EVENTS… thanet coast WF Thurs 28 July 10.15am shore lines The Thanet coast, together with thanet coast Wildlife Sailing LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE THANET COAST Pegwell Bay, is an internationally See p8. summer 2005 8 important asset for wintering and WF Thurs 28 July Clean foreshore! breeding birds, the marine life 11am (2 hours) The Thanet Coast associated with chalk caves, reefs and Seashore Safari Project has linked sand dunes. The area is a designated Project Free (See 25 July). Joss Bay 01843 577672 (TCP /KWT) up with the Clean European Marine Site. Officer’s Kent Campaign with log book WF Fri 29 July five spring beach 11.15am Wildlife Sailing cleans at Pegwell At last, after three years See p8. Bay (National Nature I’m not alone on deck! Reserve) and So, a huge welcome to WF Fri 29 July 12pm-midday (2 hours) between Minnis Bay Naomi Biggs, the new Seashore Safari to Reculver Thanet Coast Education Free (See 25 July). Westbrook throughout March Pegwell Bay spring clean Officer. You can read Bay, west side of bay below Sunken Gardens (car park on and April 2005. You too can help – either by organising your more about her work on the prom) 01843 577672 (TCP own group clean up (contact 0845 3450210) or by joining our page 2. /KWT) Thanet Coast is produced by the next beach cleans planned for the autumn. Thanet Coast Project Inside you’ll find news W F Sat 30 July about coastal warden Editors: Tony Child, Naomi Biggs and 1pm (2 hours) Managing the North East Kent Coast training (page 3) and Seashore Safari Cheryl Pendry. Free (See 25 July). Margate’s Interested in finding out more about the importance of our some of the things that Thanet Coast Project Winter Gardens, Fulsam Rock. coastline and the origin of the Thanet Coast Project? Well, a have been going on in c/o TDC, PO Box 9 01843 577672 (TCP /KWT) revised and updated summary leaflet, containing information recent months. You can Cecil Street, Margate CT9 1XZ O Sat 30 - Sun 31 July about the North East Kent European marine sites and action 01843 577672 also catch up with a Margate’s Fiesta plans, is now available from libraries and Visitor Information [email protected] comparison between two Street entertainers and battle Centres across the area. www.thanetcoast.org.uk of our extracting re-enactment 01843 280625 industries from the WF Sun 31 July Seals… to whales and dolphins! Please note: To the best of our marine environment, 1.30pm Two illustrated talks are coming our way. The North Kent seals knowledge, the information in these fishing and the Wildlife Sailing articles is correct, but errors may will be the focus by marine ecologist Brett Lewis, as an aggregates industry, on See p8. unfortunately occur from time to time. Coast to post introduction to this summer’s seal excursions on Fri 17 June the centre pages. Thanet Coast Project cannot be held Look out for a series of four postcards WF Sun 31 July (see Wildlife Sailings below). Then on Wed 6 July, Alex Carlisle Will 2005 really prove 2pm (2 hours) responsible for any changes to events showing some of the Thanet Coast will speak about the cetaceans found around our coast. to be the Year of the Sea? Seashore Safari and information listed in the Project’s images. They are available now Free (See 25 July). Botany Places will be limited, so please book your space with the newsletter. Please telephone the There’s certainly a focus from Thanet’s Visitor Information Bay. 01843 577672 (TCP /KWT) Thanet Coast Project on 01843 577672 or 577409 (Small numbers listed to confirm information. on celebrating our This document can be made available Centres at a small cost. F Sun 31 July donation on the door, but free to Coastal Wardens). maritime heritage: events in other formats, including Braille, 3pm (2 hours) across the country and large print or audiotape. It can also be SeaBritain Nature Trail locally for SeaBritain2005; Free. Learn about Thanet’s Language of the rocks made available in other languages on marine life and maritime A new series of monthly Rock Doc walks starts this spring. request. a new Maritime Strategy heritage. Main Join them to hear the origins of the chalk, flints, fossils and and pressure for a new Sands. 