Events and Activities

Thanet Coast Project Events 2024

These events and activities are run by the Thanet Coast Project with the help of volunteers, mainly our Coastal Wardens.  A brief summary of the events programme is on the flyer/poster:

The listings below are shown by:

(a) Event type – with details about the events and booking links as they become available; with

(b) Chronological listing – of these upcoming events; and

(c) Additional Safety Information, Other Opportunities and Events – at the end.

 

(a) Event listings – by Type 0f Event

Booking links will show, when they become available.

East Kent Coast Photographic Competition 2024

Bird Wise East Kent and Thanet Coast Project have teamed up to host a third photography competition, to celebrate our coastal environment and wildlife! By entering your images, you will be helping to inform others of the importance of our coastal environment and highlight this area’s amazing biodiversity. Open to everyone. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES has now CLOSED (Sunday 18 February 2o24).    Click here for more information on terms and conditions and how to apply and fro exhibition dates as they become available!

 

Beach Cleans - Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend

Quarterly beach clean (Beachwatch, MCS) within the Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve below the Hugin Viking Ship picnic site (CT12 5HY), near the chalk cliffs, just north of the former hoverpad.  All equipment is provided. Please dress appropriately for the activity and weather conditions on the day. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt 2024 with Beach Art!

Join the great eggcase and scavenger hunt challenge looking for clues of our marine life along the shore, and looking out for shark and ray eggcases on this activity that includes a sand/beach art at the end.

You will need to wear suitable footwear and clothing for the beach, sand art and the weather conditions on the day. All equipment is provided by the Thanet Coast Project. These events are suitable for families and especially children aged 4-11, Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout.  Donations welcome (Suggested: £2.50 per adult & child present!) The event lasts 1.5 hours. 

  • Tue 2 April, 2pm – Margate Main Sands (CT9 1XN)
  • Wed 3 April, 2pm – Viking Bay, Broadstairs (CT10 1EU)
  • Thur 4 April, 2pm – Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs (CT10 1TA)

BOOKINGS -NOW OPEN (click here)

Seaweed & their Secrets 

A great opportunity to find out all that you ever want to know about seaweed! This walk & talk is led by seaweed expert Ian Tittley, Natural History Museum and Kent Field Club.  The Thanet Coast’s chalk reef provides the perfect substrate for different algae communities within the designated Marine Protected Area. Come along for this walk through rockpools and along the shore to discover seaweed, their uses and properties on this outdoor talk.  Please note advice on booking.  These walks are suitable for people of 14 years and above, and last for 2 hours walking over the rough terrain of the rocky shore.  Online bookings only as numbers are limited – with a suggested online donation of £5pp.

BOOKINGS – Open approx. one month before the Event. Please click on the date links above (Note: one booking ticket per person, but booking again allowed for other places; Limited places available- when full, Tickets may become available with any online cancellation – so it is worth looking again beforehand (even checking the day/evening before the event. Bookings finish one hour before the start.)

The White Cliffs of Kingsgate

Evolution of a Kentish Coastal Landscape – A chance to join Richard Hubbard on a walk to explore the geology, erosion, fossils and history of the spectacular Kingsgate coastline, Broadstairs.

Take a step back in time as we uncover the secrets of this beautiful and important coastal landscape. The walk is a guided version of Richard’s self-guided trail booklet.  These walks are suitable for adults (& over 11 years of age) and involve a walk on the beach and rocky chalk shore.   The whole tour lasts around 2 hours.  Online bookings only as numbers are limited – with a suggested online suggested donation of £5pp.

  • Mon 13 May, 9.30am
  • Sat 13 July, 9.30am
  • Mon 9 Sept, 9.30am

BOOKINGS – Opens from 31/3/2024

VOLUNTEERING: Coastal Warden Introductory Training 2024

This is the introductory course for new volunteers to help as Coastal Wardens on the North East Kent coast which includes the NE Kent Marine Protected Area from Whitstable to Sandwich Bay. Volunteers adopt a local bay or stretch of coastline and help look after local marine and bird life in your patch. We will take you through the history of the NEKMPA and the management scheme, your role as a coastal warden, and the different opportunities where you can help (17+, 4hrs).  

  • Sat 25 May, 1-5pm – To be held in Margate
  • Wed 12 June, 1-5pm – To be held in Margate

All new volunteers will need to complete an online registration form first, and will then sent an ‘invite’ to book onto one of these introductory courses closer to the time.

