Guided Walks and more including a Hedgelaying Taster Day in Hawkinge
NOVEMBER 2010

 

Tuesday 2nd November TRAIN BUS

DROP REDOUBT, WESTERN HEIGHTS, DOVER: SCRUB CLEARING.

Help to clear scrub, which is in danger of smothering the ‘orchid’ bank. Please wear boots with good grip as it is quite steep. We’ll pop back to the office for a loo’ stop at lunch time for those who wish to. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07880 706990). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am near the water trough, North Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 316 414).

Wednesday 3rd November TRAIN BUS

HAWKINGE: HEDGELAYING TASTER DAY

This is an opportunity to learn about this ancient hedgerow management technique. Veteran hedgelayer We will be learning about pleachers, withies and bindings using tools such as billhooks and slashers. For more information call Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership on 07899 758748. MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am outside the village hall Canterbury Road, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 217 398).

Thursday 4th November WELLIES TRAIN BUS RMCP

ROMNEY WARREN: SCRUB CLEARING AROUND SEASONAL PONDS

Put your pond management skills into practice as we continue to clear Willow and thorny scrub from the areas around the seasonal ponds behind the Visitor Centre to increase the botanical interest and habitat for invertebrates, great crested newts and the medicinal leeches as well!. LEADER: Mark Tuson, Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership (07971 276698). 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 New Romney Warren car park, off the St Mary’s Bay to New Romney road (A259) (TR 078 261). Please bring wellies.

Friday 5th November TRAIN BUS NEW

ROMAN GARDEN, DOVER: GARDENING Day 1

After many years of growth the Roman garden, planted by Mel and the White Cliffs Countryside Project volunteers in the grounds of the Dover Museum, needs some serious pruning and cutting back. We will be cutting back the fig, laurel and other shrubs and plants in the garden. We will be putting the cut vegetation into a skip LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am at Dover Museum (metal gates in Cannon Street).

THEME: AUTUMN COLOUR

Join a walk to explore the autumn colours of the countryside.

Saturday 6th November TRAIN BUS NEW

ROMAN GARDEN, DOVER: GARDENING Day 2

Continuing from yesterday to complete the work already started, the many years of growth will now be made good and ready for the winter. We will be trying to take some cuttings from the various shrubs and plants to grow on to plant out in the future. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am at Dover Museum (metal gates in Cannon Street).

Saturday 6th November 2.00pm TRAIN

PILGRAMAGE TO BARFESTONE

From Shepherdswell to the Norman church at Barfrestone with a short explanation of carvings over the famous south door. Children over 7 welcome. Donation to WCCP appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Shepherdswell Railway Station (TR 257 482). DISTANCE: 4.5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3.

Sunday 7th November TRAIN BUS

SAMPHIRE HOE: HELPING THE HOE

There is plenty to do at the Hoe which could include path clearing, vegetation and erosion control. Come along and help at this wonderful site. For more information phone Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership 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 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 7th November 11.00am

BITTERN SAFARI (Please book)

Every year a handful of bitterns spend the winter months on the reserve. Join one of our experts as we try to track down a bittern or two this morning. Booking essential. CHARGE: Adults £6.00, concessions £4.00, children £3.00. There is a 50% discount for RSPB and Wildlife Explorer members. LEADER: RSPB (01797 320588). MEET: RSPB Visitor Centre, Dungeness Nature Reserve, Dungeness, Lydd (TR 068 185). DISTANCE: 2 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 2. NO DOGS.

Sunday 7th November 1.00pm

AUTUMN IN THE FOLKESTONE WARREN

A walk through the Folkestone Warren looking at the autumn colours and the reasons for them, as well as any wildlife still active. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Philip Green, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07880 706993). MEET: The Cliff Top Café (please park along the road and not in the café car park), Old Dover Road, Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone (TR 254 385). DISTANCE: 4 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 4.