01843 577409 (TCP / marine sands and habitats around our shoreline. Walks are comprehensive Marine Millennium Volunteers) free, but booking is essential through the Ramsgate Visitor Bill. GW Sun 31 July Information Centre on 0870 2646111. Finally, don’t forget to 2pm If you would like to be kept informed dive into the huge list of Sandwich Terns at about the Thanet Coast Project and added Sandwich Bay Wildlife sailings things going on within the Guided walk around the Look out for a new summer series of specially commissioned to the newsletter mailing list, contact: Events Listings, which reserve to see the Sandwich excursions to the seal colonies and sand banks just off the 01843 577672 starts on page 2. There’s terns. PBCP 07889 822408 [email protected] (Pete Forrest, KWT) North Thanet Coast – departing from Minnis Bay, Birchington something for everyone, subject to the weather. They start from Monday 25 July (see www.thanetcoast.org.uk including beach cleans, O Sun 31 July July events) and continue throughout the summer holidays seashore safaris and Ramsgate Carnival Parade (August 2nd, 7-18th, 22-27 & 31st) on the low tide. Book now wildlife sailing excursions. (01843 853857) to avoid disappointment as last year’s trips were booked out Make a note of the ones WF Mon 1 August very quickly! Further details and booking via Ramsgate Visitor that you would like to 2.30pm Information Centre on 0870 2646111 (Costs £14/person). attend, before they’re Wildlife Sailing fully booked! See p8. VOLUNTEERS Viking trouble! Tony Child WF Mon 1 August Investigations are continuing to find out the cause of two 4pm (2 hours) water quality failures at Viking Bay last season. Two public Seashore Safari Free (See 25 July). Westgate meetings have already been held on the issue, with a third Find out more on page 3! Bay. 01843 577672 (TCP/KWT) planned for the end of April. COAST IN 8 SPRING INTO EVENTS… OUR SUMMER B Sun 10 April Creating coastal links THANET COASTAL 10am - 3.30pm COASTAL Plumpudding Beach Naomi is being employed by Thanet District Council Spring Clean EVENTS FOR for the next two years. Free. Help to bag up the litter. The job has provided a different challenge every Meet: Outside Minnis Bay 2005 Café. 01843 577672 (TCP / day: “My first outing was at Louisa Bay in WARDEN SCHEME Millennium Volunteers) Guided Walks, Cycle Broadstairs with a pack of Brownies who were Rides, Beach Cleans and This summer more than 60 volunteers are heading O Mon 11 – Sun 17 April - being Wildlife Detectives. It wasn’t long before the Family Events Dates subject to weather Most are not too physically beach was full of Brownies peering under rocks out on patrol along the Thanet coast. Heineken Race of the demanding and would suit a and into crevices to see who could spot the most Classics 17th visit from 20 classic ships variety of ages – but check sea anemones, velvet swimming crabs and more.” details as longer events to Ramsgate (Wed 13 - Fri 15 require more careful Since then, Naomi has led field trips with a April). Ramsgate Royal preparation. Always wear group from Canterbury College, who were Harbour 01843 572100 suitable clothing and shoes. Look out for Naomi studying for a Countryside Management course B Sat 16 April Bring drinks, sun-block and on Thanet’s beaches 10am (3 hours) hats in hot weather. this summer! and has also visited more than 3,500 schoolchildren in a two week period. She joined Plumpudding Beach Spring Clean C – For cycle rides, please rom promoting water safety to becoming Thanet Leisure Force and the Maritime and Free. Help to bag up the litter. ensure your bike is a wildlife detective, it’s all in a day’s work Coastguard Agency on their annual tour of primary Plumpudding to Coldharbour roadworthy or the leader may F Meet: Outside Minnis Bay refuse to take you! We also for Naomi Biggs. schools to put water safety and the newly revised Café. 01843 577672 (TCP) recommend that riders wear The new Education Officer for the Thanet Coast Coastal Codes firmly on the school curriculum. helmets and for children this Project, Naomi started work last August and has Naomi has also been raising awareness of the W Sat 16 April is compulsory. 