News

Snowdrop walks, hedgelaying and a bittern safari are just some of the events this month.
 

FEBRUARY 2010

Tuesday 2nd February
HEDGE CUTTING, SLADDEN FARM
We will be cutting back Louisa's hedge on the drive leading to the farm. We will also be having a BBQ kindly provided by Di Smith. LEADER: Paul Sampson and Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am Sladden Farm, Alkham Valley Road, Dover (TR 260 428).

Wednesday 3rd February
SCRUB CLEARING, FOLKESTONE DOWNS
Clearing scrub from along the 'tank trap' path on Round Hill. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 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). Then driving along the road nearer to the work site.

Thursday 4th February
SCRUB CLEARING, ST. MARTINS BATTERY, WESTERN HEIGHTS
Scrub clearing, vegetation control and footpath maintenance on this lovely site above the harbour. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am St. Martin's Battery car park, South Military Road, Dover (TR 314 407).

Friday 5th February
SCRUB CLEAR, SOUTH FORELAND VALLEY, ST MARGARET’S-AT-CLIFFE
We will be helping local volunteers to continue clearing scrub from this important chalk grassland Site of Special Scientific Interest. We will also be working on improving footpaths this winter. LEADER: Paul Willmott, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706991) MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Dover, 10.15am Outside Pines Gardens or 10.20am Water trough, Goodwin Road, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe (TR 363 438).

HEDGEROW HAPPENING
Learn more about hedgerows with the chance to have a go at traditional hedgelaying.

Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th February

FRANCE CONSERVATION WEEKEND IN FRANCE (Please book)
We will be joining French volunteers to work on a conservation project in northern France. Booking essential as places will be limited. Contact WCCP (01304 241806) for further information and to book a place.

Saturday 6th February 2.00pm
THE HEART OF BISHOPSBOURNE
A pleasant and varied walk through parkland, fields and orchards. Please wear boots and bring water. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Rod & Mavis of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Bishopsbourne church, or on lane nearby (TR 188 526). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads

Sunday 7th February
HEDGELAYING, NEW ROMNEY DAY CENTRE
Come along and learn how hedges are managed in the traditional way, while enjoying views across the Marsh. LEADER: Owen Leyshon and Mark Tuson, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 9.50am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.15am Red Lion Hotel, Hythe, 10.30am Ocean Inn, Dymchurch or 10.40am at the Romney Marsh Day Centre, Rolfe Lane (at the back of Prescott House), New Romney (TR 063 251).

Sunday 7th February 11.00am
WINTER WILDFOWL GUIDED WALK (Please book)
Please see 17th January for details.

Sunday 7th February 2.00pm
HEDGEROW DETECTIVE
An afternoon walk to learn more about hedgerows along with stories about the traditional uses of hedgerow plants.
Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07885 599182). MEET: Lyminge Library, Station Road, Lyminge, near Folkestone (TR 165 411). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Tuesday 9th February WELLIES
SCRUB CLEARING, GIBBIN’S BROOK, SELLINDGE
We will be clearing scrub from around the wet areas to conserve and enhance the orchids and other wildlife interest of this unusual site. Please bring wellies. LEADER: Leonie Seymour, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07939 569138). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wood Avenue or 10.30am at the pond on Gibbin’s Brook, Brook Lane, off Swan Lane, Sellindge, near Hythe (TR 116 387).

Wednesday 10th February
SPRUCE UP SPINNEY WOOD
It’s time for a spring clean in this ancient woodland. Before the season gets going we shall spruce up the woods so that the beautiful display of spring bluebells can look at their best. We continue our nut hunt and look for signs of dormice. Sponsored by Aylesham Parish Council. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.20am at the Spinney Lane entrance to Spinney Wood, Aylesham (TR 230 516).

Thursday 11th February
HELPING THE HOE, SAMPHIRE HOE, DOVER
There is always plenty to do at the Hoe, it could include erosion control, bramble and sea buckthorn cutting or a beach cleaning. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am at the site management office Samphire Hoe, Dover (sign posted 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.

GREEN GANG (13th to 21st February)
A special programme of activities for children and their families are organised during the school holidays. The full programme can be found in the free Green Gang magazine, which is available from local libraries, local Tourist Information Centres or from WCCP (01304 241806). Please note that children must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult.

