Walk with us: Dungeness to Bulverhythe

Dungeness Walk & Talk, Friday, 30th May, 9:45 AM – 12:30 PM

Wild and remote, Dungeness’ headland is a uniquely beautiful Site of Special Scientific Interest. Join us to explore the mysterious allure of this hidden wildlife haven and for a glimpse into its rail heritage.

Over coffee and cake at the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway café, Manager Danny Martin will give a short talk about this charming miniature railway which has been delighting travellers since 1927.

Leave steam and diesel behind for some close-up encounters with nature. Our circular walking route passes the Old Lighthouse and the Polish RAF memorial, stopping at Dungeness Bird Observatory and the Seawatch hide. An expert ornithologist will explain the ecological importance of Dungeness and its role as a waypoint for migratory birds on their epic journeys around the globe.

Please wear sensible shoes or boots and be prepared to walk over shingle. Please notify us of any relevant medical conditions prior to the walk.

Rye Harbour Walk & Talk, Saturday, 31st May, 9:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Our Rye Harbour walk & talk welcomes people of all walking abilities and fitness levels, including wheelchair users.

Rye Harbour Nature reserve is a fully accessible destination with accessible toilets at the car park and in the Discovery Centre. This event is all about a slow-paced appreciation of the exceptional coastal and wetland location with its wealth of wildlife and plant species.

We start at the Discovery Centre with coffee and cake and a brief introduction to the Nature Reserve’s important work.

Armed with bird and wildflower spotter sheets, we’ll set out into the Nature Reserve, aiming for a short loop of approximately a mile, passing the striking red roofed hut, a wartime pillbox and several bird hides accessible to electric wheelchairs, scooters and some manual wheelchairs.

There’s no pressure to complete the circuit and a shorter route is available if this works better for you.

Bale House Walk & Talk, Saturday, 31st May, 12:30 PM – 3:40 PM

Our Bale House walk & talk is a nature trail through Hastings Country Park, a stunning coastal reserve with a unique mosaic of habitats.

We’ll meet for a light lunch at the Coastguard Café before beginning our exploration of the Country Park’s flora and fauna. Expect dramatic views, ancient woodland glens, a disused quarry and wildlife galore. We may even spot an Exmoor Pony or Galloway Beltie!

Back at the Bale House – the sustainably built visitor centre – an expert from the Friends of the County Park will tell us more about the history and habitats of this Special Area of Conservation.

This walk will be moderately challenging with some steep climbs and descents. Please be prepared and wear sensible shoes or boots!

Bulverhythe & Combe Valley Walk & Talk, Sunday, 1st June, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

After coffee at the Oceanside Cafe, our guide will reveal the secrets of the intertidal zone, as we make our way along the coastal path, peeking into rook pools and skirting the site of the 17th Century shipwreck, the Amsterdam.

Turning inland through Combe Valley we’ll learn about plans to improve biodiversity and flood mitigation in response to the flood risk posed by climate change to the local community.

Combe Valley Community Garden with its native tree nursery provides the perfect setting for packed lunch.

Inside the Discovery Centre we’ll hear about Bexhill Wild Domesday Project and its valuable work to assess our wild and natural treasures for the benefit of all.

A short cross-country stroll returns us to Glyne Gap.

Please wear sensible boots or shoes and be prepared to walk over shingle and grass. Please notify us of any relevant medical conditions prior to the walk.