9am B – For the practical events, already established the new Thanet Coast Warden local marine environment and wildlife through Beachcombing Workshop gloves and bags will be Scheme and is building links with local community presentations, workshops and organising a series £11. A day long workshop, provided. However, it is and education groups. of events with local organisations including, introducing East Kent’s coastal wildlife. Meet: SBBOT Field advisable to wear stout Supported by funding from a range of Thanet’s 16 plus Youth Forum, the Ursuline footwear and suitable clothing Centre. Book: 01304 617341 (waterproofs/windproofs, organisations, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, College’s Duke of Edinburgh group, Pfizer, East Whiteness Bay, Kingsgate (SBBOT) depending on the weather) English Nature and Southern Water Services, Kent’s WI and Thanet’s retired Unison members. and to bring a drink and B Sun 17 April he area’s new team of Coastal Wardens people who are both enthusiastic and committed 10am -12.30pm packed lunch. have adopted stretches of coastline to making an active contribution towards Tidal Tidy Up Free F – These activities are LOW TIDINGS T Help clear the beach of rubbish particularly suitable for spanning all the way from Herne Bay and maintaining a sustainable coastline for people and Low Tide Day is being celebrated on Saturday 7 May, with plenty of games and activities to from Reculver to Bishopstone children and families, however Reculver around to Sandwich Bay, just north wildlife for future generations. And there’s still Glen. Reculver Country Park keep everyone entertained. children must be accompanied of Deal. The scheme is only the second of its room for a few more Coastal Wardens!” Visitor Centre. 07808 568821 by a parent, or responsible The Thanet Coast Project has joined forces with Ramsgate’s 16 plus Youth Forum to organise an (John Wilson, KWT) kind in the country and is being co-ordinated adult, throughout the activity. afternoon of events which will include a sand artist and some of Thanet’s favourite marine beasties! by the Thanet Coast Project. If you are interested in joining the scheme, GW Sun 24 April Low Tide Day is held each year, on the Saturday in May with the lowest tide which gives everyone What else? There’s a variety Acting as the “eyes and ears” of their beaches, there are still some areas of coastline waiting 2pm (1 - 2 hours) of different events that takes a chance to see what lives beneath the waves, without having to get wet! Walk with the warden the Coastal Wardens will record details of bird to be adopted – particularly between Reculver place around our coastline. For Everyone is welcome to join us from 3pm to 5pm at Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs. Pegwell Bay Country Park. further information call into and marine activity and report any pollution or and Coldharbour, at Plumpudding, between PBCP 07889 822408 (Pete Thanet’s Visitor Information damage to the Thanet Coast Project, which will Westgate to St Mildred’s and a couple of Forrest, KWT) Centres on 0870 2646111. help to build up new records of our shore. This areas in Margate. For information on the M Tue 26 April KEY information in turn can be used to help inform the training courses to become a warden, contact 7pm (2 hours) North East Kent A Art Related A whale of a time future management of the North East Kent Naomi Biggs on 01843 577409. European marine sites B Beach Clean/Practical id you know you can find sharks, Coastline. Stakeholders Meeting W Wildlife (Seashore/birds) seals, sea turtles, whales and Before they can go out and about, each warden Warden Training Modules See p6. Workshop starting to C Cycle Ride D look at the review of the F Family Event bottlenose dolphins swimming around has to complete three modules of basic training. 