News

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

Wednesday 2nd September
FEN CUTTING, HOLYWELL FEN, FOLKESTONE DOWNS
The first of this year’s annual cut and rake, to a section of Holywell Fen to benefit the wildlife of this scarce wetland habitat. 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 (so long as it isn’t too wet). Please bring wellies.

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

Thursday 3rd September
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 (0789 9 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 3rd September 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

THEME: COAST WALKS
Discover the coast on both sides of the Channel.

Saturday 5th September
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, Countryside 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, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182). DISTANCE: 12 miles (6 hours for the walk). GRADE: 5 (long walk)

Saturday 5th September 2.00pm
EYTHORNE TO WALDERSHARE PARK
A varied walk starting from Eythorne light railway station taking in Waldershare Park. Varied countryside, parkland, woodland and offering good views. 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: Outside Eythorne light railway station (TR 282 495). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 6th September
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 6th September 2.00pm
A WALK ON THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER
We will walk a stretch of the white cliffs along the Chalk & Channel Way. We will see some of the art works; please bring your mobile phone to listen to some of the Chalk Lines poems. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182) MEET: Clifftop Café, Old Dover Road, Capel-le-Ferne, nr Folkestone (TR 254 384) Please park along Old Dover Road and not in the café car park. DISTANCE: 5 miles (3 hours) GRADE: 3

Tuesday 8th September
GRASS CUTTING, HILL’S RESERVOIR, FOLKESTONE
Come along and help with grass cutting and raking to conserve the wildlife of this important area of chalk grassland. LEADER: Mark Tuson, WCCP (07971 276698) MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am at the top of Castle Hill, Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 213 382)

Wednesday 9th September
WAYMARKING SURVEY & LITTER PICK, WESTERN HEIGHTS, DOVER
We’ll walk the waymarked, circular routes clearing vegetation; replacing discs and litter picking as we go. Please bring a flask as we’ll be 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 North Military Road car park (cut-off), North Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 411).

Wednesday 9th September 2.00pm
WALKABOUT LYDD
Please see 2nd May for details.

Thursday 10th September
FEN CUTTING, HOLYWELL FEN, FOLKESTONE DOWNS
The second of this year’s annual cut and rake, to a section of Holywell Fen to benefit the wildlife of this scarce wetland habitat. 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 (so long as it isn’t too wet). Please bring wellies.

Thursday 10th September 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

THEME: HERITAGE OPEN WEEKEND
A chance to discover some of the places that are not normally open to the public. Sunday is the last chance thus year to visit the sound mirrors at Dungeness.

Saturday 12th September 2.00pm
THREE CHURCHES WALK
To celebrate Open Churches Day we will visit Wingham, Ickham and Littlebourne Churches. A plaque to Wingham’s famous son and the Hovis Mill to be seen on the way. Squelchy water meadow to cross. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village car park, Wingham (TR 574 246). DISTANCE: 5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 13th September
FOOTPATHS, STEPS, GATES & ORIENTEERING MAINTENANCE, WHINLESS DOWN, DOVER
There will be a range of tasks to suit various abilities. Please 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 near the pedestrian gate into Elms Vale recreation ground (near Harbour School), Elms Vale Road, Dover (TR 297 414).

Sunday 13th September 2.00pm
ECHOES FROM THE SKY
This is the last guided walk out to the Mirrors during 2009. 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. 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 hours). GRADE: 5 (shingle).

Sunday 13th September 5.00pm
WADERS AND OTHER MIGRATORY BIRDS
A walk to see the waders, tern and other migratory birds at the Bay. 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.

Tuesday 15th September
STEP AND FOOTPATH REPAIRS, WESTERN HEIGHTS, DOVER
Help repair the access infrastructure of the nature reserve. We will be footpath clearing as well. Please bring a flask as we may be 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 car park (cut-off), North Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 411)).

Wednesday 16th September
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.

Wednesday 16th September 2.00pm
WALKABOUT LYDD
Please see 2nd May for details.

Thursday 17th September 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

THEME: EQUINOX
As we approach the equinox, come for a walk to enjoy the late summer wildlife.

