News

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

Thursday 2nd July
ANNUAL RAGWORT HARVEST! AND FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE, WESTERN HEIGHTS LNR, 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).

Thursday 2nd July 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

THEME: WHITE CLIFFS WALKS
Discover the history and wildlife of the white cliffs.

Saturday 4th July 11.00am
FLYING AND FIGHTING (Please book)
Discover the history of hellfire corner and it’s unique role in events of the 20th century. Your guide will cover events from Bleriot’s first crossing of the channel to defences used during World War II and beyond. 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: 6 miles (5 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 4th July 2.00pm
ASH TO STAPLE
A circular walk from Ash to Staple. We will look at the modern stained glass windows in St. Nicholas, Ash and St. James the Great, Staple. 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: 5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 4th July 7.30pm
MAMMAL WALK (Please book)
Join us on an evening stroll round the reserve in search of our mammals. We may see hares, foxes and rabbits and may even be lucky enough to meet our resident badgers along the way. 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 5th July
PLANT MONITORING AND INVASIVE WEED MANAGEMENT, SOUTH FORELAND VALLEY
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).

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

Sunday 5th July 2.00pm
FLIERS AND FLOWERS OF THE HOE
Come along and discover the insects that are on the wing and the plants that are in flower at the Hoe in the mid summer season. 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.

Tuesday 7th July
RAGWORT DIGGING AND PULLING, NEW ROMNEY WARREN
Finishing off the last few areas of ragwort at this sandy grassland 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 10.500am 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 8th July
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 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.

Wednesday 8th July 11.00am
FROM BARD TO BOND (Please book)
Join us for a walk to St. Margaret’s Bay via South Foreland Lighthouse. Discover the link between Shakespeare and James Bond. 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

Thursday 9th July 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

THEME:WILDLIFE WALKS
Join a walk to find out about the wildlife that can be seen in July.

Saturday 11th July 2.00pm
ELMS VALE, WHINLESS DOWN & WEST HOUGHAM
Explore the spectacular views of Dover and the surrounding countryside, the Bronze Age Burial mounds on Whinless Down and passing the Soval dew pond on the way to West Hougham. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Elms Vale Recreation Ground car park, Elms Vale Road, Dover (TR 298 415). DISTANCE: 5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 12th July
RAGWORT HARVEST! AND FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE, WESTERN HEIGHTS LNR, 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 12th July 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK WITH SANDWICH BAY
Please see 5th April for details. Looking at butterflies.

Sunday 12th July 2.00pm
RATTY IN WIND IN THE WILLOWS
A water vole themed guided walk, where we hope to find signs of water voles and other mammals which live across the Marsh. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Emily Schnorr, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07771 636105). MEET: St.Nicholas Church car park, Church Road, New Romney (TR 065 247). DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 2

Tuesday 14th July
RAGWORT & PATHS, HIGH MEADOW, DOVER
Trimming around footpaths and gates, plus ragwort pulling if necessary. LEADER: Paul Willmott, WCCP (07880 706991). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover, 10.15am Noah’s Ark Road (opposite the Grammar school), Tower Hamlets, Dover (TR 303 418).

Wednesday 15th July
RAGWORT HARVEST & FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE, 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 along way from the minibus. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, WCCP (077880 706990). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover office or 10.30amfootpath between houses 76/78 St. David’s Avenue, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 305 402).

Thursday 16th July
RAGWORT CONTROL, CHERITON HILL
Pulling ragwort from a flat area at the bottom of Cheriton Hill. 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 Cheriton Hill. Please contact Phil on 07880 706993 if you plan to meet on site as we may have to change location.

Thursday 16th July 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

THEME: HERITAGE WALKS
Join a walk to find out more about history including an open day at the sound mirrors on Dungeness.

Saturday 18th July 2.00pm
THREE VILLAGES WALK
Visiting Ringwould, Sutton and Ripple. On the way a panoramic view of the Downs from Nelson’s seat. If lucky, the sweeps of Ripple Mill may be going round. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Walmer Railway Station (TR 364 504). DISTANCE: 5.75 miles (3.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 19th July
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. 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 19th July 10.00am - 5.00pm
ECHOES FROM THE SKY OPEN DAY
At the back of Lade Pit are the three Listening Devices built in the 1920s and 30s as part of a national early warning system against enemy aircraft. One of only two sites in the world where you can see all three designs. Come and hear the fascinating story behind them with the author of the two books and the world’s expert - Dr Scarth.

