News

THEME: GREEN GANG FOR EASTER (4th to 19th April)
A special programme of activities for children and their families is organised during the school holidays. Only some of the events are shown here. The full programme can be found in the free Green Gang magazine, which is available from local libraries, local tourist information centres or from White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). Please note that children must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult.

Saturday 4th April 2.00pm
WOODLAND RAMBLE FROM BETTESHANGER TO WILLOW WOOD
Join us for a relaxing woodland ramble. We will see the Betteshanger Estate and hope to see bluebells in the wood. Please bring water to drink and wear stout footwear. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Dove Corner, Tilmanstone - near footbridge over motorway (TR 305 515). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 5th April
PATH CLEARING, FOLKESTONE WARREN.
Trimming back the vegetation along path edges around Little Switzerland camp site, to benefit both walkers and wildlife. LEADER: Phil Green, WCCP (07880 706993). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am at the Little Switzerland café, off Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 242 377).

Sunday 5th April 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK AT SANDWICH BAY
A gentle walk guided by nature lovers from Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory. Walks cover all aspects of local flora and fauna as appropriate to the time of year, such as orchids, butterflies, dragonflies and birds. All ages and abilities are welcome. Please bring binoculars, field guides and appropriate footwear. CHARGE: £3.50 for non-members. 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 (2.5 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.

Sunday 5th April 2.00pm
FOUR TRACKS AND A RAILWAY TRACK
Round the hills and woods around Newington and Frogholt to spot spring flowers. Please bring snack and drink for half way round and tea at end (optional). Donation appreciated. LEADER: Neil Tanner for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 261480). MEET: Railway museum, Peene, near Folkestone (TR 184 379). DISTANCE: 3 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3.

Tuesday 7th April
BRIDGE BUILDING & FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENTS, GIBBIN’S BROOK
We will be making and installing bridges to improve the wet and dry wander around Gibbin’s Brook. Please bring wellies. LEADER: Mark Tuson, WCCP (07971 276698). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 9.50am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.15am Pond, Brook Lane, off Swan Lane, Sellindge (TR 116 387).

Wednesday 8th April
FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENTS, WESTERN HEIGHTS, DOVER
Come and help maintain the footpath and step network in and around the nature reserve. We’ll be working away from the minibus so please bring a flask with you. There are stunning views from many areas of the Western Heights. LEADER: Paul Sampson, WCCP (07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover office or 10.30am car park (cut-off), North Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 411).

Wednesday 8th April 1.30pm
SANDWICH WALK
A walk for most abilities in and around the historic town of Sandwich. The walk is one of four different walks each week. LEADER: Alan Sutton, Walkers Welcome (01304 375079). MEET: Centre for the Retired, behind The Guildhall, Sandwich (TR 328 582). DISTANCE: 3.5-4 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2. This walk takes place every Wednesday.

Wednesday 8th April 2.00pm
CYCLE RIDE: EASTER EGG RIDE
Let’s get in early and have a look for some Easter Eggs while having a relaxing bike ride around the quiet Marsh lanes. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny which is getting ready for the Easter weekend but has hidden some eggs as a practice. You can only eat an egg if you’ve done enough pedalling! 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: 12 miles (2.5 hours).

Thursday 9th April
LITTER CLEARING, HOLYWELL FIELD, FOLKESTONE DOWNS
Clearing litter in Holywell field, which unfortunately constantly ‘rains’ down from the A20 flyover. Cans & glass will be collected separately for recycling. LEADER: Phil Green, WCCP (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.

THEME: EASTER FUN
Join in the many events to celebrate Easter.

Good Friday 10th April 10.00am - 4.00pm
EASTER EGG HUNT & LOCAL FOOD TASTING
Follow the Easter egg trail and then sample some locally produced food. LEADER: Kent Wildlife Trust (01797 369487). MEET: Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, between New Romney and St. Mary’s Bay (TR 078 261). Dogs on leads. This event also takes place on Saturday 11th April, Sunday 12th April and Monday 13th April.