Active Ramsgate Week - Celebrating outdoor activities in Ramsgate from 25 May to 2 June 2024 
  • Tue 28 May, 11am (2hrs) – Western Undercliff, Ramsgate (CT11 9PH) Seashore Safari – Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (EXPLORE DAY:  2hrs; suitable for children 4-11s; £2.50pp suggested donation)
  • Fri 31 May, 11am (1.5hrs)  –  Ramsgate Main Sands (CT11 8LP)  Scavenger Hunt – Try the coastal scavenger hunt challenge, solve the clues and tackle the marine beach art challenge  (COMMUNITY DAY: 1.5hrs; suitable for children 4-11s in family groups; £2.50pp suggested donation).

Thanet Coast Project’s Active Ramsgate BOOKINGS – Open in May 2024

Scavenger Hunts - Spring Half Term

Try the coastal scavenger hunt challenge, solve the clues and tackle the marine beach art challenge. (1.5hrs; suitable for children 4-11s; £2.50pp suggested donation).    You’ll need to wear suitable footwear and clothing for the beach, for sand art and the weather conditions on the day!  All equipment is provided by the Thanet Coast Project. These events are particularly suitable for families and especially children aged 4-11s. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout.  Donations welcome (Suggested: £2.50 per person – adult & child – present!). The event lasts for 1.5 hours. 

  • Wed 29 May, 11am – Walpole Bay, Cliftonville  (CT9 3HF)
  • Thur 30 May, 11am – Botany Bay, Broadstairs  (CT10 3LG)
  • Fri 31 May, 11am    Ramsgate Main Sands (CT11 8LP) 

Bookings – Open in May 2024 (then please click on the date link above – & please be vigilant for any cancellations)

World Ocean Day 2024

Join the Thanet Coast Project to celebrate World Ocean Day with a Seashore Safari and a chance to meet volunteer coastal wardens and hear about how you can help around the NE Kent Marine Protected Area.

  • Sat 8 June, 8am (1hr): Seashore Safari – Stone Bay, Broadstairs (CT10 1DU).  Early start to catch the low tide and explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for the rockpool wildlife of the local marine protected area (4-11s; £2.50pp suggested donation).  BOOKINGS – Open here in May!
  • Sat 8 June, 11am to 4pm: Thanet Coast’s World Ocean Day stand – Broadstairs Harbour (CT10 1EU):  Come and meet the Thanet Coast Project volunteers and see how you can help!
Broadstairs Water Gala 2024 - Seashore Safari & Meet & Greet

Join the Thanet Coast Project to celebrate Water Gala with a Seashore Safari (suitable for 4-11s, accompanied) and meet and greet with volunteer coastal wardens and to hear more about the North East Kent Marine Protected Area.

  •  Wed, 24 July, 8.30am (2hrs) Seashore Safari – Louisa Bay, Broadstairs:  Catch the early low tide to explore the rockpools and chalk reef and see some of the shore life of our Marine Protected Area. Aimed at children & family groups (4-11s; £2.50pp suggested donation).  BOOKING – Opens here at the start of July
  •  Wed, 24 July, 12pm to 4pm Thanet Coast Project stand – Broadstairs Harbour:  Chance to meet the volunteers and find out more about the NE Kent Marine Protected Area.
Summer Seashore Safaris

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife.  Join one of the series of safaris touring different Thanet Coast bays to explore the chalk reef and rockpools to see what shore life can find. These events are run with the help of Thanet Coast volunteers.  All events last for up to 2 hours and are suitable for ALL the family, but particularly 4-11s. Children must always be accompanied by a responsible adult. Suggested donation of £2.50 per person.  PLEASE USE ONLINE BOOKINGS (below – when it opens in July ) as numbers will be limited.

