News

With Easter almost upon us, White Cliffs Countryside Project's Green Gang have a number of exiting events for your children.

GREEN GANG EVENTS

Please note that children under 18 must be accompanied at all times by a parent or guardian. It is the responsibility of the adult to make sure that their children are safe and well behaved, not the responsibility of the leader of the Green Gang event. The leader is there to add extra fun and learning. Many events take time to set up beforehand, so please don’t let unruly behaviour spoil the event for everyone else.

The Green Gang costs the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership about £10,000 a year. If your child enjoys a Green Gang event then a donation of £2 per child is suggested. This will help us keep Green Gang running in the future and enable us to offer an even better programme of events.

Donations are appreciated.

APRIL 2010

Good Friday 2nd to Monday 5th April 10.00am - 6.00pm

EASTER FUN AT WALMER CASTLE

Start your Easter off with Walmer Castle’s annual Easter Fun event - enjoy a variety of activities including family fun trail, egg and spoon races, storytelling and face painting. CHARGE: £7 Adult, £6 concessions, £4.50 children, Family £19.50, English Heritage members: Child £1, Family £2. LEADER: English Heritage (01304 364288). MEET: Walmer Castle, Kingsdown Road, Walmer, near Deal (TR 379 502). DURATION: 1 hour.

Good Friday 2nd April 10.00am

EASTER CROSSES WALK, DOVER

From the Maison Dieu, join the procession to Albany Place (suitable for wheel/pushchairs), where those who wish to climb Cowgate steps, continue to Drop Redoubt Field to see the crosses erected, weather permitting. We stop to sing and pray on the way. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Monica Pope (01304 202643). MEET: Between Maison Dieu and Town Council offices, Biggin Street, Dover (TR 316 417). DISTANCE: 1 mile (1 hour). GRADE: 3

Good Friday 2nd April 11.00am - 1.30pm

PROCESSION OF CROSSES, FOLKESTONE

Annual procession of crosses on Easter Good Friday walking from Folkestone town centre to Holywell Hill (A260), Folkestone. Packed lunch optional. Please wear suitable footwear. LEADER: Graham Coombs (01303 257559). MEET: Outside Debenhams, Folkestone town centre. DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (1.25 hours). GRADE: 1 and 4 (steep hill). Dogs on leads.

Good Friday 2nd to Monday 5th April 11.00am - 3.00pm

EASTER TREASURE TRAIL

Grab an Easter trail sheet from the Visitor Centre and find the special Easter clues as you wander round the nature trail. Bring your completed sheet back to the centre to get your yummy Easter prize. No need to book. Activity free, normal reserve entry fees apply. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: Visitor Centre, RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness Road, Lydd (TR 068 185 or TN29 9PN).


Good Friday 2nd April – Monday 5th 11.00am – 3.30pm

TRAIN RIDE: EASTER BUNNIES AT SHEPHERDSWELL

Come and join in the spring fun. All fare-paying children will receive a free Easter egg or gift and free entry into our prize-wining egg hunt. Trains at 11.00am, 12noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. CHARGE: Adults £7, Seniors £6, Children 2-15 £4, Under two’s travel free. Family Ticket £17 (2 Adults, 2 Children). LEADER: East Kent Railway (01034 832042). MEET: Shepherdswell Railway Station, near Dover. DURATION: 1.5 hours.

Saturday 3rd to Sunday 18th April 10.00am - 3.00pm

FAMILY EVENT - PHENOLOGY …? WHAT’S THAT?

Phenology looks at the timings of natural events and we will spend the whole of the spring holidays looking out for the first cuckoos, butterflies and frogs. Come along to the reserve to follow our trail and gain a certificate to prove how eagle-eyed you are! No need to book. Activity free, normal reserve entry fees apply. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: Visitor Centre, RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness Road, Lydd (TR 068 185 or TN29 9PN). NO DOGS.

Saturday 3rd April 2.00pm

EASTER EGG ROLLING ON FOLKESTONE DOWNS (Green Gang)

Come and join the traditional Easter egg rolling competition on Sugarloaf Hill on Folkestone Downs. Please bring your own decorated hard-boiled egg. Prizes will be given for the best decorated egg. See the Green Gang magazine or WCCP web site about how to decorate your egg. We will then go for a short walk before the grand egg rolling competition with prizes for the eggs that roll the furthest without breaking. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Kirk Alexander, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01304 241806 or 07885 599182). MEET: Kissing gate entrance to Sugarloaf Hill, end of Holywell Avenue, furthest from the entrance from Canterbury Hill (A260), Folkestone (TR 224 377). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 4 (steep hill)

Easter Sunday 4th to Wednesday 7th April 10.00am – 6.00pm

TIME TRAVELLERS GO… THROUGH THE AGES

Travel back in time and discover the skills of historical characters. Learn to play the fool, try circus tricks and see if you can become a fearless knight! CHARGE: Adult £13.90, concessions £11.80, child £7.00, family £34.80. An additional £1 will be charged on standard admission for every child member or non-member, to help fund this entertainment activity). LEADER: English Heritage (01304 211067). MEET: Dover Castle, Castle Hill Road, Dover.

