News

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

Tuesday 2nd June
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).

Wednesday 3rd June
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: Melanie Wrigley, WCCP (07880 706990). 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 4th June
ALEXANDERS CUTTING, FOLKESTONE WARREN LOCAL NATURE RESERVE
Cutting alexanders and burdock from the meadow we are developing on the East Cliff, at the Folkestone Warren Local Nature Reserve. 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). Then driving off behind the bowls/tennis courts.

Thursday 4th June 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
A leisurely walk around Old Hythe, including St Leonard's Church and Crypt. CHARGE: 50p per person (crypt extra), which includes a descriptive leaflet. This walk takes place every Thursday, June to September inclusive. No need to book. Parties (10 +) at any time by arrangement. LEADER: Hythe Civic Society (01303 266118). MEET: Hythe Town Hall, High Street (TR 163 347). Distance: 0.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 1. NO DOGS

Friday 5th June
RAGWORT DIGGING AND PATH WORKS, NEW ROMNEY WARREN (SSSI)
In Volunteer Week, why not try your hand with a friendly session digging up ragwort or helping clear the paths at this important site. 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).

THEME: WILDLIFE WEEK
The wild flowers should be looking their best at this time of year, so come along on a guided walk to discover some of the best places to see wildlife.

Saturday 6th June 2.00pm
MARSHSIDE WALK
Marshside - a pleasant marshland walk with extensive views over surrounding countryside and Sarre windmill in the distance. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink and wear stout footwear. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Rod and Mavis, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Gate Inn, Marshside (TR 220 657). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 7th June
ANNUAL RAGWORT HARVEST! AND FOOTPATHS CLEARING, WESTERN HEIGHTS, AYCLIFFE, DOVER
Yes, it’s that time again! All the plants are growing luxuriantly and we need to control the invasive plants. Has anyone found a good use for Ragwort yet? Please bring a flask because we’ll be working a long way from the minibus. LEADER: Paul Sampson, WCCP (07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover office or 10.30am near the footbridge over the A20, far western end of Folkestone Road, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 303 397).

Sunday 7th June 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK WITH SANDWICH BAY
Please see 5th April for details. Looking at butterflies.

Sunday 7th June 10.30am
CYCLE RIDE: MARSH CYCLE RIDE
A gentle cycle ride exploring the Romney Marsh stopping for a pub lunch, or bring your own. LEADER: Ian Rogers, SPOKES (01227 733792). MEET: Hamstreet Railway Station. DISTANCE: 20-25 miles (but short cuts available if wanted).

Sunday 7th June 2.00pm
SAMPHIRE HOE PEREGRINE FALCON WATCH
Come along and see the fasted bird in the world. There will be telescopes and binoculars available to look through to see these dramatic birds. If you feel inspired there will be the opportunity to do some pavement chalk art. 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 7th June 2.00pm
CYCLE RIDE: LYMINGE FOREST
An easy afternoon cycle ride to explore the new cycling routes around Lyminge Forest. 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: 8 miles (2 hours)

Tuesday 9th June
ANNUAL RAGWORT HARVEST! AND FOOTPATHS CLEARING, WESTERN HEIGHTS, AYCLIFFE, DOVER
Yes, it’s that time again! All the plants are growing luxuriantly and we need to control the invasive plants. Has anyone found a good use for Ragwort yet? Please bring a flask because we’ll be working a long way from the minibus. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, WCCP (07880 706990). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover office or 10.30amnear the footbridge over the A20, far western end of Folkestone Road, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 303 397).

Wednesday 10th June
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.

Thursday 11th June
CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE AROUND HAWKINGE
Come along and help waymark and improve the route of the Hawk Walk, a new walk connecting the green spaces of Hawkinge. LEADER: Steve Walker, WCCP (07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 9.50am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Folkestone or 10.15am at Hawkinge Village Hall, Canterbury Road, Hawkinge (TR 216 398) and then travelling to the work site. Contact Steve on 07789 758748 for details.

Thursday 11th June 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

Friday 12th June
WEED CONTROL & FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENT, GIBBINS BROOK
We will be working to maintain and improve the footpaths of the walking route around Gibbins Brook as well as controlling invasive plants such as ragwort. LEADER: White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 9.50am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.15am Pond, Brook Lane, off Swan Lane, Sellindge (TR 116 387).