This is the first Open Day organised by the Romney Marsh Countryside Project to allow residents and visitors over the bridge and onto the island making it a great opportunity to visit the site. Dr Scarth and helpers from the RMCP will be present for most of the day to talk you through them and help with any inquires and we ask for a £2 donation per person to cover our costs for the day. Staff and volunteers will be stationed at key places to help direct people.

You will need to park at Lade car park and follow the signs to make your own way to the Mirrors, where staff will be positioned at the bridge and on the island.

LEADER: Owen Leyshon. Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Lade car park on Coast Drive (half way between the Pilot Pub and Romney Sands) (TR 085 208). DISTANCE: 3 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (shingle).

Sunday 19th July 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK WITH SANDWICH BAY
Please see12th April for details.

Tuesday 21st July
RAGWORT HARVEST & FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE, 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: Mel Wrigley, WCCP (07880 706990). 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 July
RAGWORT PULLING, CASTLE HILL, FOLKESTONE.
Pulling ragwort from grassland on the top of Castle Hill, with wonderful views across the Channel. LEADER: Phil Green, WCCP (07880 706993). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am at the start of Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 221 384).

Wednesday 22nd July 2.00pm
WALKABOUT LYDD
Please see 2nd May for details.

Thursday 23rd July 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

THEME: GREEN GANG (24th July - 2nd September)
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.

Friday 24th July 2.00pm
SURPRISING SAMPHIRE STORIES
This is a pictorial walk with some true stories and some that are slightly embellished, with some stories from the past and some more recent. All will reveal the fantastic story of Samphire Hoe. 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. Dogs on leads.

THEME: THE CELEBRATION OF BLERIOT (25th-26th July 2009)
To commemorate the centenary of Louis Bleriot's flight over the English Channel in 1909, Dover District Council is hosting a prestigious international event - Dover 2009 - over the weekend of 25-26 July 2009. Please visit the site http://www.dover2009.com/ for updated information on the celebrations and events as they are confirmed.

Saturday 25th July
WILD WEEKEND: THE WHITE CLIFFS OF FRANCE (Please book)
A guided walk to discover the history and wildlife of the white cliffs opposite Dover. It is essential to book as places will be limited. Further information about the walk will be given when your booking is accepted. Priority will be given to Friends, Country Club members and volunteers. There will be the opportunity to visit the site where Louis Bleriot set off from at modern day Bleriot Plage. CHARGE: £5 per person for the walk. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, WCCP (01304 241806 or 07885 599182) DISTANCE: 12 miles (6 hours for the walk). GRADE: 5 (long walk)

Saturday 25th July 2.00pm
ST. MARGARET’S TO FAN BAY
We will walk inland past South Foreland Lighthouse returning via the cliff top from Fan Bay. We will stop for a while at Fan Bay if anyone wishes to make the descent to the seashore. Please bring water to drink and sun protection. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Top of Bay Hill, junction with Granville Road, St. Margaret’s at Cliffe (TR 364 444). DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 4. Dogs on leads.

Saturday 25th July 2.00pm
BLERIOT GUIDED WALK (Please book)
It is 100 years ago today that Louis Bleriot landed at Northfall Meadow, a short walk from the Visitor Centre. 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: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 26th July
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 26th July 10.00am
WILDLIFE WALK WITH SANDWICH BAY
Please see 5th April for details.

Sunday 26th July 2.00pm
BLERIOT WALK
An easy afternoon stroll to find out about the history of Louis Bleriot walking a short stretch of the white cliffs and the Bleriot Memorial. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182). MEET: White Cliffs Countryside Project office, 6 Cambridge Terrace, Dover (near town centre and sea front) (TR 319 412). DISTANCE: 3 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 26th July 2.00 pm
BUTTERFLIES OF THE HERITAGE COAST
A walk through the Folkestone Warren in search of summer butterflies and other wildlife. Weather permitting we should see plenty of the Browns - meadow brown, gatekeeper and marbled white. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706993). MEET: At the Pavilion car park, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 239 364). DISTANCE: 4 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 4 (rock sea shore).

Tuesday 28th July
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 July
FOOTPATHS, STEPS, ORIENTEERING 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 Elms Vale recreation ground car park, Elms Vale Road, Dover (TR 298 414).

Wednesday 29th July 2.00pm
WALKABOUT LYDD
Please see 2nd May for details.

Thursday 30th July 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.