Easter Sunday 4th & Monday 5th April 11.00am – 3.30pm

EASTER TRAIL ON THE WHITE CLIFFS

Easter fun at the White Cliffs. Follow our trail with Trusty the Hedgehog. Every Trail sheet will receive a chocolate prize. CHARGE: £1.50 per sheet. Normal Car Park fees apply. LEADER: Jenny, National Trust (01304 202756). MEET: White Cliffs Visitor Centre, Upper Road, Langdon Cliffs, Dover (TR 335 422).

Easter Sunday 4th & Monday 5th April 12.00noon – 4.00pm

EASTER TRAIL AT BROCKHILL

Self guided walk. A chance for you to walk off that chocolate! Work with your family or team to complete the trail around the Country Park. It will be a physical and mental challenge; the more help you have the better! All children must be accompanied by an adult. No booking required. CHARGE: £3.00 per trail sheet. LEADER: Park Staff (01303 266327). MEET: Brockhill Counrty Park, Sandling Road, Saltwood, near Hythe (TR 146 356). DISTANCE: 0.75 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.

Easter Sunday 4th April 2.00pm

GUIDED WALK: EASTER STROLL AT SAMPHIRE HOE

A walk around the Hoe to discover just what is Samphire Hoe? We will look to see if there are any signs of life returning to the Hoe after winter slumbers. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (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.

Easter Monday 5th April 10.00am

ROCK POOLING AT ST. MARGARET’S (Green Gang)

A family event held at St. Margaret’s Bay. Rock pooling with experts on hand to help with the identification of flora and fauna. Please wear suitable footwear. Donations appreciated. CHARGE: Council car park charges apply on the beach side at St. Margaret’s Bay. LEADER: Nature Table for White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01795 535504). MEET: St. Margaret’s Bay car park, bottom of Bay Hill, St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover (TR 369 446). DURATION: 2 hours. GRADE: 5 (rocky shore)

Tuesday 6th April 10.30am

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE

WESTERN HEIGHTS, CLARENDON: FENCING & FOOTPATHS

Fencing and footpath clearing. We can also replace some of the step boards where required. LEADER; Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07773 619121). MEET: Near the garages, half-way along Westbury Crescent (at the top of Belgrave Road), Dover (TR 309 409).

Tuesday 6th April 10.30am

ROCK POOLING AT THE FOLKESTONE WARREN (Green Gang)

Come and join a family event looking for the fascinating creatures found in the rock pools. Please wear suitable footwear. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Nature Table for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01795 535504). MEET: Car park, The Pavilion, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 239 365). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 5 (rocky shore).

Wednesday 7th April 10.15am

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE

HOLYWELL FIELD, FOLKESTONE DOWN: LITTER CLEARING AND RECYCLING

Clearing litter in Holywell field, which unfortunately constantly ‘rains’ down from the A20 flyover. Cans and glass will be collected separately for recycling. Please bring wellies in case it is still wet. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07880 706993). MEET: At the bottom of Castle Hill, off M20 junction 13, Folkestone (TR 212 377). Then driving off into Holywell Field. Please bring wellies.

Wednesday 7th April 2.00pm

CYCLE RIDE: EASTER EGG RIDE (Green Gang)

Let’s go and have a short pedal around a quiet corner of the Romney Marsh looking for some late Easter Eggs which have not been found! Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny who has just had a very busy weekend. You can only eat an egg if you’ve done enough pedalling as it is World Health Day! Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Pay and Display car park (opposite Cinque Port Arms pub), West Street, off the High Street, New Romney (TR 063 247). DISTANCE: 12 miles (2.5 hours).

Thursday 8th April 10.00am – 4.30pm

FAMILY DAY AT DOVER MUSEUM – MEET A VICTORIAN LADY AND SCHOOL TEACHER

Find out what life was like in Victorian times, a chance to handle a range of Victorian artefacts. Try a variety of Victorian activities from calligraphy to stained glass window design, colouring sheets, wordsearches and much more. CHARGE: Normal admission rates to museum. Free for Dover District residents. LEADER: Kim Norton, Dover Museum (01304 201066). MEET: Dover Museum. Market Square, Dover, CT16 1PB.

 Thursday 8th April 10.15am

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE

HIGH MEADOW, DOVER: HEDGE AND PATH MAINTENANCE

Clearing around the hedge planted a few years ago as well as maintaining the footpaths. LEADER: Paul Willmott, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07880 706991). MEET: Harbour View Road, Tower Hamlets, Dover (TR 306 420).