Good Friday 10th April 10.00am
EASTER CROSSES WALK, DOVER
From the Maison Dieu, join the procession to Albany Place (suitable for wheel/pushchairs), where those who wish, climb Cowgate steps up to Drop Redoubt Field to see the crosses erected, weather permitting. We pause en route for singing, prayer and short bible readings to commemorate Christ’s death more than 2000 years ago. LEADER: Monica Pope (01304 202643). MEET: Between Maison Dieu and the Town Council office, Biggin Street, Dover (TR 316 417). DISTANCE: 1 mile (1 hour). GRADE: 3

Good Friday 10th April 11.00am
GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION OF CROSSES
Annual procession of crosses from Folkestone Town Centre to Holywell Hill ending with Good Friday Service. Please bring packed lunch and wear suitable footwear. LEADER: Graham Coombs (01303 257559). MEET: Outside Debenhams, Folkestone Town Centre. DISTANCE: 3 miles (1 hour). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Good Friday 10th April 2.00pm
EASTER EGG ROLLING
Come and join the traditional Easter egg rolling competition on Sugarloaf Hill. Please bring your own decorated eggs. See the WCCP web site for details of how to make a decorated egg. There will be a competition for the best decorated eggs with prizes for all. We will then go for a short walk before the grand egg rolling competition with prizes for the eggs that roll the furthest. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182) MEET: The kissing gate entrance to Sugarloaf Hill, end of Holywell Avenue, off Canterbury Road (A260), Folkestone (TR 224 377). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 11th April 2.00pm
SAMPHIRE HOE EASTER EGG CHALLENGE
Come along and join in this eggcellent event. Bring along your specially decorated egg. Prizes will be given for the best ones. Then test your skills to the eggstreme with the egg and spoon assault course, egg rolling and wildlife egg head quiz (please bring your own spoon and a free range hard boiled egg) Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, 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 (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 1 Dogs on leads.

Easter Sunday 12th April
HELPING THE HOE, SAMPHIRE HOE, DOVER
There is always plenty to do at the Hoe, it could include path clearing, beach clean or erosion control. For more information call Paul Holt, WCCP on 01304 225649. 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.

Easter Sunday 12th April 10.00am
FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING
Join a search for the first wild flowers and migrant birds of the spring. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Jason Mitchell, Kent Wildlife Trust (07747 608292). MEET: Car park in Pegwell Bay Country Park, just south of Cliffs End Village on the A256 Ramsgate-Sandwich road (TR 342 635). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.

Easter Sunday 12th April 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK AT PEGWELL BAY
A gentle walk guided by nature lovers from Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory. Walks cover all aspects of local flora and fauna as appropriate to the time of year, such as orchids, butterflies, dragonflies and birds. All ages and abilities are welcome. Please bring binoculars, field guides and appropriate footwear. CHARGE: £3.50 for non-members. LEADER: Dave Kirkaldie, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory (01304 617341). MEET: Country Park, just south of Cliffsend Village on the A256 Ramsgate-Sandwich road (TR 342 635). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.

Easter Sunday 12th April 12noon - 4.00pm
EASTER TRAIL AND QUIZ
Suitable for the whole family (children under 16 to be accompanied by an adult). Free egg at the end of the trail and a prize draw. CHARGE: £2.00 per trail. For more information call the park . No booking required. CHARGE: £2 per child. LEADER: Park staff (01303 266327). MEET: Brockhill Country Park, Sandling Road, Saltwood, near Hythe (TR 146 356). DISTANCE: 0.75 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2 Dogs on leads. This event also takes place on Monday 13th April.

Easter Sunday 12th April 2.00pm
PRIMROSE PATH IN THE FOLKESTONE WARREN HERITAGE COAST.
A walk through the dramatic undercliff of the Folkestone Warren. Looking at the early spring wildlife and in particular, carpets of primroses and the folklore associated with them. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Phil 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 254 285). DISTANCE: 4 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 5

Tuesday 14th April
HEDGE & FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE, HIGH MEADOW
Clearing around the hedge planted a few years ago as well as maintaining the footpaths. LEADER: Paul Willmott, WCCP (07880 706991). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road,10.00am Dover or 10.15am Harbour View Road, Tower Hamlets, Dover (TR 306 420).

Wednesday 15th April
GATES, FENCES AND FOOTPATHS AT ROMNEY WARREN COUNTRY PARK
We will be working to improve access around the Romney Warren Country Park as well as improving fencing to allow the site to be grazed for the benefit of wildlife as well as people. LEADER: Mark Tuson (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 10.50am at New Romney Warren car park, between New Romney and St. Mary’s Bay, by the railway bridge off the A259 (TR 078 261).

Thursday 16th April
COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS, WESTERN HEIGHTS, DOVER
Come and help improve the footpath and step network in and around the nature reserve. We’ll be working away from the minibus so please bring a flask with you. There are stunning views from many areas of the Western Heights. LEADER: Paul Sampson, WCCP (07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am Car park, North Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 411).