1 Coastal Warden Induction Management Scheme. G Guided Walk the South East Coast? These have proved so popular, that additional 2 Thanet Coast Activities Survey Walpole Bay Hotel M Meetings Book: 01843 577672 (TCP) O Other Events This was just one of the fun and training days have had to be arranged. The 3 Shorelife Identification Book Booking essential via educational facts that local children learnt modules help volunteers to understand the role of W Sun 1 May the Ramsgate Visitor from the Whale and Dolphin Roadshow, Wardens and the activities and wildlife around our Optional Modules 6am Information Centre via 0870 during its tour of five Thanet primary shore. Bryony Chapman and Fred Booth from the Seasearch Special 3 May 2005 Dawn Chorus Walk 2646111 Guided walk. PBCP KWT schools. Pupils from Chilton, Upton, Kent Wildlife Trust will help Wardens with shorelife An Evening Of North Kent Seals – 07889 822408 (Pete Forrest, PBCP Pegwell Bay Country Birchington, Garlinge and Palm Bay saw identification training to get some hands-on illustrated talk. 17 June. (Public £1) KWT) Park (TR 342634) Off the life-size inflatable models of a variety of experience of identifying different marine Whales and dolphins around our coast A256 to Sandwich GF Sun 1 May Road. sea creatures, including a 120 year old creatures. So far, the modules have been a great illustrated talk. 6 July. (Public £2) 1pm (2 hours) TCP Thanet Coast Project sea turtle, porpoise, baby minke whale success with lots of positive feedback, including Wildlife Sailings seal and sand bank Early Season Beach SBBOT Sandwich Bay Bird Search and dolphins. The collection of marine some very encouraging ideas for the future of the excursion. Summer 2005 Looking amongst the rocks Observatory Trust. The Field animals represents just some of the scheme. Extra training can also be booked Adopt-A-Beach Marine Conservation Society, and seaweed for finds! Centre is on the private delights which could be spotted beneath the waves around Thanet. throughout the year on a range of subjects. TBC-Summer 2005 Reculver Country Park Sandwich Bay Estate, but the 07808 568821 toll road fee is reduced from The Thanet Coast Project arranged for Andy Starbuck to bring this superb roadshow to local children to Project Officer Tony Child has nothing but praise Coastal Bird Identification Sandwich Bay (Chas Matthews, KWT) £5 to £1 when visitors say encourage them to learn about the unusual characteristics of the sea creatures. They also learnt about how for the volunteers taking part in the scheme. “The Bird Observatory Trust, 9 October and 8 they are only parking at the dropping litter on beaches can be harmful to the sea and how you’re more likely to be killed by a falling amount of time and effort that they are putting in November 2005 F Sat 7 May Field Centre for the event. Low Tide Day: Beach Fun VIC Visitor Information Centre coconut than to be attacked by a shark! See more on the website www.whaleworkshop.org is admirable. It is evident that Thanet is full of See page 2.

2 3 EVENTS… EVENTS… GF Sun 8 May F Wed 8 June, 9am (2 hours) 7pm (2 – 3 hours) Round the World! Life on the Tideline World Oceans Day. Free. Look £2/adult. Coastal walk at Between a rock and a hard plaice? into the journey flotsam and Sandwich Bay. SBBOT Field jetsam makes before arriving Centre. 01304 617341. on our beaches. Botany Bay – Net earnings Shingle currency meet top of slope to beach (TR O Sun 8 – Sat 14 May Ever had hydroids? No, it’s not an unspeakable medical complaint! Hydroids are 390711). 01843 577672 (TCP) Thanet Walking Festival outh East England is home to some 750 small coral-like animals that are fished for sale to the florists’ trade – where they are arine-dredged sand and gravel – ‘marine Country walks (01843 846427) fishing vessels, although more than 90% aggregates’ – are an important raw C Fri 10 June S known as ‘whiteweed’ – and are just one part of the £14 million fishing industry of M 7pm (2 hours) O Thurs 12 - Mon 23 May of the region’s vessels are under 10 metres in material for the construction industry and are Coasting into the sunset! Dates depends on weather length, so are largely restricted to inshore south-east England. Commercial fishing isn’t the only big earner in South East seas: also used in coast protection schemes. (9 miles to Minnis Bay) Free. A The Grand Turk waters. These fishermen have adapted their £40-50 million worth of sand and gravel is dredged from the region’s seabed