Thursday 8th April 2.00pm

FOSSIL FORAY (Green Gang)

Join in a family fossil foray in the East Cliff and Warren Country Park. An opportunity to see some of the fossils found on the site with a chance to find your own fossils to take home. Please wear strong footwear and take care on the rocks. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01303 274806 or 07880 706993). MEET: The Pavilion, Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 239 364). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 5 (rocky shore).

Friday 9th April 1.30pm

FAMILY EVENT - CHILDRENS BIRDWATCHING (Please book)

Super swans, daft ducks and hungry herons. Grab a pair of binoculars and join us in the wildlife hides to find the brilliant birds that live here at Dungeness. Then wander back to the classroom to make a bird model to take home with you. Booking essential. CHARGE: RSPB Wildlife Explorer members £1.50, non-members £3, accompanying adults free. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: Visitor Centre, RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness Road, Lydd (TR 068 185 or TN29 9PN). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.

Friday 9th April 2.00pm

SMUGGLERS HAUL AT SAMPHIRE HOE (Green Gang)

Contraband has washed up on the beach from a ship wreck. Will we get the treasure off the beach in time? Will the Preventative officers catch us? Or will Davy Jones claim the locker? Come along for some nautical fun. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (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: 5 (Rocky beach). Dogs on leads.

Friday 9th April 8.30pm

BIG NEWT – MINUTE (Green Gang)

Come and find out about great crested newts, with a short evening walk to look for any newts regardless of size, plus any other night wildlife like frogs and toads or giant diving beetles. We have found medicinal leeches in the past, so I hope you are all brave. Bring a torch and wear suitable footwear (ie wellies). Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, between New Romney and St Mary’s Bay (A259) (TR 078 261). DISTANCE: 0.5 mile (1.5 hours). GRADE: 5 (night). Wellies are needed.

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th April 10.00am - 4.30pm

SPRINGWATCH AT ROMNEY WARREN

Self-led trails to find out what wildlife is about at Romney Warren at this time of year. There will be a Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Shuttle service operating from New Romney to Romney Warren Halt, see RHDR or KWT websites for details. LEADER: Kent Wildlife Trust (01797 369487). MEET: Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, between New Romney and St. Mary’s Bay (TR 078 261).

Sunday 11th April 11.00am

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE

DUNGENESS NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE: BEACH CLEAN

We will be clearing rubbish from Dungeness National Nature Reserve (NNR) along the tide line. The stretch we hope to clear is from the New Lighthouse and boardwalk area around the Point to the Lifeboat Station. We will provide the litter pickers, gloves, bags and of course the refreshments. Any time given will be appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Dungeness (New/stripy) Lighthouse (TR 094 169).

Monday 12th April 11.00am

DOGS AND CHICKENS OF FOLKESTONE DOWNS (Green Gang)

A gentle walk around the bottom of the Folkestone Downs looking at the Easter wild flowers and learning a bit about their folklore - which are the dogs and which are the chickens?! Donation appreciated. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Project (07880 706993). MEET: Far end of Holywell Avenue (by kissing gate into field), Folkestone (TR 224 377). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2 (may be muddy)

 Tuesday 13th April 10.40am

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE

ROMNEY WARREN: FOOTPATHS AND FENCING

Sheep have been grazing the site over the winter and there will be plenty of fences to repair and footpaths to clear now that spring has arrived. This is so that the site can continue to be grazed for the benefit of wildlife and access improved for the benefit of people. LEADER: Mark Tuson, Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership (01797 367934 or 07971 276698). MEET: New Romney Warren Visitor Centre car park, between New Romney and St. Mary’s Bay, by the railway bridge off the A259 (TR 078 261).

Tuesday 13th April 2.00pm

SAMPHIRE HOE PAVEMENT ART (Green Gang)

Come along on a short walk to see the wildlife of the Hoe and gather inspiration for your sea wall pavement art master piece. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01304 225649). MEET: Office, Samphire Hoe, near Dover (clearly signposted off A20 from Dover to Folkestone (TR 294 394). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.

Wednesday 14th April 10.00am – 4.30pm

FAMILY DAY AT DOVER MUSEUM – DOOR HANGER

Design and make your own door hanger. Choose from a variety of designs from animal to birds, fairies to pirates or design your own. CHARGE: Normal admission rates to museum. Free for Dover District residents. LEADER: Kim Norton, Dover Museum (01304 201066). MEET: Dover Museum. Market Square, Dover, CT16 1PB.

 Wednesday 14th April 10.20am

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE

SPINNEY WOODS: HELP INSTALL A NATURE TRAIL

We shall be working in and around this beautiful ancient woodland way-marking and installing interpretation. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07899 758748). MEET: Spinney Lane entrance to Spinney Wood, Aylesham (TR 230 516).