Saturday 13th February 2.00pm
EAST LANGDON TO GUSTON
Over Famine Down to Guston, along the Roman Road to Pineham and back over Poison Down. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: The Village Green, East Langdon, near Dover (TR 334 462). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Saturday 13th February 2.00pm
LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT SAMPHIRE HOE (Green Gang) Come along and join in a walk around Samphire Hoe to discover the weird and wonderful ways that the wildlife of the Hoe go about attracting their mates. If the weather is kind to us we will make a Valentines card to take home. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649). MEET: Site Management Office, Samphire Hoe (Pay and Display car park), Dover (signposted off the A20 when driving from Dover to Folkestone) (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2

Sunday 14th February
SCRUB CLEARING & SITE MAINTENANCE, HIGH MEADOW, DOVER
We will be cutting scrub, improving footpaths or other maintenance work on Dover’s newest Local Nature Reserve. LEADER: Paul Willmott, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 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 303 417).
Sunday 14th February 2.00pm TWENTY
A VALENTINE'S DAY STROLL AT SAMPHIRE HOE
Join in a gentle walk around the Hoe led by the volunteer rangers who love to help caring for the Hoe. Why do they do it? Because they love it! Why not treat your loved ones to a delicious hot chocolate from the tea kiosk. Donation appreciated. LEADER: White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649). MEET: Site Management Office, Samphire Hoe (Pay and Display car park), Dover (signposted off the A20 when driving from Dover to Folkestone) (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2

Monday 15th February 2.00pm
ORIENTEERING AT WHINLESS DOWN (Green Gang)
Have a go at orienteering around the tree trail at the Whinless Down local Nature Reserve. The aim is to navigate your way around the tree trail as quickly as possible while learning about trees as you go. The orienteering map will be provided free. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Louise Mantell for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806). MEET: Car park, Elms Vale Recreation Ground, Elms Vale Road, Dover (TR 298 414). DISTANCE: 1 mile (1-2 hours). GRADE: 3

Tuesday 16th February
SCRUB CLEARING, ST. MARTINS BATTERY, WESTERN HEIGHTS
Scrub clearing, vegetation control and footpath maintenance on this lovely site above the harbour. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am St. Martin's Battery car park, South Military Road, Dover (TR 314 407).

 
Tuesday 16th February 2.00pm
BUILD A HOME FOR A BEE AT NEW ROMNEY WARREN (Green Gang)
Not all bees live in a hive. Find out how to attract solitary bees to your garden by building a home for them. These types of bee are just as important in pollinating flowers and they are quite harmless. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Mark Tuson, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07971 276698). MEET: Car park, Visitor Centre, Romney Warren Country Park, Dymchurch Road (between New Romney and St. Mary's Bay) (TR 078 261). DISTANCE: 0.2 miles (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2

Wednesday 17th February
HEDGELAYING, SHEPHERDSWELL
This is a great opportunity for local landowners and any other interested people to come along and learn about this hedgerow management technique. You will find out about pleachers and bindings. You will use tools such as billhooks and slashers. Sponsored by Shepherdswell with Coldred Parish Council. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am at Meadow View Road, Shepherdswell (TR 262 486).

Wednesday 17th February 1.15pm
HARRY THE HEDGER
A look at the great wildlife value of hedgerows, stopping by to see traditional hedgelaying in action. Harry the Hedger shows you more about this ancient craft. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: Meadow View Road, Shepherdswell (TR 262 486). DISTANCE: 0.5 mile (0.75 hour). GRADE: 2

Thursday 18th February
WILLOW CLEARING, CEMEX LAND, DUNGENESS
The Romney Marsh Countryside Project are working at a new site on Dungeness, starting the removal of willow scrub from an area owned by CEMEX in what we call the top of the Long Pits. The site is an SSSI and is scrubbing over and so the long term aim is to reduce the scrub. We will carry on the work which was started by contractors last winter and it will be adjacent to the road. There will be a bonfire and a great selection of cakes. LEADER: Owen Leyshon/Mark Tuson, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 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 11.00am on the junction of Kerton Road with Dungeness Road, Dungeness (TR 085 187).

