking). The Hoe is sign posted off the A20 from Dover to Folkestone (TR294 391). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2


Tuesday 24th March

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: MEADOW MANAGEMENT, HIGH MEADOW, DOVER

We will make a start at managing The Big Flower and the surrounding area for wildlife including making sure all the footpaths are open and in good order. MEET: 10.15am at the High Meadow flats, junction of Widred Road and Edred Road, Dover (TR 312 410).


Thursday 26th March

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: PATH CLEARING & REPAIRS, FOLKESTONE WARREN

Cutting back the vegetation along the footpath down to the beach at the East Cliff and any step repairs needed after the winter weather. MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wood Avenue or 10.15am at the Pavilion car park, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 239 365). Then driving behind the bowls / tennis courts. Wellies may be advisable.


Friday 27th March 7.30pm

ILLUSTRATED TALK: THE MAKING OF SAMPHIRE HOE

An illustrated talk by Bryn Green, Kent Wildlife Trust Vice President, who tells the story behind the vegetation at Samphire Hoe. 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 March 2.00pm

ALKHAM VALLEY VIEWS

Quite a steep climb to start with but worth the effort for the stunning views and woodland through the Alkham Valley. Please wear stout footwear. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Alkham village green car park (TR 255 424). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 4. Dogs on leads.


Sunday 29th March

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: STEPS AND FOOTPATHS, 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).


Sunday 29th March 2.00pm

SPRING ONTO THE DOWNS

A walk over the Folkestone Downs, in search of early signs of Spring. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Philip Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: At the start of Crete Road West (off Canterbury Road, A260), Folkestone (TR 221 384). DISTANCE: 3 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 4.


Tuesday 31st March

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE: STEP REPAIRS & FOOTPATHS, WESTERN HEIGHTS

We will be repairing steps and clearing footpaths to benefit wildlife and people on the Western Heights Local Nature Reserve with magnificent views over Dover. MEET: 10.15am St Martin’s Battery, South Military Hill, Western Heights, Dover (TR 314 407).