Wednesday 14th April 10.30am and 1.30pm

FAMILY EVENT - NESTBOX DAY (Please book)

Two sessions. Make your own nestbox, get tips on encouraging nesting birds to your home and garden, watch birds nesting on the reserve and take part in the nestbox knockout. Do all this and more during our nestbox day. Separate charge applies for nest box making activity. Booking essential. CHARGE: RSPB Wildlife Explorer members £1.50, non-members £3, accompanying adults free. A separate charge applies for nestbox making activity. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: Visitor Centre, RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness Road, Lydd (TR 068 185 or TN29 9PN). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.

Wednesday 14th April 2.00pm

THE GREAT EGG ROLLING CHALLENGE (Green Gang)

Bring your decorated eggs and then join in the renowned Hoe egg rolling challenge, prizes for all. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01304 225649). MEET: Office, Samphire Hoe, near Dover (clearly signposted off A20 from Dover to Folkestone (TR 294 394). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.

 Thursday 15th April 10.15am

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE

FOLKESTONE WARREN: PATH CLEARING

Trimming back the vegetation along path edges around Little Switzerland camp site, to benefit both walkers and wildlife. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07880 706993). MEET: Little Switzerland café, off Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 242 377).

Thursday 15th April 2.00pm

A WOOLLY WANDER AT ROMNEY WARREN (Green Gang)

Follow the Sheep Trail around the meadow and lake at Romney Warren Country Park and help us spin a yarn about the history and wildlife of Romney Marsh. Donation appreciated, what a Baa-gain! LEADER: Mark Tuson, Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934 or 07971 276698). MEET: Car park, Visitor Centre, Romney Warren Country Park, Dymchurch Road, near New Romney (TR 078 261). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads, unsuitable for pushchairs.

Friday 16th April 10.30am

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE

ST MARTINS FIELD, WESTERN HEIGHTS: HABITAT & ACCESS MAINTENANCE

We will be cutting back the vegetation, clearing the footpaths and checking the wooden steps on this wonderful site overlooking the English Channel. LEADER; Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07773 619121). MEET: St Martins Battery par park, North Military Road, Dover (TR 314 407).

Friday 16th April 2.00pm

POND DIPPING AT BUSHY RUFF (Green Gang)

Have fun pond dipping at Bushy Ruff, part of Kearsney Abbey Gardens, and learn about the fascinating wildlife and ecology of water. Please bring a pond net if you have one. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Nature Table for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01795 535504). MEET: Café, Kearsney Abbey Gardens, Kearsney, near Dover (TR 287 438). DISTANCE: 0.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2

 Sunday 18th April 10.15am

CARING FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE

HELPING THE HOE, SAMPHIRE HOE, DOVER

There is always plenty to do at the Hoe, it could include path clearing, beaching clean or erosion control. For more information call Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership on 01304 225649 or 07899 758748. MEET: 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 18th April 2.00pm

MAKE A NEST AND EAT IT (Green Gang)

A walk to find out about the different types of nest that birds and animals make, followed by a chance to make an edible nest. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Arty Crafty for White Cliffs Countryside Project (01303 262432). MEET: Reinden Wood, Canterbury Road, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 213 408). DISTANCE: 1 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 2 (muddy paths)

Saturday 24th April 2.00pm

GUIDED WALK: ST GEORGE AND THE HOE DRAGONS

Discover the myth of St George and find out about the sightings of different dragons at the Hoe. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01304 225649). MEET: Office, Samphire Hoe, near Dover (clearly signposted off A20 from Dover to Folkestone (TR 294 394). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. Dogs on leads.

MAY 2010

Saturday 1st May 8.00pm

LOOK LISTEN AND WONDER - NIGHT-TIME SPECIAL AT SAMPHIRE HOE

Celestial bodies, flittermice and marvellous moths at Samphire Hoe. A night to remember! We shall be using telescopes, ultrasound, and very bright lights. We will search high and low for creatures and features, real or imagined. Bring a torch. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (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: 5 (night). Dogs on leads.

Sunday 2nd May 2.00pm

MARVEL, MIMIC AND MAKE - SAMPHIRE HOE’S FAMOUS ORCHID (Green Gang)

After a short walk to see Samphire hoe’s most famous mimic flower the ‘early spider orchid’ and any other floral beauties we can find, we shall make some exotic orchids to take home. Donations appreciated. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (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.


There will be a full programme of Green Gang events for the spring school holidays, which will be available in May 2010. The Green Gang magazine is distributed to all primary schools in Dover and Shepway. The magazine is also available from local libraries and local tourist information centres. In case of difficulty in obtaining a copy, please contact the White Cliffs Countryside Project (01304 241806) or the Romney Marsh Countryside Project (01797 367934).

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2010