every Approximately 4 tonnes of aggregates– sand, gentle cycle along the coast Charge to board! Visit by the towards the setting sun over replica 18th century frigate. vessels to carry different gear for different year for use in construction and coast protection. But what is the cost to the gravel and crushed rock – are consumed per Reculver. Meet: Westbrook Bay Ramsgate Royal Harbour species and seasons, in order to maximise the person each year in the UK. In the South East, Car Park. 01843 577672 (TCP / 01843 572100 environment of these activities? value of their catch at any one time. more than a third of the supply of sand and Thanet Cycle Forum) Lisa Browning, South East Wildlife Trust’s Marine Officer, looks at commercial fishing O Thurs 26 and Mon 30 May Demersal fish – those living on or near the gravel is marine-dredged. Half of this - nearly 5 O Sat 11 - Sun 12 June 65th Anniversary of seabed – including cod, plaice and sole are and the aggregates industry and how they affect the environment. million tonnes – is extracted from sites on the 6th Powerboat Grand Prix Operation Dynamo Weekend of action packed Dunkirk Little Ships targeted with mobile gear such as beam trawls South coast, with the remainder coming from powerboat racing and on-shore Association re-enactment of or static gear such as fixed gill nets. Pelagic fish the northern Thames estuary and East coast. activities. Royal Harbour,

the 1940 evacuation to Dunkirk A – those living higher in the water – include P Aggregate extraction may only take place Ramsgate. 01843 588836 from Ramsgate (26th) and A (Ramsgate Town Partnership) M back (30th) again. Ramsgate mackerel, herring and sprat, and these are B within licensed areas of seabed. Although sand Royal Harbour 01843 572100 caught with gear such as trawls, drift nets and and gravel cover the vast majority of the region’s C Sun 12 June long-lines. Dredges are used for scallops, seabed, only in very few locations are the 10am (2 hours) WF Sat 28 May Bikathon 7.30pm (45 mins +) oysters, cockles and mussels, while pots are set deposits thick enough to make extraction viable. Margate to Fayreness (5 miles). Moth Night at Pegwell Bay for lobster, brown crab, spider crab, whelk and In English waters, marine aggregate extraction is Bike Week cycle - sponsor Free. See the variety of moths cuttlefish. Whiteweed is harvested in the regulated by the Office of the Deputy Prime forms available for Leukaemia caught from the previous Research. Meet up at Margate night. PBCP 07889 822408 Thames estuary using a towed rake, before it is Minister and licences to dredge are issued by Harbour. 0781 4225301 (Pete Forrest, KWT) dried, dyed and sold for decoration to the floral the Crown Estate, in the role of landlord. (Leukaemia Research –Thanet) and aquarium trade. WFG Sun 29 May GW Sun 12 June 2pm However, the value of sea fishing in the South 2pm Guided walk East is dwarfed by the scale of recreational sea Orchid Walk Pegwell Bay Country Park led With the warden. Free. PBCP by the warden. PBCP 07889 angling in the area, which has an estimated Raising awareness of 07889 822408 (Pete Forrest, 822408 (Pete Forrest, KWT) 255,000 participants and an annual spend of

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Photos clockwise from top left: dredging; sand C 6.30pm (3 hours)

£2 per adult. Help look for s

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Field Centre. 01304 617341. i

F summer’s Wildlife Sailing trips

a and gravels around the North Kent coast. e with an illustrated talk about G Tue 31 May S x The sand art events were one part of this Kent’s seals with expert Brett e

12pm. (2 hours) More information s

s Lewis. Walpole Bay Hotel. Book: Coastal Rock Doc Walk E project within a partnership of projects lead

& 01843 577409 or 577672 (TCP) Free. Kingsgate – Meet: www.southeastmarine.org.uk – current t by the Wildlife Trusts’ South East Marine n outside the Fayreness, e K

