East Kent Coast Photographic Competition 2025 – closed for entries on 16 Feb 2025

Bird Wise East Kent and Thanet Coast Project have teamed up to host the 2025 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  is Sunday 16 February 2o25  = see terms & conditions and how to apply

Thu 27 March, 4pm: Seaweed & Their Secrets – Walpole Bay Walk & talk with Ian Tittley from the Natural History Museum with everything you ever wanted or need to know about seaweeds and their history, uses and properties. (for 14 years+; 2hrs; donation).   BOOKING: Finished

Fri 28 March, 2pm: Spring Beach Clean – Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend

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

This quarterly beach clean is within the Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve is run by the Thanet Coast Project, in collaboration with the Kent Wildlife Trust and link into Beachwatch, MCS (beach litter monitoring and cleans).  The cleans takes place 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. 

Please Booking now closed  (MCS booking link)

Tue 8 April, 2pm: Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! – Walpole Bay, Margate.

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 egg cases on this activity that includes a sand/beach art at the end.

Remember 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 – although your own spade would be useful. These events are suitable for families and especially children aged 4-11, Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the activity.    (1.5hrs; suitable for 4-11s; donation).

Bookings: Finished April 2025

Wed 9 April, 2pm: Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! – Botany Bay, Broadstairs.

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 egg cases on this activity that includes a sand/beach art at the end.

Remember 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 – although your own spade would be useful. These events are suitable for families and especially children aged 4-11, Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the activity.    (1.5hrs; suitable for 4-11s; donation).

Bookings: Finished April 2025

Thur 10 April, 2pm: Great Eggcase & Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! – Ramsgate Main Sands. 

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 egg cases on this activity that includes a sand/beach art at the end.

Remember 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 – although your own spade would be useful. These events are suitable for families and especially children aged 4-11, Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the activity.    (1.5hrs; suitable for 4-11s; donation).

Bookings: Finished April 2025

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)  COMPLETED 
• Wed 3 April, 2pm – Viking Bay, Broadstairs (CT10 1EU)  COMPLETED 
• Thur 4 April, 2pm – Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs (CT10 1TA)  COMPLETED 
• BOOKINGS – now closed

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 (EXPLORING DAY:  2hrs; suitable for children 4-11s; Free as part of Active Ramsgate)   
• Book Here FULLY BOOKED – Completed

• 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  (KIDS & FAMILY DAY: 1.5hrs; suitable for children 4-11s in family groups; Free as part of Active Ramsgate).
• Book Here FULLY BOOKED – Completed 

For more information about: Active Ramsgate Week

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 child).  The event lasts for 1.5 hours. 

• Wed 29 May, 11am – Walpole Bay, Cliftonville  (CT9 3HF) – Completed
• Thur 30 May, 11am – Botany Bay, Broadstairs  (CT10 3LG) – Completed

Bookings Now Closed

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   COMPLETED 
• Wed 12 June, 1-5pm – To be held in Margate COMPLETED

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.

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 only!): 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 – Now Open!

• 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!
• COMPLETED 

Flint’s Solstice Fayre – Newgate Gap: Scavenger Hunt /meet & greet (12pm-4pm, 22 June)

12pm to 4pm  –  Come and meet the Thanet Coast Project volunteers at the FLINTS Solstice Fayre and try the Scavenger Hunt.

Try the coastal scavenger hunt challenge, solve the clues and tackle the marine beach art challenge. (Suitable for children 4-11s; £2pp suggested donation; no booking – just turn up).

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.

The FLINTS Solstice Fayre is held at Newgate Gap, Cliftonville, Margate, Kent CT9 2DS.

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.

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

• Sun 18 Aug, 5.30pm – Walpole Bay, Margate (CT9 3HF) Evening Safari =completed
• Thu 22 Aug, 8am – Eastcliff, Ramsgate (CT11 8ED) = completed
• Fri 23 Aug, 9am. – Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs (CT10 1TA) = completed

SAFARI BOOKINGS – OPEN: Please select correct date (as different locations) when booking

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′ terms & conditions and how to apply)

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.  Bookings

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

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.

• Mon 22 April, 5pm – Walpole Bay, Margate  (Earth Day Walk)  = COMPLETED
• Thur 27 June, 9.30am – Botany Bay, Broadstairs = COMPLETED
• Mon 19 Aug, 6pm – Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs = COMPLETED
• Mon 14 Oct, 4pm – Walpole Bay, Margate  – COMPLETED

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.)

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! 

• Sat 21 Sept, 10am (2hrs) – Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend (CT12 5HY) – Book using this MCS booking link. Meet: On the beach below former hoverport access road   COMPLETED
• Sat 21 Sept, 2pm – Plum Pudding/Sea Wall beaches, near Minnis Bay, Birchington – Book using MCS booking link. Meet: Outside Minnis Bay Brasserie, Birchington CT7 9QP. Please also note extra 10 mins walk there, and again back!  COMPLETED

SUNKEN GARDEN ECO FAIR 2024
Sun. 6 October, 12 to 4.30pm
Westbrook Sunken Garden
Royal Esplanade, Westbrook, Margate CT9 5EJ

Come and meet the Thanet Coast Project volunteers – and find out more about our local coastline and the wildlife of the North East Kent Marine Protected Area and how you can get involved and help!

The ecofair has a number of different environmental organisations taking part and promises to be a fun day with workshops, inspiring talks and eco ideas for all. More info’ at: thesunkengarden.co.uk/sunken-garden-eco-fair-2024/

Free entry   – completed

Sat 26 October, 10am-4pm: Pegwell Bay Nature Day

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)   BOOK HERE: Autumn Scavenger Hunts  – various locations – October 2024 

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

(remember to select correct date for your location)

Art Exhibition:   Sat. 16 to Sun. 17 November, 2024, 11am-4pm.

The Margate School, 31-33 High Street, Margate, Kent  CT9 1 DX

Come and see the varied range of artwork produced by children at Northdown Primary School in this Exhibition to celebrate 20 years of volunteer Thanet Coastal Wardens and the fantastic work they do in this area.  Check out the window display produced for the event by students from the Canterbury Academy, a school for every talent.  There will be short talks at 2pm on both days to explain the project in more detail and the virtual exhibition that will follow.  The event is free and open to all.  There will also be a sensory table with objects found on the shoreline where you can meet some of the Thanet Coast Wardens. This art exhibition is part of the Thanet Coastal Warden 20th Anniversary celebrations.   (2024 Exhibition Poster, 194KB, PDF)..

This exhibition is FREE.  Any online donations welcome and will go towards the not-for-profit Thanet Coast Project

Completed (Facebook link)

These quarterly beach cleans are within the Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve and are run by the Thanet Coast Project, in collaboration with the Kent Wildlife Trust and link into Beachwatch, MCS (beach litter monitoring and cleans) .  The Beach Cleans take place 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. 

These are MCS Booking links – with completed facebook postings of the event:

• 28 March 2024, 10am – Pegwell Bay Spring Beach Clean  = COMPLETED
• Fri 28 June, 10am – Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend   = COMPLETED
• Sat 21 Sept, 10am – Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend = Great British Beach Clean (20-29 Sept, MCS)  COMPLETED
• Fri 6 Dec, 10am – Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend  – COMPLETED