News

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

Saturday 1st August 2.00pm
STODMARSH REEDS AND RIVERSIDE
A walk through Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve exploring reed beds marshland and riverside, and hoping to see a few birds! Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink and wear stout footwear or wellies if wet weather. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Rod and Mavis, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Stodmarsh Nature Reserve car park, signposted by the Red Lion pub (TR 220 609). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Saturday 1st August 8.00pm
SAMPHIRE HOE SPOOKY WALK
Discover some of the strange and spooky stories that lurk in the History of the Hoe. Are you brave enough to come along? Who knows what we might see……or hear… Please bring a torch. 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 2nd August 11.00am - 4.00pm
‘HAVE A FIELD DAY’, WESTERN HEIGHTS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE, CLARENDON, DOVER
Nature-based arts and craft events on the Clarendon side of the Western Heights. Guided activities up onto the Western Heights Local Nature Reserve including minibeasts, birds and folklore & medicinal uses of local plants (this is for the immediate residents although anyone welcome). Displays about immediate local wildlife. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley & Sue Bradford, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706990). MEET: Clarendon & Westbury Community Association Hall, Belgrave Road, Dover (TR 309 411)

Sunday 2nd August 2.15am
TOUR OF ROMAN DOVER
Tour of Roman areas in Dover Town Centre followed by guided tour of Roman Painted House by the archaeologist who discovered it. CHARGE: £2.00 (to Painted House). LEADER: Brian Philp, Director of Kent Archaeological Rescue Unit (01304 203279). MEET: Roman Painted House, New Street, Dover. DISTANCE: 0.5 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 1. NO DOGS.

Tuesday 4th August
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: Mel Wrigley, WCCP (07880 706990). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am car park (cut-off), North Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 411).

Wednesday 5th August
RAGWORT CONTROL, FOLKESTONE DOWNS
One final attack on this poisonous weed where ever it may still be lurking. 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). The driving off in search of Ragwort.

Wednesday 5th August 2.00pm
SOLAR-POWERED NATURE & PIZZAS! (Green Gang)
Take a short walk to the meadows, of the Western Heights Local Nature Reserve, where we’ll learn about how the energy from the sun powers everything around us, including ‘us’! Make a mini solar oven and, if sunny, cook your own mini pizza! Please bring your own empty, cardboard pizza box (with lid still attached); roll of aluminium foil; roll of cling film. We’ll provide the rest of the materials and equipment. Please bring a rug to sit on, drink and a picnic. (If the sun’s not hot enough you can take your oven home and cook another day). CHARGE: £2.00 per child. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: St. Martin’s Battery car park, South Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 314 407). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2-2.5 hours). GRADE: 2

Wednesday 5th August 2.00pm
WALKABOUT LYDD
Please see 2nd May for details.

Thursday 6th August
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 (TR 216 398). Then moving off to a site along the Walk. Contact Steve on 07899 758748 for details.

Thursday 6th August 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

THEME: WILDLIFE OF DAY & NIGHT
This weekend join a walk to learn about our fascinating insects including night time glow-worms and daytime butterflies.

Friday 7th August 9.00pm
A GLOWING NIGHT TIME STROLL (Green Gang)
An evening walk along a short stretch of canal to see the glow worms, watch bats skimming the water’s surface and listen for owls. Please bring a torch. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: West Hythe car park at the bottom of Lympne Hill (TR 125 344). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (night).

Saturday 8th August 2.00 pm
EASTRY TO WORTH
Walking through fields and orchards parallel to the North Stream, coming into Worth by St. Peter and St. Paul’s church. Returning past the nurseries in Felderland Lane. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village car park, Eastry (TR 306 549). DISTANCE: 5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 9th August
PATH WORKS, ROMNEY WARREN COUNTRY PARK
A general path and maintenance day to help keep this site rich in its wildlife but the public being able to enjoy the 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).