Friday 17th April 8.30pm
BIG NEWT – MINUTE (Green Gang)
Come and find out about great crested newts, with a short evening walk to look for any newts regardless of size, plus any other night wildlife like frogs and toads. Bring a torch and wear suitable footwear (ie wellies). Donation appreciated. LEADER: Emily Schnorr, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07771 636105). MEET: Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, between New Romney and St Mary’s Bay (A259) (TR 078 261). DISTANCE: 0.5 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (night) WELLIES ARE NEEDED.

THEME: GREAT COAST CLEAN
Everyone is invited to join in the Great Coast Clean to help clear the clifftops of the Dover-Folkestone Heritage Coast.

Saturday 18th April 2.00pm
EASTRY SAFARI
Walking from Heronden to Tickenhurst Shave and skirting Knowlton and Hammill. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink on way. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village car park, Eastry (TR 309 548). DISTANCE: 5.5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 19th April
BEACH CLEAN, DUNGENESS NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
We will be clearing rubbish from Dungeness National Nature Reserve (NNR) along the tide line. The stretch we hope to clear is from the New Lighthouse and boardwalk around the Point to the Lifeboat Station. We will provide the litter pickers, gloves and bags and any time given will be appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, RMCP (07770 670316). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 9.50am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.15am Red Lion Hotel, Hythe, 10.30am Ocean Inn, Dymchurch, 10.45am Cinque Ports Arms, New Romney or 11.00am at Dungeness (New/stripey) Lighthouse (TR 094 169).

Sunday 19th April 11.00am
SPRING CLEAN THE WHITE CLIFFS
Local residents are invited to come along and give the clifftop grassland of the world famous white cliffs a spring clean. All equipment is provided. We will be taking a gentle morning walk along the coast clearing all the litter as we go, returning to the start by 12.30pm. LEADER: White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182) at all the three following locations:

1. Folkestone - Car park, The Pavilion, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 240 365).
2. Capel-le-Ferne (Clifftop Café - please park along Old Dover Road and not the café car park) (TR 254 384).
3. Dover - Shakespeare Cliff (Bridge over A20, Old Folkestone Road, Aycliffe) (TR 303 397).

Sunday 19th April 10.00am - 4.00pm
YOUNG PERSONS INTRODUCTION TO LOCAL WILDLIFE (Green Gang)
A fantastic range of wildlife lives on your doorstep. Come along and see if you would like to become a WCCP ‘Junior Ranger’. Donation appreciated. LEADERS: Melanie Wrigley and 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 (TR 294 391).

10.00am - 4.00pm TREASURE TRAIL
Follow the treasure trail around Samphire Hoe to learn about the wildlife.

12.00pm INTRODUCTION TO THE JUNIOR RANGERS
A Junior Ranger has fun finding out about wildlife and the environment, while gaining certificates and badges for their achievements. This event is open to all young people including existing rangers. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Thank you. Donation appreciated. DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 1 Dogs on leads.

2.00pm HABITATS GALORE!
Discover the fantastic range of different habitats found at Samphire Hoe. Donation appreciated. DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 1 Dogs on leads.

Sunday 19th April 2.00pm
PRIMROSE PATH TO THE FOLKESTONE DOWNS
Join an afternoon stroll with stories about the history and wildlife of Folkestone Downs, including the chance to discover the new footpath from the base of the downs across Doll’s House Hill to the North Downs Way. Donation appreciated. LEADER: White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07885 599182) MEET: Elham Valley Line Trust Museum, Peene, Newington, nr Folkestone (TR 184 379) DISTANCE: 5 miles (3 hours) GRADE: 4 (one steep hill up the steps at Doll’s House Hill)

Tuesday 21st April
COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS, WESTERN HEIGHTS, DOVER
Come and help improve the footpath and step network in and around the nature reserve. We’ll be working away from the minibus so please bring a flask with you. There are stunning views from many areas of the Western Heights. LEADER: Paul Sampson, WCCP (07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover office or 10.30am car park (cut-off), North Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 411).

Wednesday 22nd April
HELPING THE HOE, SAMPHIRE HOE, OVER
There is always plenty to do at the Hoe, it could include path clearing, beach cleaning or erosion control. For more information call Paul Holt, WCCP on 01304 225649. 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.

Thursday 23rd April
PATH CLEARING, FOLKESTONE WARREN.
Trimming back the vegetation along path edges around Little Switzerland camp site, to benefit both walkers and wildlife. LEADER: Phil Green, WCCP (07880 706993). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am at the Little Switzerland café, off Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 242 377).

THEME: ST. GEORGE
Come and celebrate St George’s Day with a dragon or two!