Saturday 19th September 2.00pm
LIFE IN THE WET LANE
A walk along the Royal Military Canal from West Hythe to Aldergate, returning via the zoo. Kingfishers, woodpeckers and the heronry, botanical riches along the canal and alien delights like red eared terrapin could be found. 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: 4 miles (3 hours). GRADE:

Saturday 19th September 2.00pm
TEMPLE EWELL & EWELL MINNIS
From Kearsney Abbey grounds past Temple Ewell church through the village and up on to the Minnis via track past Great Watersend Farm. Views over Lydden and Alkham Valley. Children over 7 welcome. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Café in Kearsney Abbey, Alkham Valley Road, Dover (TR 288 438). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 20th September
BEACH CLEAN, DUNGENESS
We will be clearing rubbish from Dungeness National Nature Reserve (NNR) along the tide line. This is part of the Marine Conservation Society National Beach Clean so we will be picking up and counting the rubbish. 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 the red and white barrier beyond Dungeness (old) Lighthouse (TR 088 168).

Sunday 20th September 11.00am
GREAT COAST CLEAN
Local residents are invited to come along and give the clifftop grassland of the world famous white cliffs an autumn cleanup. 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, with time to have some lunch before joining the walk in the afternoon. 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 20th September 2.00pm
LATE SUMMER IN THE FOLKESTONE WARREN
A walk through the Folkestone Warren looking at any wildlife still flowering or flying. 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 22nd September
POND MANAGEMENT, NEW ROMNEY WARREN
We will be working on the large seasonal pond, specifically to increase the botanical interest and habitat for invertebrates and great-crested newts. 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 Port Arms pub, New Romney or 11.00am at New Romney Warren car park, off the St. Mary’s Bay to New Romney road (TR 078 261). Please bring wellies.

Wednesday 23rd September
FOOTPATHS, STEPS, GATES & ORIENTEERING MAINTENANCE, WHINLESS DOWN, DOVER
There will be a range of tasks to suit various abilities. 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 297 414)

Thursday 24th September 10.30am
HISTORY OF HYTHE AND THE CINQUE PORTS
Please see 4th June for details.

Friday 25th September
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.

Friday 25th September 7.30pm
ILLUSTRATED TALK: VALLEY OF VISIONS
An illustrated talk on the Valley of Visions Project by Richard Haynes. Organised by the Folkestone, Hythe & Dover Local Group of Kent Wildlife Trust. Non-members welcome. CHARGE: £2 (to include tea and biscuits). Further information from Pauline Bateson, KWT (01304 853503). MEET: The Salvation Army Hall, Portland Road, Hythe.

THEME: LAST OF THE SUMMER WALKS
Join a walk to see the fruits and wildlife at the end of summer.

Saturday 26th September 11.00am
LITERARY GUIDED WALK (Please book)
From Bard to Bond. 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

Saturday 26th September 2.00pm
WALK THROUGH THE ASH ORCHARDS
We will walk through the orchards. Please do not pick fruit from the trees. Please bring water to drink. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Diane, Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Chequers Lane, junction with Queen’s Road, Ash (TR 287 589). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 27th September
SCRUB CLEARING, FOLKESTONE DOWNS
The start of this winters scrub clearing tasks on the Folkestone Downs. Working at the base of Sugarloaf Hill / 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 nearer to the bottom of Sugarloaf Hill.

Sunday 27th September 2.00pm
LAST OF THE SUMMER REPTILES
Come along and hopefully if the weather is suitable we will discover the reptiles that live on the Hoe, and hear some of the funny stories they have resulted in. 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 29th September
PATHS, STEPS AND WAYMARKING, WESTERN HEIGHTS LNR, DOVER.
We will do some general maintenance, around the footpaths of the Western Heights. We’ll go wherever we’re needed. Please bring a flask because we’ll probably be working away from the minibus. LEADER: Mel Wrigley, WCCP (07880 706990). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone; 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am at North Military road (cut-off) car park, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 411). (We may move off to other locations).

Wednesday 30th September
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.

Thursday 1st October
SCRUB & PATHS, HIGH MEADOW, DOVER
Pushing back dense scrub encroaching onto paths. LEADER: Paul Willmott, WCCP (07880 706991). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am Noah’s Ark Road (opposite the Boys Grammar School), Tower Hamlets, Dover (TR 303 418).

There will be a full programme of events for the winter (October to March 2010) available in September 2009 from visitor information centres, local libraries or the White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806) or the Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934).