Thursday 18th February 2.00pm
TREE WALK AROUND LYMINGE FOREST (Green Gang)
An easy afternoon walk to learn about the trees of Lyminge Forest. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Leonie Seymour, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07939 569138). 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

Friday 19th February 2.00pm
SAMPHIRE HOE STORIES (Green Gang)
Have fun in a walk around the Hoe to discover fascinating Samphire Hoe stories. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 225649 or 07899 758748). 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

SNOWDROP WALKS
A chance to see snowdrops and other early wildlife.

Saturday 20th February 2.00pm
BARHAM TO BROOME PARK
Lush downland landscape interspersed with woodland. Route crosses golf course on return. Much of the area has important historical links. Children over 7 welcome. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Julia of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: By Barham Church (green spire) Church Lane, off The Street, Barham, near Canterbury (TR 212 501). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3.

Saturday 20th February 10.00am - 2.00pm
BUILD A BIRD BOX DAY (Green Gang) (Please book)
Our popular day building nest boxes has come around again and we are pleased to repeat this event. We shall be using recycled timber to make our boxes and the WCCP staff will be on hand to guide you through the easy steps to complete your nest box. When completed, you will be able to take them home to put up in your garden ready for the spring. This is a well attended event and we urge you to pre book, as we have a limited number of kits available, by phoning the office on 01304 241806. CHARGE: £4.00 per kit will be charged upon completion. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07773 619121). MEET: Clarendon and Westbury Community Association Hall, Belgrave Road, Dover CT17 9RA.

Sunday 21st February
SCRUB CLEARING, FOLKESTONE DOWNS
Clearing scrub above the footpath on the upper slopes of Holywell. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 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).

Sunday 21st February 11.00am
BITTERN SAFARI (Please book)
Please see 8th November for details.

Sunday 21st February 2.00pm

TWENTY SNOWDROP WALK
An afternoon walk in the beautiful Alkham Valley with stories about wildlife and history including visiting the site of St. Radigund's Abbey. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Josie Newman, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07789 778276). MEET: Café, Kearsney Abbey Gardens, Kearsney, Dover (TR 288 438). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 4 (two steep hills).

Wednesday 24th February
SPRUCE UP SPINNEY WOOD, AYLESHAM
It’s time for a spring clean in this ancient woodland. Before the season gets going we shall spruce up the woods so that the beautiful display of spring bluebells can look at their best. Sponsored by Aylesham Parish Council. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wood Avenue, 10.00am Dover or 10.20am at the Spinney Lane entrance to Spinney Wood, Aylesham (TR 230 516).

Thursday 25th February
SCRUB CLEARING & SITE MAINTENANCE, HIGH MEADOW, DOVER
We will be cutting scrub, improving footpaths or other maintenance work on Dover’s newest Local Nature Reserve. LEADER: Paul Willmott, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 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 303 417).
Friday 26th February
SCRUB CLEARING, HILL’S RESERVOIR, FOLKESTONE
We will be clearing scrub from around the reservoir to protect and enhance the wildlife of the chalk grassland which is rich in orchids and insects. LEADER: Leonie Seymour, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07939 569138). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wood Avenue or 10.15am at Hills Reservoir (top of Castle Hill, Crete Road West, Folkestone (TR 213 382).

Friday 26th February 7.30pm
ILLUSTRATED TALK: BIRD MIGRATING! WHY?
An Illustrated talk on this puzzling subject by Mike Briggs of Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust. CHARGE: £2.50 including refreshments. LEADER: Pauline Bateson, Kent Wildlife Trust 01304 853503). MEET: The Salvation Army Hall, Portland Road, Hythe, CT21 6EG.

WOODLAND WALKS
Warming woodland walks for the winter.

Saturday 27th February 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. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer's Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Shepherdswell Railway Station (TR 257 482). DISTANCE: 5.25 miles (3.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Sunday 28th February
SCRUB CLEARING, AYCLIFFE, WESTERN HEIGHTS
Continuing to create the butterfly rides on the lower slopes of the Western Heights. We shall be having a bonfire to clear up the vegetation. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706990). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am, outside 76 -78 St. David's Avenue, Aycliffe, Dover (TR 305 402).

Sunday 28th February 2.00pm
WINTER WARREN LAND
A late winters’ walk through the dramatic undercliff of the Folkestone Warren. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Philip Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806 or 07880 706993). MEET: At the Little Switzerland camp site cafe, off Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 242 377). DISTANCE: 4.5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 4