Thursday 23rd April 7.00pm
ST GEORGE’S DAY WALK
An easy evening stroll around Samphire Hoe to hear stories about St George and Shakespeare (who was born and died today) as well as a chance to see the early spider orchids. Samphire is mentioned in King Lear scenes of which were traditionally set here at Shakespeare Cliff. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182) MEET: Site Management Office, Samphire Hoe, Dover (signposted off the A20 when driving from Dover to Folkestone) (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours) GRADE: 2

Friday 24th April
GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT, SOUTH FORELAND VALLEY, ST MARGARET’S-AT-CLIFFE
We will be cutting weedy vegetation growing up in the areas cleared of scrub this winter, to allow the wild flowers of the chalk grassland to thrive. LEADER: Mark Tuson, WCCP (01304 241806 or 07971 276698) MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.20am water trough on Goodwin Road, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe, near Dover (TR 362 438)

Friday 24th April 7.30pm
ILLUSTRATED TALK: THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE OTHER LYDDEN VALLEY
A short AGM followed by an illustrated talk by Nick Delaney, recounting the tale of life in the less well-known Lydden Valley. Organised by the Folkestone, Hythe & Dover Local Group of Kent Wildlife Trust. Non-members welcome. No charge but donations welcome. Further information from Pauline Bateson, KWT (01304 853503). MEET: The Salvation Army Hall, Portland Road, Hythe.

Saturday 25th April 2.00pm
SAMPHIRE HOE DRAGON TALES AND OTHER STORIES
Join in a walk around the Hoe and discover the story of St George and the Dragon. We will hear other stories of dragons and strange events that have happened at the Hoe. If the weather is good we hope to see some live dragon like creatures. There will be a chance to design and colour in your own dragon. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, 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 (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 1 Dogs on leads.

Sunday 26th April
COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS, WESTERN HEIGHTS, DOVER
Come and help improve the footpath and step network in and around the nature reserve. We’ll be working away from the minibus so please bring a flask with you. There are stunning views from many areas of the Western Heights. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, WCCP (07880 706990). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover office or 10.30am North Military Road (cut-off) car park, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 411).

Sunday 26th April 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK AT FOWLMEAD COUNTRY PARK
A gentle walk guided by nature lovers from Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory. All ages and abilities are welcome. Please bring binoculars, field guides and appropriate footwear. CHARGE: £3.50 for non-members. LEADER: Dave Kirkaldie, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory (01304 617341). MEET: Car park, Fowlmead Country Park, off A258, Sholden, nr Deal (TR 346 542). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.

Sunday 26th April 11.00am
SPRING ARRIVALS AT DUNGENESS (Please book)
Come and look for typical summer visitors to Dungeness, such as terns, warblers, wagtails and wheatears. Booking essential. CHARGE: Adults £6.00, concessions £4.00, children £3.00. RSPB members £3, Wildlife Explorers members £1.50. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: Dungeness Nature Reserve, Boulderwall Farm, Dungeness Road, Lydd (TR 068 185). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2 (shingle). NO DOGS.

Sunday 26th April 2.00pm
A CIRCULAR WALK FROM ALDINGTON
A fantastic ‘up and down’ walk going through beautiful woodland. Please wear walking boots and bring bottled water. LEADER: Len Wilson, Shepway Footpath Preservation Society (01303 893126). MEET: Near village hall, Aldington (TR 063 366). DISTANCE: 6 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Tuesday 28th April
RIVER DOUR TIDY
Come along and help keep the River Dour tidy and help conserve the wildlife. LEADER: Paul Willmott, WCCP (07880 706991). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am at 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.

Wednesday 29th April
FOOTPATHS, STEPS AND ORIENTEERING COURSE MAINTENANCE, WHINLESS DOWN, DOVER
Enjoy a day out at this beautiful site where we will see some spring wildlife. There will be an assortment of tasks to suit various abilities. Bring a flask along as we’ll be working away from the minibus. LEADER: Paul Sampson, WCCP (07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover office or 10.30am Elms Vale recreation ground car park, Elms Vale Road, Dover (TR 298 414).

Thursday 30th April
NEWCHURCH POND TIDY UP
Come along and help maintain this wildlife friendly area in front of the church of St Peter and Paul, Newchurch, which has had a pond dug for wildlife and a wildlife panel installed. This session is an annual spring event to give the wildlife a helping hand. LEADER: Mark Tuson, RMCP (07971 273398). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 9.50am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.15am Red Lion hotel, Hythe, 10.30am Ocean Inn, Dymchurch, 10.45am Cinque Port Arms pub, New Romney or 11.00am Newchurch Church (TR 054 314). Please bring wellies.