News

Saturday 2nd May 11.00am
BIRDWATCHING FOR BEGINNERS (Please book)
A guided walk especially aimed at those new to birdwatching. 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 067 185). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2 (shingle). NO DOGS.

Saturday 2nd May 2.00pm BUS
ASH AMBLE II
Through the orchards north of Ash to admire the apple blossom. 5 stiles on way. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village Hall car park, Queen’s Road, Ash (TR 288 584). DISTANCE: 4.5 miles (2.25 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 2nd May 2.00pm
EARLY SPIDER ORCHIDS AT SAMPHIRE HOE
Join in a gentle walk around Samphire Hoe to see the early spider orchids which have colonised this addition to the Kent coastline. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649 or 07899 758748). MEET: Site management office, Samphire Hoe (pay and display car park), Dover. The Hoe is sign posted off the A20 from Dover to Folkestone (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 1 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2

Saturday 2nd May 2.00pm
WALKABOUT LYDD
Conducted walk about the historic town of Lydd, to see the church, the Old Court House (no wheelchair access), Guildhall and museum, plus walking along the oldest street and viewing the oldest buildings etc.. CHARGE: £2 adults, accompanied children free. LEADER: Friends of Lydd (01797 366566 or Email: lyddtownmuseum@btinternet.com (other tours by arrangement). MEET: Mittell's Newsagents (next to All Saints Church), Lydd (TR 043 208). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 1

Sunday 3rd May
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 Steve Walker, 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.

Sunday 3rd May 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK WITH SANDWICH BAY
Please see 5th April for details.

Sunday 3rd May 2.00pm
LYMINGE FOREST WALK
An easy afternoon amble to discover the wildlife and history of one of the new walking routes around Lyminge Forest. Donation appreciated. LEADER: White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07885 599182). 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

Sunday 3rd May 2.00pm
CYCLE RIDE: CREAM TEA PEDAL
Yes you have read it right…a chance to have a gentle pedal around the lanes of the Romney Marsh, before retiring back if you wish to Lathe Barn for a cream tea, scone or both. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Lathe Barn Tea Rooms, Donkey Street, Burmarsh (TR 108 324). DISTANCE: 16 miles (2.5 hours for the bike ride).

Tuesday 5th May
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).

Wednesday 6th May
LADY ORCHID SURVEY, LYOAK WOOD, LYDDEN
Our annual survey of the lady orchids in the ancient woodlands of Lyoak and Lodge Woods, near Lydden. LEADER: Mark Tuson, WCCP (07971 276698). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am entrance to Lodge wood, Swanton Lane, Lydden, near Dover (TR 252 449).

Thursday 7th May
LITTER CLEAR, FOLKESTONE WARREN LNR
The annual spring clean along the tracks and grassland leading into the Folkestone Warren Local Nature Reserve, from Martello Tower No.1. LEADER: Phil Green, WCCP (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 239 364).

THEME: WILD FLOWERS OF THE DOWNS
Join us to enjoy the early wild flowers of the Downs.

Saturday 9th May 2.00pm
KINGSDOWN VISTAS
We will be walking inland beside the golf course with lovely views across St. Margaret’s across to Wood Hill where we may still find spring flowers. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Chalk Hill, Kingsdown. Please note change of meeting place. Please do not park in private roads (TR 374 482). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3.

Sunday 10th May
PATH WORKS AND RAGWORT, NEW ROMNEY WARREN (SSSI)
Help maintain the paths and carry out some fencing repairs and start digging up the ragwort. This plant has been dug and pulled by volunteers at New Romney Warren for ten years now at this important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The last three years has seen a reduction of the plant, but we want to keep on top of the situation. 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, 10.40am 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).

Sunday 10th May 2.00pm
SPRING ON TO THE DOWNS
A wander over the internationally important chalk grasslands of the Folkestone Downs Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). We will be looking at the spring wildlife, such as cowslips, violets, orchids and a few butterflies. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706993). MEET: At the bottom of Castle Hill, off M20 junction 13, Folkestone (TR 210 377). DISTANCE: 3 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 10th May 2.00pm
WILD WEEKEND - LADY ORCHIDS AND WOODLAND FLOWERS (Please book)
A special walk off public footpaths to see lady orchids and the colourful spring wild flowers of ancient woodland. The walk will be restricted to a small group so please book. Details of where to meet will be given on booking. CHARGE: £5 per person (which will go towards the conservation of the woodlands). LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182). MEET: Lydden, near Dover (details will be give on booking). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 4 (some steep hills)

Tuesday 12th May
MEADOW CUTTING, HIGH MEADOW, DOVER
Hay cutting and raking High Meadow field to encourage the wild flowers to grow. LEADER: Paul Willmott, WCCP (07880 706991). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am High Meadow Flats, end of Edred Road, Tower Hamlets, Dover (TR 311 421).