  • Wed 24 July, 8.30am – Louisa Gap, Broadstairs (CT10 1QE)  Broadstairs Water Gala
  • Thur 25 July, 9am – Eastcliff, Ramsgate (CT11 8ED)
  • Fri 26 July, 9.30am – West Bay, Westgate (CT8 8QA)
  • Sat 27 July, 10am – St Mildred’s Bay (CT8 8TP)
  • Sun 28 July, 11am – Margate Main Sands (CT9 5AE)
  • Mon 29 July, 12pm – Walpole Bay, Cliftonville (CT9 3HF)
  • Tue 30 July, 1pm – Minnis Bay, Birchington (CT7 9QR)
  • Wed 7 Aug, 8.30am – Western Undercliff, Ramsgate (CT11 9PH)
  • Thur 8 Aug, 8.30am – Botany Bay, Broadstairs (CT10 3LG)
  • Fri 9 Aug, 9am – Stone Bay, Broadstairs (CT10 1DU)
  • Sat 10 Aug, 9am – Walpole Bay, Margate (CT9 3HF)
  • Sun 18 Aug, 5.30pm – Walpole Bay, Margate (CT9 3HF) Evening Safari
  • Thu 22 Aug, 8am – Eastcliff, Ramsgate (CT11 8ED) 
  • Fri 23 Aug, 9am. – Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs (CT10 1TA)

SAFARI BOOKINGS – OPEN here in July 2024

Great British Beach Clean 2024

Join the largest annual beach clean & litter survey, as a part of the Marine Conservation Society’s national campaign (20-29 Sept) and monitoring of beach litter.  The events below last for 2 hours and are open to all to join in. Children have to be supervised by a responsible adult.   Litter sticks, hoops, and bags are provided.  Please bring along garden gloves and wear appropriate clothing for weather on the day (windproof/rainproofs if windy &/or raining) & tough footwear for walking on the beach. Please also bring along your own water bottle, or refreshment, to quench your thirst! 

Scavenger Hunts - Autumn Half Term

Take the shoreline challenge to find clues about our marine and bird life and coastal environment and end with a creative BeachART challenge. Aimed at young children (4-11s) working in family teams, but please dress up warm for the outdoors and the beach!  (1.5hrs; donations £2.50pp) 

  • Tue 29 October, 2pm – Walpole Bay, Margate  (CT9 3HF)
  • Wed 30 October, 2pm – Botany Bay, Broadstairs (CT10 3LG)
  • Thur 31 October, 2pm – Ramsgate Main Sands (CT11 8LP)

BOOKINGS – Open here in October 2024 

 

Looking into 2025

Fri 28 March, 2pm: Spring Beach Clean – Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend Join the beach clean & litter survey within the National Nature Reserve. Booking: Opens in 2025

Tue 8 April, 2pm: Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! – Margate. Look for clues of our marine life along the shore. (1.5hrs; suitable for 4-11s; donation). Booking: Opens in 2025

Wed 9 April, 2pm: Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! – Broadstairs. Look for clues of our marine life along the shore. (1.5hrs; suitable for 4-11s; donation). Booking: Opens in 2025

Thur 10 April, 2pm: Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! – Ramsgate. Look for clues of our marine life along the shore. (1.5hrs; suitable for children 4-11s; donation). Booking: Opens in 2025

(b) Date order listings

Here’s the brief listings of the upcoming public events.

Thur 28 March, 10am: Spring Beach Clean - Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend.

  Join the clean & litter survey within the National Nature Reserve. Booking Open

Tue 2 April, 2pm: Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! - Margate Main Sands.

Look for clues of our marine life along the shore. (1.5hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation).  Booking Open

Wed 3 April, 2pm: Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! - Viking Bay, Broadstairs. 

Look for clues of our marine life along the shore. (1.5hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Booking Open

Thur 4 April, 2pm: Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! - Dumpton Gap.

 Look for clues of our marine life along the shore. (1.5hrs; suitable for children 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Booking Open

Mon 22 April, 5pm: Seaweed & their Secrets - Walpole Bay, Margate (Earth Day).

 Discover the secrets of our seaweeds with expert Ian Tittley, Natural History Museum/Kent Field Club. (2hrs; suitable for 14+; £5pp suggested donation). Booking Open

Mon 13 May, 9:30am: The White Cliffs of Kingsgate. 

Join this walk to explore the geology, erosion, fossils and history of the spectacular Kingsgate coastline, led by Richard Hubbard. (2hrs; suitable for 14+; £5pp suggested donation). Booking: Opens 31/3/24

Sat 25 May, 1-5pm: Coastal Warden Introductory Training

Join the volunteer scheme to adopt and look after your local bay. Learn more and help others become aware of the marine and bird life around our NE Kent Marine Protected Area.   Please register your details:  online registration form & we will invite you closer to the training date.

Tue 28 May, 11am: Seashore Safari - Western Undercliff, Ramsgate.

