Here is the latest news on activities and events at Dungeness:
Reserve News Updates
Winter Work Programme
Lots of different tasks have been undertaken on the reserve at the moment. We are still clearing our Oppen Pits of willow and reed mace to encourage the fen habitat and higher biodiversity. We have felled some old (and also hazardous) trees by Dennis’ hide so the pathway looks slightly different now! We’ve also been coppicing our Willow Trail over at ARC, removing old willow trees and allowing space and light for new growth as well as clearing views for visitors.
Wildlife Highlights
Our winter wildfowl are filling the pits. We’ve finally got smew (male and female) here on the reserve and we are also hosting birds such as goldeneye, pintail, white-fronted geese, long-tailed duck and goosander. Numbers of wigeon, tufted duck, coot and teal. We are also getting lots of bittern sightings at the moment too which may mean that we have some over-wintering bitterns on the reserve as well. Our long-eared owl is still here by the dipping pool and we have also seen a black-throated diver at Denge Marsh as well as Dartford warblers, glaucous gull, merlin and over 1000 lapwing and 250 golden plover in our wet grassland fields!
Volunteering opportunity!
Want to try something different? Then volunteer for RSPB Dungeness! We need people who are willing to help our reserve team of staff and volunteers with important conservation tasks around the reserve. Get up close to nature and see a different side of our spectacular reserve by undertaking a variety of habitat management and site maintenance tasks. Opportunities available every Thursday and every first Sunday of the month, 9am-4pm. Please contact the reserve on 01797 320588 and ask for Alan Kell or alan.kell@rspb.org.uk
Education programme
We are taking school visit bookings for this year’s summer term. We will be exploring the reserves pond habitats, seeing what minibeasts live under the water and also trying to identify birds that live on top of it! For more information, please contact louise.kelly@rspb.org.uk or visit: https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-teachers/school-trips/
Events
There is plenty to see and do at RSPB Dungeness! Winter is a great time for birds here, so now is the perfect time to get out and about and improve your bird ID skills.
See below or check out our website www.rspb.org.uk/dungeness for more details about all our events.
Upcoming Events!
To book contact 01797 320 588 or dungeness@rspb.org.uk
Booking is essential for all events apart from free ‘drop-in’ events.
RSPB members benefit from 20% discount on event prices where stated.
Children attending events must be accompanied by adults.
Winter Walk
Sunday 14th January: 11am – 1pm
If you’re a beginner or an expert bird watcher, this walk is for all people fascinated by birds! Come and see which birds visit Dungeness in the winter. Winter is a great time to see the thousands of ducks and geese that visit us during this time. Look out for Goldeneye, Shoveler, Wigeon and Teal and you might be lucky enough to find the beautiful Smew. This is the walk for you if you want to learn more about our overseas visitors as well as the birds that stay here all year round. Led by a friendly guide with expert knowledge on all things feathery!
Adult £7. Child £3.50.
20% discount for RSPB members & Wildlife Explorers.
Borrow a Birdwatcher
Friday 12th & 26th January
10.30am – 1.30pm
Whether you’re a keen bird watcher or only just beginning, if it’s your first visit to RSPB Dungeness or you are a regular, this event caters for all!
With one-on-one guidance from an RSPB volunteer and expert birdwatcher, you’ll be taught some of the basics of bird identification and taken to the best spots around our reserve to watch many different species of birds.
Individual – £25
Couple – £45
Family/group 3- 4 people – £65 – £75
Prices include a hot drink and free binocular hire for those without. Please pay in advance. 20% discount for RSPB members & Wildlife Explorers
Big Garden Birdwatch
Sunday 28th January
11am – 1pm
Joining in our Annual Big Garden Birdwatch this year? Then come and get prepared for it by learning about the birds you might see in your garden. Head out on a walk with a knowledgeable guide to learn about the birds you might see in your garden and also the birds we have here on the reserve. For more information about the Big Garden Birdwatch, give us a call or check out our website: rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
Adults £7. Children £3. 50.
20% discount for RSPB members & Wildlife Explorers.