Wednesday 13th May
MEADOW CUT, CHERRY GARDEN, FOLKESTONE
A spring cut and rake to an area of the meadow at our Cherry Garden office, to benefit the wild flowers and butterflies. 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 up to our office by the reservoirs. Contact Phil on 07880 706993 regarding access after 10.20am.

Thursday 14th May
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.

Friday 15th May
BRIDGE BUILDING & FOOTPATH WORK, GIBBINS 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).

THEME: WILDLIFE OF THE COAST
Discover more about the wildlife of the coast this weekend.

Saturday 16th May 10.00am
BEATING THE BOUNDS (Please book)
Join us as we perambulate our boundaries over to Kingsdown Wood, an ancient woodland where the bluebells should be in bloom. Please bring a snack and drink. Free event but donations welcome. Limited spaces so pre booking advisable. Normal Car Park fees apply. LEADER: National Trust (01304 202756). MEET: White Cliffs Visitor Centre, Upper Road, Langdon Cliffs, Dover (TR 335 422). DISTANCE: 12 miles (6 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 16th May 2.00 pm
A GOODNESTONE GAMBOL
A country walk through the Parish of Goodnestone admiring Chillenden Mill on the way (5 stiles en route). Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Car park, Goodnestone House (TR 255 544). DISTANCE: 5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 17th May
MEADOW CUT, CHERRY GARDEN, FOLKESTONE
A spring cut and rake to an area of the meadow at our Cherry Garden office, to benefit the wild flowers and butterflies. 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 up to our office by the reservoirs. Contact Phil on 07880 706993 regarding access after 10.20am.

Sunday 17th May 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK WITH SANDWICH BAY
Please see 5th April for details. Looking at early orchids.

Sunday 17th May 11.00am
NEW ARRIVALS AT DUNGENESS (Please book)
Come and look for typical summer visitors to Dungeness, such as terns, warblers 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 367 185). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2 (shingle). NO DOGS.

Sunday 17th May 2.00pm COAST
HAPPY HOE HABITATS
Despite its small size, Samphire Hoe has a plethora of habitats each with its own specialized wildlife. We shall walk around the site discovering some of these species. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649 or 07899 758748). MEET: Site management office, Samphire Hoe (pay and display car park), Dover. The Hoe is sign posted off the A20 from Dover to Folkestone (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 1 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2

Tuesday 19th May
REINDEN WOOD TIDY, HAWKINGE
A walk round the woodland trail, clearing around the car park and giving this popular walking route a spruce up for the summer. LEADER: Steve Walker, WCCP (07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 9.50am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.15am Village Hall, Hawkinge or 10.20am Car park, Reinden Wood (TR 213 408).

Wednesday 20th May
COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS, WESTERN HEIGHTS
Come and help maintain the footpath, step and signage 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, 10.30am at footpath between houses 76 and 78 St. David’s Avenue, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 305 402).

Thursday 21st May
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.

THEME: GREEN GANG (23rd - 31st May)
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 23rd May 2.00 pm
CRABBLE CORN MILL TO ST RADIGUND’S ABBEY
From Crabble Corn Mill, over Gorse Hill on to Abbey Road to ruins of St. Radigund’s Abbey. Returning via woods to the Alkham Valley Road and using part of the River Dour trail back to the corn mill. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Lower Road, River (near Crabble Corn Mill) (TR 297 433). DISTANCE: 4.5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Saturday 23rd May 2.00pm
WALKABOUT LYDD
Please see 2nd May for details.

Sunday 24th May
FOOTPATHS, STEPS AND ORIENTEERING COURSE MAINTENANCE, WHINLESS DOWN, DOVER
Enjoy a day out at this beautiful site. 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 or 10.30am near the pedestrian gate into Elms Vale recreation ground ,Elms Vale Road, Dover (TR 407 414).

Sunday 24th May 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK WITH SANDWICH BAY
Please see 5th April for details.

Sunday 24th May 2.00pm
WILDLIFE WALK AROUND DUNGENESS
A gentle walk to see the characteristic wildlife which can be found on the Dungeness National Nature Reserve. Bird migration is at a peak and the flowers and insects will be making the Point a colourful spectacle. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Old Lighthouse car park, Dungeness Road, Dungeness (TR 088 167). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3 (shingle). Walking on some sections of shingle.