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore as part of Active Ramsgate Week (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book (opens in May)

Wed 29 May, 2pm: Scavenger Hunt - Walpole Bay, Margate. 

Try the coastal challenge trail – with beach art! (1.5hrs; suitable for children 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Thur 30 May, 2pm: Scavenger Hunt - Botany Bay, Broadstairs. 

Try the coastal challenge trail – with beach art! (1.5hrs; suitable for children 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Fri 31 May, 2pm: Scavenger Hunt - Ramsgate Main Sands.

Try the coastal challenge trail – with beach art as part of Active Ramsgate Week (1.5hrs; 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Sat 8 June, 8am: World Ocean Day Seashore Safari - Stone Bay, Broadstairs. 

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for the rockpool wildlife of the local marine protected area (2hrs; 14+ & all; £2.50pp donation). Book

Sat 8 June, 12pm to 4pm: Thanet Coast’s World Ocean Day stand - Broadstairs Harbour.  

Come and meet the Thanet Coast Project volunteers and see how you can help!

Wed 12 June, 1-5pm: Coastal Warden Introductory Training

Join the volunteer scheme to adopt and look after your local bay. Learn more and help others become aware of the marine and bird life around our NE Kent Marine Protected Area.  Please register your details:  online registration form & we will invite you closer to the training date.

Thur 27 June, 9.30am: Seaweed & their Secrets - Botany Bay, Broadstairs. 

Discover the secrets of our seaweeds with expert Ian Tittley, Natural History Museum/Kent Field Club. (2hrs; suitable for 14+; £5pp suggested donation). Book

Fri 28 June, 10am: Beach Clean - Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend.

Join the clean & litter survey within the National Nature Reserve. Book

Sat 13 July, 9:30am: The White Cliffs of Kingsgate. 

Join this walk to explore the geology, erosion, fossils and history of the spectacular Kingsgate coastline, led by Richard Hubbard. (2hrs; suitable for 14+; £5pp suggested donation). Booking: Opens 31/3/24

Wed 24 July, 8.30am: Water Gala Seashore Safari - Louisa Bay, Broadstairs: 

Explore the rockpools and chalk reef of our Marine Protected Area (2hrs; 4-11s & family groups; £2.50pp donation). Book

Wed 24 July, 12-4pm: Thanet Coast’s Water Gala Day - Broadstairs Harbour: 

Meet the volunteers and find out more about the NE Kent Marine Protected Area.

Thur 25 July, 9am: Seashore Safari - Eastcliff, Ramsgate. 

Explore the rockpools and chalk reef of our Marine Protected Area (2hrs; 4-11s & family groups; donation). Book

Fri 26 July, 9:30am: Seashore Safari - West Bay, Westgate. 

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Sat 27 July, 10am: Seashore Safari - St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate. 

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Sun 28 July, 11am: Seashore Safari - Margate Main Sands. 

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Mon 29 July, 12pm: Seashore Safari - Walpole Bay, Margate. 

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation)  Book

Tue 30 July, 1pm: Seashore Safari - Minnis Bay, Birchington. 

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Wed 7 Aug, 8:30am: Seashore Safari - Western Undercliff, Ramsgate. 

Explore the rockpools and chalk reef of our Marine Protected Area (2hrs; 4-11s & family groups; £2.50pp donation). Book

Thur 8 Aug, 8:30am: Seashore Safari - Botany Bay, Broadstairs.

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Fri 9 Aug 9am: Seashore Safari - Stone Bay, Broadstairs. 

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Sat 10 Aug, 9am: Seashore Safari - Walpole Bay, Margate. 

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Sun 18 Aug, 5:3pm: Evening Seashore Safari - Walpole Bay, Margate.

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book

Mon 19 Aug, 6pm: Seaweed & their Secrets - Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs.

Discover the secrets of our seaweeds with expert Ian Tittley, Natural History Museum/Kent Field Club. (2hrs; suitable for 14+; £5pp suggested donation). Book

Thur 22 Aug, 8am: Seashore Safari - Eastcliff, Ramsgate.

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book

Fri 23 Aug, 9am: Seashore Safari - Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs.

Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book

Mon 9 Sept 9:30am: The White Cliffs of Kingsgate.

Join this walk to explore the geology, erosion, fossils and history of the spectacular Kingsgate coastline, led by Richard Hubbard. (2hrs; suitable for 14+; £5pp suggested donation). Booking: Opens 31/3/24

Sat 21 Sept, 10am: Great British Beach Clean - Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend.