projects and copies of two aggregates , Programme. Look out for our new events in O Sat 18- Sun 19 June Kingsgate (TR 392710). Book: s n i EUjet.com FLIGHT Thanet Ramsgate VIC 0870 2646111 reports. g 2005-2006 such as seal trips, Rock Doc g i Air Show (TCP) www.wildlifetrusts.org – bycatch W walks (see Shorelines on page 8), sand art s Spectacular air displays and on- s o G Fri 3 June campaign. J and marine wildlife talks. All are run with ground entertainment. Palm 11am (2 hours) www.bmapa.org – marine aggregate support from English Nature through Defra’s Bay, Cliftonville. Book: 01843 292795 (Winter Gardens) Coastal Rock Doc Walk extraction. Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. Free. Pegwell Bay Meet: Hugin www.flightairshow.com Viking Ship Picnic site www.msc.org – Marine Stewardship Between the devil and the deep blue sea? (TR351643). Book: Ramsgate Council’s accreditation scheme for O Sat 18 – Sun 26 June VIC 0870 2646111 (TCP) Dickens Festival sustainable fisheries. ommercial fishing and aggregate dredging however, while the target stocks are monitored and Broadstairs. 01843 861827 F Sun 5 June 5 p.m. (2 hours) www.mcsuk.org – to order ‘The Good Fish C both have an impact on the marine managed, there is no requirement for assessment (Broadstairs Dickens Fellowship) World Environment Day’s Guide’ or view www.fishonline.org biodiversity of South East England. But which is or mitigation of wider environmental impacts. A Crab expedition. O Sun 19 June 11am – 4 p.m. Free. Find out more about more significant? The impacts of marine aggregate dredger’s every move is monitored by the Crown Archaeological Road those nippers, with marine The Wildlife Trusts are working alongside extraction, though very severe in the short term, Estate via a ‘black-box’ recording system, to ensure Show ecologist Ian Humpheryes. these industries to help conserve the seas are limited to a small proportion of the region’s compliance with the licence area boundaries. Bring in your finds to be Walpole Bay Tidal Pool (TR identified. Richborough Roman 370715). 01843 577672 (TCP) as a productive wildlife-rich ecosystem. This seabed. In contrast, commercial fishing affects Although comparable technology exists for Fort 01304 612013 (Normal feature is a summary from Lisa Browning’s almost the entire region, though the impacts are fisheries, it is currently only mandatory for the admission prices apply) O Sun 5 June article called ‘Treasures from the Deep’ – for generally less extreme. In applying for a licence to largest vessels to use it. 2pm onwards WF Fri 24 June The Great Bucket and a full version visit the website or contact dredge, aggregate companies have to carry out a On balance then, while there is a need for both 7.30pm (45mins) Spade Run Lisa Browning, South East Marine thorough Environmental Impact Assessment, and sectors to address wildlife conservation and Moth Night at Pegwell Bay (See 28 May) Historic vehicle run/displays. Programme on 01489 774400. the licence conditions include measures to reduce sustainability more fully, the fishing industry Thanet Coast's sand plaice, by Angela Molloy Palm Bay Recreation Ground. PBCP 07889 822408 (Pete 01843 298969 damage to wildlife and habitats. For fishing, probably has the furthest to go in this respect. Forrest, KWT)

4 5 EVENTS… EVENTS… GW Sun 26 June WF Sat 9 July 2pm (2 - 3 hours) 7.30pm (45mins) Lizard Orchid Walk Catching up with coastal drift National Moth Night 4 miles. From Sandwich town (See 28 May). PBCP 07889 quay across the golf course Shellfish harvesting ban and information signs – including markers to 822408 (Pete Forrest, KWT) viewing the rich flora and Lizard A new prohibition has been placed on bivalve remind coastal users that this area is home to Orchids, and back. Meet: Stake in changing the O Sun 10 July Southern end of Sandwich Coastal Codes shellfish harvesting between Minnis Bay and protected wildlife. To find out more contact KWT Sea Sunday Town quay. 07889 822408 Over 50 dedicated coastal Reculver within the new classification area for the on 01622 662012 or join the warden’s guided walks Free. Commemorate 60 years (Pete Forrest, KWT) users had the rare opportunity Thames Estuary and North Kent Coast, which was (PBCP on the events listings). since the 2nd World War with an extravaganza in Broadstairs! O Sun 26 June, 4pm to study the diverse marine issued by the Food Standards Agency