Sunday 24th May 2.00pm
A DISH AND SILIBUMS
Along the Canal to spot wildflowers and up the Roughs to the ‘Sound Bowl’ Then along the top of the Roughs to see Silibums, and find the ruins. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Neil Tanner for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 261480). MEET: Light Railway Bridge, Hythe (TR 152 342). DISTANCE: 3 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Bank Holiday Monday 25th May 2.00pm
RIVER DOUR WALK
Discover the River Dour Walk from the sea to Kearsney Abbey Gardens, to find out about the history and wildlife of this chalk river. It was once a busy river with many corn and paper mills but today is important for wildlife. We will return by public transport; please bring money for the bus or train. There is a café at Kearsney. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Willmott, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706991) MEET: WCCP Office, 6 Cambridge Terrace, Dover (near seafront and town centre) (TR 319 412) DISTANCE: 5 miles (2.5 hours) GRADE: 2

Tuesday 26th May
PATH AND STEP REPAIRS, NEW ROMNEY WARREN
Help maintain the paths and to carry out some fencing repairs and start digging up the ragwort. This plant has been dug and pulled by volunteers at New Romney Warren for ten years now at this important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The last three years has seen a reduction of the plant, but we want to keep on top of the situation. 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, 10.40am 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).

Wednesday 27th May
PATH CLEARING, SUGARLOAF HILL, FOLKESTONE
Cutting back footpath edges on Sugarloaf Hill and clearing any litter. LEADER: Phil Green, WCCP (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).

Thursday 28th May 2.00pm
THE ANCIENT WOODLANDS OF HAWKINGE
Did you know that 10% of Hawkinge is ancient woodland? What flowers with strange names, creepy crawlies and other interesting creatures can we find lurking in the undergrowth? Donation appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07899 758748). MEET: Reinden Wood, Canterbury Road, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 215 399). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3 (muddy)

Friday 29th May
BEACH CLEAN. SAMPHIRE HOE, DOVER
Help clear litter at the west end of Samphire Hoe. LEADER: Steve Walker, 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 (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.

THEME: WESTERN HEIGHTS OPEN WEEKEND
Explore the history and wildlife of the fantastic fortifications of Dover’s Western Heights.

Saturday 30th May 10.00am - 5.00pm
WESTERN HEIGHTS OPEN WEEKEND
As part of the 10th Western Heights Open weekend, the Western Heights Preservation Society will be opening up the Drop Redoubt (Adults £3 and accompanied children £1) and the Grand Shaft triple staircase (free) to the public. Throughout the weekend, many displays, re-enactments and stalls will be on site. Please wear sensible footwear as the visit involves many steps. More details at www.dover-western-heights.org LEADER: Western Heights Preservation Society and White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: Drop Redoubt Road, Western Heights Dover (TR 317 409). Walk to the site following the signs from the town, use the Grand Shaft staircase (Snargate Street) or limited parking at St. Martin’s Battery car park.

Saturday 30th May 2.00pm
A SHEPHERDSWELL STROLL
Taking the North Downs Way to Coldred then through an area with signs of ancient woodland. Many stiles. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Shepherds Well Railway Station (TR 257 482). DISTANCE: 5.25 miles (3.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 31st May 10.00am - 5.00pm TRAIN BUS
WESTERN HEIGHTS OPEN WEEKEND
Please see 30th May for details. The White Cliffs Countryside Project stall will be present this day only, with wildlife quiz sheets for children to win a prize, information about walks and wildlife books for sale.

Sunday 31st May 11.00am
HARRIER WATCH AT DUNGENESS (Please book)
In the past two years marsh harriers have bred successfully at Dungeness. Join us as we watch to see if they will nest and raise young again this year. We will look out for breeding activity as we walk round the nature trail and spend time watching over the reed beds, the typical nesting habitat for harriers. 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 063 196). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2 (shingle). NO DOGS.

Sunday 31st May 2.00pm
FOLKLORE AND MEDICINAL USES OF PLANTS
As part of the Western Heights Open Day, join us for a short walk around the green slopes of the Western Heights to discover the plants of these beautiful chalk meadows and to find out about their folklore, medicinal and some military uses. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706990). MEET: Parade ground at the top of Grand Shaft Staircase (TR 315 408). DISTANCE: 1 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2

Sunday 31st May 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK WITH SANDWICH BAY
Please see 12th April for details.

Sunday 31st May 2.00pm
CYCLE RIDE: A ROMNEY MARSH MEANDER
An easy, gentle rural pedal around the quiet country lanes of the Romney Marsh. Leaving Appledore, we will cycle past Fairfield church, before snaking our way back, over the Canal and into Appledore. The route is nearly all flat and we will be keeping an eye out for some Marsh wildlife. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Appledore church, which is next to the Black Lion pub, Appledore. Please park in the free Appledore Village Hall car park and walk/cycle down the road to the church. DISTANCE: 16 miles (3 hours).