Sunday 9th August 10.00am
BUTTERFLY WALK - HAWKSHILL COMMON
Take a tour of the area around Hawkshill Common in the company of one of the Hawkshill Working Group members to see how many varieties of butterfly can be spotted. LEADER: Dr Michael Sykes for Walmer Parish Council (01304 381506). MEET: Hawkshill Freedown, entrance at corner of Liverpool Road and Grams Road, Walmer, near Deal (TR 373 499). DISTANCE: 1 mile (approx 2 hours - dependent on weather). GRADE: 2

Sunday 9th August 2.00pm
LYMINGE FOREST WALK
A gentle afternoon stroll around Lyminge Forest along some of the newly created walking routes to hear stories of the history and wildlife. 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: 5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 2

Tuesday 11th August
LITTER & PATHS, HIGH MEADOW, DOVER
A stroll around the site trimming and cleaning as we go. 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 12th August 2.00pm
LATHE BARN CREAM TEA BIKE RIDE
If Sunday 3rd May was too cool for you to get on your bike, there can be no excuses in the height of the summer! Can there?! 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).

Wednesday 12th August 2.00pm
WALKABOUT LYDD
Please see 2nd May for details.

Thursday 13th August
MEADOW CUTTING, FOLKESTONE WARREN
Cutting and raking a section of the wild flower meadow we are developing 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 13th August 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

THEME: COAST WALKS
Discover about the history and wildlife of the coast.

Saturday 15th August 2.00pm
SANDWICH TO SEASHORE
A leisurely walk along the river to the seashore returning across the golf course. Please bring water to drink and sun protection. Please note change of meeting place due to parking fees. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Sandown Road, junction with Manwood Road, Sandwich (TR 334 581). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 16th August
MEADOW CUT, CHERRY GARDEN, FOLKESTONE
A summer 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 16th August 2.00pm
ECHOES FROM THE SKY
We return to the familiar format and lead a guided walk out to the Sound Mirrors, after the Open Day in mid July 09. At the back of Lade Pit are the three Listening Devices built in the 1920’s and 30’s 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. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Dr Scarth and the Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934). MEET: Lade car park on Coast Drive (half way between the Pilot Pub and Romney Sands) (TR 085 208). DISTANCE: 3 miles (2.5 h,ours). GRADE: 5 (We will be walking across the shingle, which might be hard for some people).

Tuesday 18th August
FOOTPATHS, STEPS AND RAGWORT, WESTERN HEIGHTS, AYCLIFFE, DOVER
We’ll be checking and clearing steps, gates and footpaths. Pulling ragwort and picking litter. 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 or 10.30am car park (cut-off), North Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 411).

Wednesday 19th August 2.00pm
WALKABOUT LYDD
Please see 2nd May for details.

Thursday 20th August
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.

Thursday 20th August 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

Thursday 20th August 2.00pm
HARRY THE HEDGELAYER’S HAWKINGE (Green Gang)
Wildlife loves hedges! An afternoon amble to discover the wildlife and history of the hedges around Hawkinge. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 07885 599182). MEET: Village Hall, Canterbury Road, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 215 399). DISTANCE: 3 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2

THEME: SUMMER DOWNLAND WALKS
Enjoy a summer stroll around some of the lovely downland around Dover and Shepway.

Saturday 22nd August 10.00am
CIRCULAR WALK FROM HASTINGLEIGH
Beautiful country walk to Waltham. Please wear walking boots and bring bottled water. LEADER: Len Wilson, Shepway Footpath Preservation Society (01303 893126). MEET: Village hall, Evington (TR 096 449). DISTANCE: 6 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Saturday 22nd August 2.00pm
WHITE CLIFFS COUNTRY WALK
Taking the White Cliffs Country Trail through Finglesham and returning via Betteshanger. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: St. Augustine’s Church, The Drove, Northbourne (TR 334 523). DISTANCE: 5.25 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 22nd August 2.00pm
WALKABOUT LYDD
Please see 2nd May for details.

Sunday 23rd August
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 Steve Walker 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 23rd August 2.00pm
LATE SUMMER BLUES
A walk around the Folkestone Downs in search of the wildlife still active. This should include (weather permitting) the common blue and Adonis blue 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

Tuesday 25th August
FOOTPATHS, STEPS AND GATEWAY MAINTENANCE, WESTERN HEIGHTS LNR, AYCLIFFE, DOVER
We will walk the route of a planned guided walk and make sure that it is in good order. We’ll do a litter pick as we go. 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 or 10.30am St. Martin’s Battery car park, South Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 314 407).

Wednesday 26th August 2.00pm
CYCLE RIDE: MARSH PEDAL
A gentle cycle ride taking us across the Royal Military Canal and into some of the quietest parts of the Marsh. The lanes we will be using were formerly the smugglers’ main routes to the relative safety of higher ground. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Hamstreet railway station (TR 001 337). DISTANCE: 18 miles (3 hours).