this year. It 01843 600616 Margate Raft Race life found when Walpole Bay is set to last longer than the temporary orders Snow Coast! Nayland Rock 01843 293733 Tidal Pool was drained last usually placed by the local authorities and for the Although many of us enjoyed this year’s snow – O Mon 11 July 2.40pm departure – please O Fri 1July autumn before heading off for latest information, contact Environmental Health the harsh conditions were fatal for one particular check as this may change 10am departure – please check an enjoyable stakeholders Officers at Canterbury (www.canterbury.gov.uk – sea creature. The severe cold weather has meant The Balmoral The Balmoral Short steamer excursion to the Steamer excursion up to meeting at the Walpole Bay see Shellfish News); or Thanet District Council that many crabs, mainly velvet swimming crabs, Foreland and back. Margate London’s Tower Bridge, return Hotel. They were able to (www.thanet.gov.uk) faced a very cold death. Experts have been unable Harbour. Book: Hotline: 0845 by coach (6.15pm). Ramsgate mingle and chat with experts to find the exact causes that have led to their 130 4647 (Costs £11.95/£9.95) Royal Harbour. Book: Hotline: 0845 1304647 (Costs £33/£25) on their findings and they Managing PWCs! deaths and have been investigating the A Fri 15 – Sun 17 July were able to give valuable Clubs and launch site management are of crucial phenomenon. Inscribing the Island O Sun 3 July feedback on the revision of importance in tackling the issue of Personal Water Literature festival – poets, 10am departure – please check Walpole Bay Tidal Pool stakeholder Sea urchin (Psammechinus miliaris), Walpole Bay writers and storytellers. The Balmoral our local Coastal Codes. expedition with Kent Shoresearch Craft (PWC). That’s the conclusion of a new Various venues. 01843 865790 Steamer excursion up the Thanet’s voluntary Coastal working group, set up by the Kent Coastal (Maggie Harris) Thames to Tower Bridge via Codes have been hugely successful since their launch in 2002 and they have encouraged a majority of Network, which identified that problems are often Whitstable and Southend; GW Sun 17 July return by coach (approx. coastal users to use the coast in a more responsible and safe manner. The Thanet Coast Project has caused by a minority of users. The actions 2pm 9.00pm). Margate Harbour. helped stakeholders to revise the Codes and the first revision is now available for groups and produced from the group are summarised in the Pegwell Bay Country Park Book: Hotline: 0845 1304647 organisations to promote. To get you copy, give us a call or collect it from libraries and Visitor latest Kent Coast Bulletin 3 www.coastalkent.net Free. Join the Warden for a (Costs £35.95/£33) guided walk. PBCP 07889 Information Centres across North East Kent. 822408 (Pete Forrest, KWT) C Sun 3 July National Nature Reserves work! 10am The Kent Wildlife Trust, who manages the O Sat 23 – Sat 30 July Cycle Thanet Margate Rocks Free. Enjoy a day cruising the NE Kent Coastal Conference involves numerous organisations, led by the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Thanet’s Contemporary Arts Viking Trail on your bicycle (28 Making connections and Kent’s forgotten National Maritime Museum at Greenwich. Visit Reserve (NNR) on behalf of a number of partner Festival. Painting, sculpture, miles). Meet: Minster station mammals were amongst the subjects discussed www.seabritain2005.com to find out more or look organisations has been working on a revised video/digital art, performance 01227 713285 (SPOKES, Andy and live art. 01843 832615 McNally) at the North East Kent Coast Scientific Advisory out for our events, which include the SeaBritain Management Scheme and work plans. The scheme (Festival Office Group’s second conference in November 2004. Nature Trail (Sun 31 July) and Cycle Ride (Wed 3 hopes to incorporate the restoration of the coastal www.margaterocks.co.uk) O Sun 3 July The talks covered the recent scientific research August). A wide range of maritime events are also path around the reserve, a new bird-watching hide Jazz at Sunset WF Mon 25 July Piazza by Margate harbour from around our coast and included links with taking place across the summer, culminating in 8am 01843 297350 (Margate Town local communities and the ecosystem. Those the Trafalgar Day celebrations on 21 October, at Wildlife Sailing Partnership) See p8. who attended could also take part in workshops Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour Marina. G Mon 4 July to discuss how the ‘Ecosystem Approach’ could WF Mon 25 July 4pm (2 hours) apply to the revision of the North East Kent Watch out – Coast on BBC SEAS THE FUTURE! 