Sunday 7th November 2.00pm NEW

NATURE WALK AT HAWKSHILL

Join an afternoon nature walk around Hawkshill observing the beautiful wild flowers. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring something to drink. LEADER: Martin Newcombe 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: 2 – 3 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 4

Tuesday 9th November TRAIN BUS

CLARENDON FIELD, WESTERN HEIGHTS LNR, DOVER: HOLM OAK CLEARING.

We’ll be clearing non-native Holm oak trees from both the chalk grassland and historic monument. In the past, the military used to graze the slopes of the fort, to prevent bushes and trees growing that would have concealed their enemies. Today the bushes and trees themselves are the enemy, as they destroy both the chalk grassland and the historic monument if left unchecked. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am at the cut-off (North Military Road) car park, Western Heights, Dover (TR 313 411).

Wednesday 10th November TRAIN BUS

HIGH MEADOW, DOVER: SCRUB CLEARING

We will be cutting scrub, improving footpaths or other maintenance work on Dover’s newest Local Nature Reserve. LEADER: Paul Willmott, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (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).

Thursday 11th November TRAIN BUS

COOMBE WOOD, HAWKINGE: COMMUNITY COPPICING

Traditional coppicing of ancient woodland to benefit wildlife. We will also be looking for signs of dormice. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am the far end of Coombe Wood Lane, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 223 397).

Friday 12th November TRAIN BUS

SUGARLOAF HILL, FOLKESTONE: SCRUB CLEARING

Scrub clearing on the middle slope of Sugarloaf Hill, to reclaim some of this internationally important chalk grassland. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07880 706993). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am at the far end of Holywell Avenue (by kissing gate into field), Folkestone (TR 224 377).

THEME: WILDLIFE WALKS
Learn more about wildlife this weekend.

Saturday 13th November 2.00pm TRAIN BUS

ELMS VALE, WHINLESS DOWN, WEST HOUGHAM

We will be going up the road, then using the track via Soval pond, to continue along the track to West Hougham, Return will be via the woods on top of Whinless Down, passing the site of ancient burial mounds. Please wear stout shoes/boots and bringing water is advisable. Children over 7 welcome. Donation to WCCP appreciated. LEADER: Julia of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Elms Vale recreation ground car park, Elms Vale Road, Dover (TR 298 415). DISTANCE: 4.5 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 14th November TRAIN BUS RMCP

GREEN LEARNING – COPPICING, HAMSTREET WOODS NNR

An opportunity to learn about the age old practice of coppicing and the benefits this brings to one of the best areas of ancient woodland in Britain. We will be coppicing along the woodland rides so there is plenty of practical work to get stuck into. It’s a good idea to bring wellies if it has been raining as the clayey ground can get a bit muddy. LEADER: Mark Tuson, Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership (07971 276698). 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 Bournewood car park, at the end of Bourne Lane (the entrance to Hamstreet Wood NNR) (TR 004 338).

Sunday 14th November 10.00am

GREEN WALL GUIDED WALK

Guided walk looking at local wildlife. CHARGE: £3.50 non members, £2.50 members, under 16’s £1. LEADER: Dave Kirkaldie, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (07530 654670). MEET: Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory, Guilford Road, Sandwich Bay (TR 354 574). DURATION: 2 hours.

Sunday 14th November 2.00pm NEW
GREEN LEARNING: FUNGAL WORKSHOP 2
As part of International Year of Biodiversity search the Western Heights Local Nature Reserve for fungi to develop a species list with the guidance of fungi expert Martin Newcombe. An event for International Year of Biodiversity. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Martin Newcombe for White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01233 720229). MEET: St. Martin’s Battery car park, South Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 314 407). DISTANCE: 3 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3

Tuesday 16th November TRAIN BUS

CLARENDON, WESTERN HEIGHTS: HOLM OAK CLEARING

Continuing with this important work of cutting down the Holm Oaks on the slopes of the Western Heights. Wildwood will be taking away the debris to use for the animals at Herne Common. We will be moving the cut down material to a collection point during the day so please wear strong footwear.
LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am at the top of Belgrave Road and Westbury Crescent, off Folkestone Road, Dover (TR 309 409).