Wednesday 26th August 2.00pm
WALKABOUT LYDD
Please see 2nd May for details.

Thursday 27th August
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 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.

Thursday 27th August 10.30am
THURSDAY MORNING WALK FROM ELHAM
There is a steep climb at the start of this walk but the views are worth the effort. 15 stiles and three gates. Why not join us for a drink or pub lunch afterwards. Please bring water to drink and sun protection. Please note change of day and time. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: The square, Vicarage Lane, Elham (TR 373 452). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 4. Dogs on leads.

Thursday 27th August 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

Friday 28th August 6.30pm
PHANTOMS OF THE FORT (Green Gang)
Strange things of the past are stirring in the historic, downland landscape surrounding the Western Heights hillfort. Hear the stories of the landscape from the ghosties of the grasslands. Please wear suitable footwear for ‘off-road’ and bring a torch please. Substantial donations expected otherwise the ghosties will get you!! Ha, ha!! 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 315 408) (if car park full there is space available along Citadel Road. Please park considerately. Thank you). DISTANCE: 2 miles (1.5-2 hours if you’re lucky!). GRADE: 4 (night)

THEME: HERITAGE COAST WEEKEND
A weekend of events for all the family at the Western Heights and Samphire Hoe, both within or adjacent to the Dover-Folkestone Heritage Coast.

Saturday 29th August 2.00pm
CYCLE RIDE: LYMINGE FOREST CYCLE RIDE
An easy afternoon cycle ride along one of the new cycle routes through Lyminge Forest. LEADER: White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 274806 or 078885 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)

Saturday 29th August 8.00pm
BAT WALK
Find out which bats are visiting Romney Warren at this time of year. 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. GRADE: 5 (night).

Sunday 30th August 9.00am
DEAL WALK
We catch a bus every day this coming week (except Wednesday) for a different walk around Deal each day. The walks vary in distance each day so please contact the leader for further information. Please bring money for the bus fare. LEADER: Alan Sutton, Walkers Friends (01304 375079) MEET: Bus station, South Street, Deal (TR 377 525) DISTANCE: Varies GRADE: 3 There are different walks on Monday 31st August, Tuesday 1st, Thursday 3rd, Friday 4th and Saturday 5th September.

Sunday 30th August 11.00am - 4.00pm
‘HAVE A FIELD DAY’ 2, WESTERN HEIGHTS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE, AYCLIFFE, DOVER
Come and celebrate the plants, animals and landscape of the downland on your doorstep. Family activities going on all day based at the Aycliffe church hall. Activities include wildlife stalls, natural arts and crafts; guided walks with the rangers to discover the ‘mini’ and ‘maxi’ wildlife living on the slopes of the Western Heights behind Aycliffe. ‘Feed your Face’ walk and workshop to discover about wild food, and folklore medicines and cosmetics. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: Church hall, Old Folkestone Road, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 303 398).

Sunday 30th August 8.00pm
HOE DOWN SUNDAY NIGHT SHOW
At Samphire Hoe, weather permitting we will be projecting onto an outdoor screen ‘Shakespeare Cliff a People’s History’. It will be a chance to see some of the images gathered and hear some of the memories recorded as part of this fascinating project, to discover the history of the Hoe. Please bring a torch, something to sit on and wrap up warm. 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). DURATION: 1 hour. GRADE: 1. If the weather looks questionable please phone for details.

Bank Holiday Monday 31st August 12.00pm - 4.00pm
SAMPHIRE HOE OPEN DAY
A chance to come and enjoy one of the last days of the summer holidays at Samphire Hoe. During the day there will be plenty to have a look at and join in with. There will also be a stall selling 2nd hand books on Natural History and local interest.

12:00pm – 4:00pm The Bug Road Show, displays, coastal collage and wildlife challenge trail.

13:00pm LEAPERS AND CREEPERS – Discover the weird world of mini-beast on a bug safari.
14:00pm BUGS AND BEASTS BADGE MAKING - Be inspired to make a bugtastic badge.
14:30pm GREEN GANG GAMES – Get active with games like Bat and Moth, Kestrel and Mouse and more…
15:00pm CHALK AND BERRY ART – Create your own masterpiece, wear old clothes that can get messy.

Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649). MEET: All events start outside the 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 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 1 Dogs on leads.