Friday 12th June 7.00pm
ORCHIDS & OTHER WILD FLOWERS
A walk to discover the orchids and other wild flowers of the Bay. Donation appreciated. LEADER Tony Swandale, Kent Wildlife Trust (07889 822412 or 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.

THEME: BIKE WEEK
Dust off your bikes and join in a guided cycle ride during National Bike Week.

Saturday 13th June 11.00am
WILD FLOWER GUIDED WALK (Please book)
Join us for a walk to explore the rare and beautiful flora and fauna including chalkland orchids, broomrape & numerous butterflies. 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: 4 miles (4 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 13th June 2.00pm
CLIFF WALK, ST. MARGARET’S TO KINGSDOWN
Walking inland from the Dover Patrol past fields of wild flowers down to the beach at Kingsdown. Time to go to the sea before climbing up the cliffs passing wild flowers and butterflies along the cliff edge to return to the Dover Patrol. Please bring water to drink and sun protection. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Dover Patrol War Memorial. Granville Road, St. Margaret’s at Cliffe (TR 373 452). DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 4. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 14th June 10.00am
CYCLE RIDE: CYCLEFIT 2009
Cycle a stretch of the National Cycle Route 2 from New Romney in a short, circular route around the Romney Marsh. No need to book. There will be a stop at Newchurch Village Hall before arriving back in New Romney. Back up will be in the expert hands of Romney Cycles (77 High Street, New Romney 01797 362155).

We have a supply of free T shirts from last year, which we will be giving out as fairly as possible.

Remember to bring a snack to keep those energy levels up on your way around. Just turn up in good time and with your bike in reasonable condition, as well as yourself!

For more details contact the Romney Marsh Countryside Project on 01797 367934 or look on the website (www.rmcp.co.uk). Donation appreciated. MEET: St Martin’s Field, New Romney (TR 064 248) at 10.00am. We will be back at New Romney at 12.30pm(ish). DISTANCE: 11 miles (2.5 hours).
It is recommended that children under the six travel on the back of, or attached to, an adult bicycle due to the limited number of support crew and minibus seats available.

Sunday 14th June 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK WITH SANDWICH BAY
Please see 5th April for details. Looking at dragonflies.

Sunday 14th June 2.00 pm
WILD WEEKEND - ORCHID SAFARI ON FOLKESTONE DOWNS (Please book)
A special walk off public footpaths to look for orchids and colourful wild flowers of the chalk grassland which is of European importance for wildlife. The walk will be restricted to a small group so please book (details of the event will be given on booking). CHARGE: £5 per person (which will go towards the conservation of the downs). LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182). MEET: Countryside Management Centre, Folkestone. DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 4 (some steep hills)

Tuesday 16th June
FOOTPATHS, STEPS, ORIENTEERING COURSE MAINTENANCE AND RAGWORTING, WHINLESS DOWN, DOVER
This is a stunning site, brimming with wildlife and with some spectacular views. There will be an assortment of tasks to suit different preferences. Please bring a flask along as we’ll be working away from the minibus. LEADER: Mel Wrigley, WCCP (07880 706990). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover office or 10.30am near the pedestrian gate into Elms Vale recreation ground (near Harbour School), Elms Vale Road, Dover (TR 296 413).

Wednesday 17th June
PLANT MONITORING & WEED MANAGEMENT, SOUTH FORELAND VALLEY, ST MARGARET’S-AT-CLIFFE
We will be carrying out plant monitoring to help us monitor the success of the grazing. There will also be projects to manage the invasive weeds and mowing and raking of the regrowth. LEADER: Mark Tuson, WCCP (07971 276698). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.20am water trough, Goodwin Road, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe (TR 362 438).

Wednesday 17th June 2.00pm
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANTS OF DUNGENESS
A quarter of Britain’s plant species may be found on the reserve. This walk will introduce you to the wonderful flora of Dungeness. No need to book. 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. DISTANCE: 2 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 2 (shingle). NO DOGS.