Wednesday 17th November TRAIN BUS
COOMBE WOOD, HAWKINGE: COMMUNITY COPPICING
Traditional coppicing of ancient woodland to benefit wildlife. We will also be looking for signs of dormice. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am the far end of Coombe Wood Lane, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 223 397).

Thursday 18th November TRAIN BUS

FOLKESTONE WARREN: SCRUB CLEARING

Clearing scrub alongside a footpath around the back of the Little Switzerland camp site. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07880 706993). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am at the Little Switzerland cafe, off Wear Bay Road, Folkestone (TR 242 377).

THEME: FRENCH WEEKEND FRENCH & UK FLAG
Come along and join with French volunteers working with us and Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership to conserve the countryside.

Saturday 20th November TRAIN BUS WELLIES

GIBBIN’S BROOK, SELLINDGE: SCRUB CLEARING

We will be cutting back the scrub around the bog area to reduce the amount of shade that the willow creates. Please bring wellies. LEADER: Leonie Seymour, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07939 569138). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.30am at the pond on Gibbin’s Brook, Brook Lane, off Swan Lane, Sellindge, near Hythe (TR 116 387).

Saturday 20th November 11.00am

HIDDEN HISTORY WALK

Learn more about the fascinating military and penal history of the White Cliffs with a free introductory tour around the site. Free event but donations welcome. 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 mile (2 hours). GRADE: 4

Saturday 20th November 2.00pm

WICKHAMBREAUX TO STODMARSH

A pleasant walk through the lanes, farmland and orchards. Walking to Stodmarsh along the ridge way with good views to north and south, returning to Wickhambreaux via orchards. Please wear walking boots or stout shoes. Children over 7 welcome. Donation to WCCP appreciated. LEADER: Rod and Mavis of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Rose Inn, Wickhambreaux – parking on road near pub (TR 265 667). DISTANCE: 3.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 21st November WELLIES TRAIN BUS

DROP REDOUBT FIELD, WESTERN HEIGHTS LNR, DOVER: SCRUB CLEARING.

Help to clear scrub, which is in danger of smothering the ‘orchid’ bank. Please wear boots with good grip as it is quite steep. We’ll pop back to the office for a loo’ stop at lunch time for those who wish to. LEADER: Melanie Wrigley, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07880 706990). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.15am near the water trough, North Military Road, Western Heights, Dover (TR 316 414).

Sunday 21st November 10.00am
WORTH MARSHES WALK
Guided walk looking at local wildlife. CHARGE: £3.50 non members, £2.50 members, under 16’s £1. LEADER: Dave Kirkaldie, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust (07530 654670). MEET: Field Centre, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory, Guilford Road, Sandwich Bay (TR 354 574). DURATION: 2 hours.

Sunday 21st November 2.00pm

HOE FROM ABOVE

Join in a walk to discover the cliff tops above Samphire Hoe. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Paul Holt, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (01304 225649 or 07771 635370). MEET: Site management office, Samphire Hoe (pay and display car park). The Hoe is signposted off the A20 from Dover to Folkestone (TR 294 391). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 4. Dogs on leads.

Tuesday 23rd November TRAIN BUS NEW

LYOAK/LODGE WOOD, LYDDEN: COPPICING

We will be maintaining a ride in this area of ancient woodland. LEADER: Leonie Seymour, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07939 569138). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am at the entrance to Lodge Wood/Lyoak Wood, Swanton Lane, Lydden (TR 252 449).

Wednesday 24th November TRAIN BUS

COOMBE WOOD, HAWKINGE: COMMUNITY COPPICING

Traditional coppicing of ancient woodland to benefit wildlife. We will also be looking for signs of dormice. LEADER: Steve Walker, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07899 758748). MEET: 9.30am Dover, 10.00am Folkestone, 10.05am Wingate Road or 10.15am the far end of Coombe Wood Lane, Hawkinge, near Folkestone (TR 223 397).

