Here is the latest news from the RSPB team at Dungeness:
Reserve News Updates
A lot of our reserve work has been focussed on clearing willow and sea buckthorn from the ARC pits this month. It is a tough but important job to keep these two quite invasive species of plant in line. The pits we are clearing these from are extremely important breeding sites for the protected great crested newt. They need submerged and emergent vegetation to lay their eggs on in the spring. Removing willow allows more light into the ponds and therefore more submerged vegetation to grow. Our reserve volunteers and staff have also been clearing reed and willow away to open up better viewing areas for visitors along the ARC and willow trails.
After a short cold snap in late January, we have now seen some more winter birds arrive to the reserve. We have finally been graced with the presence of a male smew as well as whooper swans, goosander and larger numbers of wigeon and teal.
We are starting to remove some old signs, interpretation and bird ID panels from our hides. These are faded and outdated and we hope to be giving the hides a good spruce up, a lick of paint and some new information boards ready for the spring. Please bear with us whilst we undertake this work.
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 Tuesday, 9am-4pm. Please contact the reserve on 01797 320588 and ask for Craig or craig.edwards@rspb.org.uk
If you don’t fancy all that manual work, the visitor centre is also looking for friendly and chatty volunteers to help manage our counter and reception area. Volunteer for a full day or half a day based on a rota that is flexible around you. If you love talking to people, particularly about wildlife and are happy to serve people in our shop then please call the reserve on 01797 320588 and ask for Mary or email mary.faherty@rspb.org.uk
Events
There is plenty to see and do at RSPB Dungeness! 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.
Events
Winter Wildlife Walk
Wednesday 20 February
10.30am – 12.30pm
Come and join us on a guided walk to see which birds and wildlife visit and live at Dungeness in the winter time. Wrap up warm and brave the cold to look for an array of wildlife from stoats to smew and blue tits to buzzards. Led by a friendly guide with expert knowledge on the wildlife at Dungeness. It’s a fantastic time of year to see a range of bird species and other wildlife on the reserve and if we’re lucky, Dungeness looks stunning on a crisp frosty day so bring your cameras!
Adult £7. Child £3.50.
20% discount for RSPB members & Wildlife Explorers.
Borrow a Birdwatcher
Friday 1 March & Friday 15 March
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 – £30
Couple – £50
Family/group 3- 4 people – £70 – £80
Prices include a hot drink and free binocular hire for those without. Please pay in advance. 20% discount for RSPB members & Wildlife Explorers
Wildlife Walk
Wednesday 20 March
10.30am – 12.30pm
This walk is for everyone with a keen interest in wildlife! March can deliver us all sorts of animals. If the weather has been mild enough, we might see an early butterfly or bumblebee. March time also brings in early migrants to the country such as swifts and is the last chance to spot our wintering birds such as the smew, pintail or firecrest before they head north again. Join a knowledgeable guide on a walk around the reserve and see what delights you can spot at this time of year.
Adult £7. Child £3.50.
20% discount for RSPB members & Wildlife Explorers.
Bird Watching for Beginners
Sunday 31 March
10.30am – 12.30pm
Love birds but want to know more about them? Then come on a spring-time walk around our reserve with a friendly guide with expert knowledge on all things feathery! And don’t worry if you don’t own a pair of binoculars, they are available to hire from the visitor centre for a small fee.
Adult £7. Child £3.50.
20% discount for RSPB members & Wildlife Explorers.