Thursday 18th June
KNOTWEED BASH, FOLKESTONE WARREN
Pulling the invasive Japanese Knotweed from several areas in the Folkestone Warren. 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). Please bring refreshments, as we will be a long way from the brew kit for the morning.

Thursday 18th June 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

THEME: MIDSUMMER SOLSTICE
Join a walk at the solstice when the length of daylight and night is equal.

Saturday 20th June 10.00am - 4.00pm
PEGWELL FESTIVAL OF WILDLIFE
Short 45 minute guided walks at intervals throughout the day to see the impressive lizard orchids, butterflies and other wildlife plus a variety of family activities. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Tony Swandale, Kent Wildlife Trust (07889 822412 or 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: 0.5 miles (45 mins). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.

Saturday 20th June 2.00pm
BARHAM TO OUT ELMSTEAD
From Barham along the Nailbourne Valley to Out Elmstead, returning via woods and part of the Elham Valley Way. Beautiful views across valley and surrounding countryside. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Near Barham church (green spire), Church Lane off The Street, Barham (TR 209 501). DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Saturday 20th June 7.00pm
MIDSUMMER ORCHID WALK AT GIBBINS BROOK
An easy evening stroll around the wet’n’dry wander at Gibbins Brook with a chance to see the wetland orchids. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07885 599182). MEET: The pond, Brook Lane, off Swan Lane, Sellindge (TR 117 387). DISTANCE: 2 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 20th June 9.30pm
MIDSUMMER WALK AT DUNGENESS (Please book)
Why not make the most of the year’s longest day and join us for an evening stroll around the nature trail. 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. DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2 (shingle). NO DOGS.

Sunday 21st June
HELPING THE HOE, SAMPHIRE HOE DOVER
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.

Sunday 21st June 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK WITH SANDWICH BAY
Please see 5th April for details. Looking at wild flowers.

Sunday 21st June 2.00pm
ORCHIDS OF THE FOLKESTONE DOWNS
A walk over the Folkestone Downs which are internationally important for their orchid rich chalk grassland. As well as at least four species of orchid, we will be looking at the other wild flowers and butterflies which make this such a special site and the cows which keep it this way. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706993). MEET: At the start of Crete Road West (just off Canterbury Road, A260), Folkestone (TR 221 384). DISTANCE: 3 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3

Tuesday 23rd June
COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS, WESTERN HEIGHTS
Come and help improve 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: Paul Sampson, WCCP (07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover office, 10.30am at footpath between houses 76 and 78 St. David’s Avenue, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 304 402).

Wednesday 24th June
PATH CLEARING, FOLKESTONE WARREN
Trimming back the summers growth on the footpath down to the beach at the East Cliff. 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). Then driving off behind the bowls/tennis courts.

Thursday 25th June 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

Friday 26th June
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. Please contact Paul on 07880 706991 for details.

THEME: WILDLIFE WALKS
Discover the special wildlife of the ancient chalk grasslands, and the shingle at Dungeness.

Saturday 27th June 2.00pm
EAST LANGDON TO MAYDENSOLE
Over Poison Down to Pineham and joining North Downs Way as far as Maydensole. On to the White Cliffs Country Trail and return via Sutton Downs and Martin. 7 stiles on way. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village Green, East Langdon, near Dover (TR 334 462). DISTANCE: 5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 27th June 1.30pm
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PLANTS OF DUNGENESS
Please see 17th June for details.

Sunday 28th June
RAGWORT CONTROL, FOLKESTONE DOWNS
Clearing the poisonous weed ragwort from the flat area around the base of Sugarloaf Hill and Holywell. 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 to the bottom of Sugarloaf Hill.

Sunday 28th June 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK WITH SANDWICH BAY
Please see 5th April for details.

Sunday 28th June 2.00pm
NATURE’S PHARMACY
A gentle walk, stopping to look at wild plants and hear about their many interesting medicinal uses. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706990). MEET: St. Martin’s Battery car park, South Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 314 407). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3 (some steep areas)

Tuesday 30th June
LITTER & PATHS, HIGH MEADOW
Clearing ragwort and maintaining footpaths in the new community park. LEADER: Paul Willmott, WCCP (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 303 418).