Thursday 25th November TRAIN BUS

CLARENDON FIELD, WESTERN HEIGHTS LNR, DOVER: HOLM OAK CLEARING

Continuing with this important work of cutting down the Holm Oaks on the slopes of the Western Heights. Wildwood will be taking away the debris to use for the animals at Herne Common. We will be moving the cut down material to a collection point during the day so please wear strong footwear. LEADER: Paul Sampson, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07773 619121). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover or 10.30am at the top of Belgrave Road and Westbury Crescent, off Folkestone Road, Dover (TR 309 409)

Friday 26th November 11.00am

WINTER WILDFOWL & WADERS

Watch the spectacle of thousands of birds flying in to roost as the tide comes in. Please wrap up warmly. Donations welcome. LEADER: Tony Swandale, Kent Wildlife Trust (07889 469357). MEET: Car park, Pegwell Bay Country Park, just south of Cliffsend village on the A256 Ramsgate-Sandwich road (TR 342 635). DISTANCE: 1.5 miles (2 hours). GRADE: 1. Dogs on leads.

Friday 26th November 7:30pm NEW BUS

ILLUSTRATED TALK: WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

An illustrated talk on how to photograph wildlife on land and underwater, in the UK, the Red Sea, Cuba and South Africa, by David Featherbe. CHARGE: £2.50 (including refreshments). LEADER: Pauline Bateson, Folkestone, Hythe & Dover Local Group of Kent Wildlife Trust (01304 853503). MEET: The Salvation Army Hall, Portland Road, Hythe, CT21 6EG.

THEME: NATIONAL TREE WEEK (27th November to 5th December)
Discover more about our trees and woodlands this fortnight.

Saturday 27th November 2.00pm

WINGHAM TO LITTLEBOURNE

Looking at a plaque to a famous solider, then across the Little Stour and return over Bramling Downs. N.B. A water meadow to walk through. Children over 7 welcome. Donation to WCCP appreciated. LEADER: Bernadette of Collyer’s Companions (01304 241806). MEET: Village car park, Wingham (TR 574 246). DISTANCE: 5 miles (3 hours). GRADE: 3. Dogs on leads.

Sunday 28th November TRAIN BUS

CHERITON HILL, FOLKESTONE: SCRUB CLEARING

Cutting scrub and gorse from a flattish area at the top of Cheriton Hill. LEADER: Phil Green, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (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 to the top of Cheriton Hill.

Sunday 28th November 2.00pm RMCP WELLIES

A TREE-MENDOUS WALK ALONG THE CANAL

Ok an old joke is better than none - A chance to take a gentle stroll along the Royal Military Canal to Aldergate Bridge and back on the other side of the Canal. An opportunity to learn more about the trees which have been planted along the Canal as part of National Tree Week. This has a slightly different format from the easier surfaced path canal walks later in the programme. We will walk along the boundaries of the Port Lympne Zoo and we should see Kingfishers and maybe some other colourful and exotic wildlife. Recent rain might make the paths a little muddy – boots or wellies are recommended for this walk. Donation appreciated. LEADER: Owen Leyshon, Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership (01797 367934 or 07770 670316). MEET: Car park, bottom of Lympne Hill, West Hythe (TR 125 344). DISTANCE: 4 miles (2.5 hours). GRADE: 3

Tuesday 30th November TRAIN BUS

SOUTH FORELAND VALLEY: SCRUB CLEARING

We will be helping local volunteers to continue clearing scrub from this important chalk grassland Site of Special Scientific Interest. We will concentrate on regrowth on the newly cleared area this winter. LEADER: Paul Willmott, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (07880 706991). MEET: 9.30am Folkestone, 9.40am Wingate Road, 10.00am Dover, 10.15am bus turning area, top of Bay Hill or 10.20am site entrance by cattle grid, Lighthouse Road, St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe (TR 358 437).