9.30am (2 hours) Coastal Rock Doc Walk Seashore Safari Free. Discover the ancient Management Scheme during 2005/2006. The Following from the Blue Planet and last year’s Free. 'Rock-pool life' – help us wonders of the chalk cliffs, outcome of the conference will be available soon, ‘British Isles – A Natural Heritage’, the BBC are Calls for Marine Bill discover and record what lurks flints and sands. Dumpton Gap in an English Nature Research Report. going coastal to coincide with SeaBritain 2005. Many organisations have been raising concerns about the future of our seas. ‘Wildlife and between the tides. – meet by café on promenade Ramsgate’s East Cliff (below (TR 396667). Book: Ramsgate To get a copy, contact Susannah Peckham at From coastal wrecks to fisheries, from wartime Countryside Link’ are calling for better protection of our marine wildlife. Individual organisations Winterstoke Gardens). 01843 VIC 0870 2646111 (TCP) English Nature 01233 812525 or defences to Butlins, the series starts at the end of including Wildlife Trusts are also lobbying the Government to introduce a comprehensive Marine 577672 (TCP /KWT) [email protected] July 2005 on BBC2 and will link with local events Bill for a new marine policy and legislation to protect the sea from its many demands. Visit M Wed 6 July WF Tue 26 July 6.30pm across the country, including those in Thanet. www.wcl.org.uk and www.wildlifetrusts.org to find out more. 8.45am Whales and dolphins New Research Code Wildlife Sailing around our coast The North East Kent Coast Scientific Advisory See p8. £1/person. Illustrated talk by The Sea State? Alex Carlisle, Cetacean recorder Group has produced a new voluntary code for Three years on from the launch of the Marine Stewardship Report ‘Safeguarding our Seas’ the WF Tue 26 July for ‘Organisation Cetacean’ people and groups carrying out research projects Department of Food and Rural Affairs, has updated its report on the current state of our coasts 10am (2 hours) (ORCA), a charity that promotes around the North East Kent Coast. The code can and seas. It has noted that cod stocks are under pressure, the common skate is no longer Seashore Safari the conservation of the marine Free (See 25 July). Dumpton environment. be downloaded from the factfile at common and that commercial fishing is over exploiting resources. The report ‘Charting Progress: Gap. 01843 577672 (TCP www.orcaweb.org.uk www.thanetcoast.org.uk An Integrated Assessment of the State of UK Seas’ can be viewed at www.defra.gov.uk /KWT) Walpole Bay Hotel. Book: 01843 577409 or 577672 (TCP) WF Wed 27 July Seabritain as you have never seen Making space for a Maritime Strategy 9.30am B Thurs 7 July it before! A new maritime strategy has been launched by English Nature, aiming to secure the future of our Wildlife Sailing 7.30pm (2 – 3 hours) Major celebrations will be taking place this year, seas and coastline. ‘Our coasts and seas – making space for people, industry and wildlife’ is the See p8. Beachcombing in Sandwich Bay focusing on Britain’s rich maritime heritage and culmination of over two years of discussions with hundreds of people who use and manage our WF Wed 27 July £2 per adult. An evening of links with the sea. Inspired by the bicentenary of seas and coasts for business, recreation and conservation. 11am (2 hours) beachcombing and identifying Seashore Safari the Battle of Trafalgar, SeaBritain2005 includes Sponge encrusted spider Log on to www.english-nature.org.uk for more information. finds in the lab! Meet: SBBOT crab, Walpole Tidal Pool Free (See 25 July). Stone Bay. Field Centre. 01304 617341. festival and events across the country and 01843 577672 (TCP /KWT)

6 7