Join the clean & litter survey within the National Nature Reserve. Book

Sat 21 Sept, 2pm: Great British Beach Clean - Plum Pudding, Minnis Bay, Birchington

Join the annual national clean up & litter survey. Book

Tue 15 Oct, 4pm: Seaweed & their Secrets - Walpole Bay, Margate. 

Discover the secrets of our seaweeds with expert Ian Tittley, Natural History Museum/Kent Field Club. (2hrs; suitable for 14+; 5pp suggested donation). Book

Tue 29 Oct, 2pm: Scavenger Hunt - Walpole Bay, Margate.

Look for clues of our marine life along the shore (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Wed 30 October, 2pm: Scavenger Hunt - Botany Bay, Broadstairs.

Look for clues of our marine life along the shore (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Thur 31 October, 2pm: Scavenger Hunt - Ramsgate Main Sands.

Look for clues of our marine life along the shore (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation). Book

Fri 6 Dec, 10am: Beach Clean - Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend

Join the clean & litter survey within the National Nature Reserve. Book

(c) STAYING SAFE ON THE COAST

HEALTH ADVICE: We would like you to be vigilant and safe on our coast: here’s the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information; and local and national Bird Flu advice; and bathing water quality classifications and results for you to take into account.

ORDER: Thanet ‘Beaches and Coast Public Space Protection Order’ (PSPO) replaced the former coastal bylaws in 2021 and is supported by the Beach & Coast PSPO code of conduct. Beach & Coast PSPO Sign & Thanet Beach & Coast Code of Conduct Booklet (PDF, 7.1MB)

ADVICE: You can help reduce your impact on the coast by following the voluntary Thanet Coastal Codes for different recreational activities

Other Opportunities & Events:

Coastal Wardens/Guardians/Volunteering

Local people can get actively involved with looking after their own chosen stretch of coastline by enrolling as a NEKMPA Coastal Warden with activities and training opportunities throughout the year. In addition, you can volunteer to join the ‘Coastbusters’ (non-native species control teams – currently targeting Pacific Oysters) around NE Kent; or with ‘Making a Buzz for the Coast’ – with task days or Bird Wise East Kent for our internationally important bird life.

 

If you would like to volunteer your time please complete the complete an online registration form (If you have trouble online, please download the Volunteer Registration Form – PDF, 420KB ) and we will invite you to the training closer to the time:–

Sat 25 May, 1-5pm: Coastal Warden Introductory Training. Join the volunteer scheme to adopt and look after your local bay. Learn more and help others become aware of the marine and bird life around our NE Kent Marine Protected Area. 

Wed 12 June, 1-5pm: Coastal Warden Introductory Training. Join the volunteer scheme to adopt and look after your local bay. Learn more and help others become aware of the marine and bird life around our NE Kent Marine Protected Area.

Bird Wise East Kent - Events

A series of events to raise awareness of the thousands of winter migratory birds that come to the Thanet coast – thanks to fundings from SAMMs – with three officers running free educational events at various locations along the Thanet and Canterbury coastline from their new eye-catching Bird Wise van.   Designed to help people wise up to bird disturbance and learn about our coastal birds.  The Bird Wise team will also be driving to schools across Thanet and Canterbury district to deliver lessons to pupils. Event details are on @BirdwiseEK on Twitter, Facebook and website.

Beach Cleans for Community Groups

Community groups can organise their own beach cleans, or join in with ones that are currently organised by local groups. Find out more or join an event!

School/Group Excursions

Online advice and a Notification scheme for school/group visits can be found under the learning section on this website. Schools, clubs or large group excursions can enjoy the beaches – including looking at the variety of coastal wildlife around the Thanet coast (depending upon the tide being in or out); and see evidence of coastal erosion, run beach inspired activities, or just visit for general coastal leisure opportunities. More information – includes who to notify, bay facilities and online resources.

Virtual & self-guided activities

For virtual Seashore Safaris and self-guided activities, have a look at our informal learning zone: – click here!

More information & mobility access:

Mobility Access: Many of our beaches have ‘all terrain wheelchairs’ available for booking for anyone with mobility impairment. For further information and for donations to help this superb charity, please visit the website: Beach Within Reach

The Thanet Coast Project gratefully acknowledges donations from Southern Water, Haeckels of Margate and the general public to ensure that we can continue our remit and work.