This Is Kent
00:00 - 24-October-2008
Kent Coastal Week
Various locations
Kent
Kent's coast is an impressive 350 miles long, making it the longest in the country and next week you can discover its delights during Kent Coastal Week.
With more than 50 different events going on, the 16 organisers are promising something for everyone in a packed programme during half term week.
Families can try their hand at creating sand sculptures on one of Thanet's award-winning bays, see the Kent seals or visit historic offshore forts on a sea safari, or even create art from beach litter at a special activity day.
You can learn more about coastal bird life, understand its geology and collect beach 'treasure' like shells and flints, or hear about fascinating history like the link with Indian princess Pocahontas.
Or if you want to do something practical, join a beach clean-up operation at one of many locations to assist the Marine Conservation Society.
KCC Cabinet Member for Environment Keith Ferrin said: "Kent's coast has so much to offer, from Dover's mighty White Cliffs to the low lying marshes which are a wildlife haven. Everyone should take the opportunity to enjoy what they like best on the Kent coast."
This is just some of the events happening around Kent's coast during the week.
Saturday October 25
Wildlife and Heritage Boat Trips, Whitstable
An opportunity to see the Kent coast from the sea and look for wildlife at Shivering Sands and Red Sands Forts. Trips are available throughout Coastal Week – contact Bayblast.
Sunday October 26
Jet Ski Demonstration at Herne Bay (9am)
Experience the fun and adrenaline of jet skis. All equipment will be supplied, just be prepared to get wet! You will be riding on the back, will be riding at your own risk and will be asked to complete a disclaimer. Meet at Herne Bay Harbour. For further details or to book a place contact Canterbury City Council.
Monday October 27
Seashore Safari at Reculver (2pm, duration 2 hours)
Seashore safari for all the family. Meet at Kent Wildlife Trust's Reculver Visitor Centre, east of Herne Bay. Contact Kent Wildlife Trust.
Tuesday October 28
The Preventative Service – Illustrated Talk, Cliftonville (7pm – 8pm)
The final part of local historian, John Graham's fascinating trilogy of smuggler's tales! Walpole Bay Hotel, Cliftonville. Book online with the Thanet Coast Project.
Wednesday October 29
Pocahontas Promenade, Gravesend (11am – 1pm)
Join historian Sandra Soder for this guided walk and discover a fascinating piece of transatlantic history. This event is being provided free of charge as a special coastal week offer. For further details and booking, contact Towncentric on 01474 33 76 00.
Thursday October 30
From Land To Sea at Tyland Barn (10.30am – 3pm)
Family event creating art from beach litter and other creative and informative activities highlighting everyone's links with the sea. £2 per child. Event at Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone, please book with Kent Wildlife Trust.
Friday October 31
Pegwell Bay's Waders and Wildfowl Guided Walk (10am-noon)
Meet in car park at Pegwell Bay Country Park. Dogs welcome, if on lead. No charge, but donations welcome. Contact Kent Wildlife Trust.
Saturday November 1
Whirlwind of Waders at Riverside Country Park
Meet staff from the RSPB North Kent Marshes team and discover the wealth of bird life that can be seen on the Medway. Call in any time from 10am – 4pm at the Country Park on Lower Rainham Road.
Pumpkin Parade on the Western Heights, Dover (4pm)
Come along dressed in your best spooky costumes and bring your carved pumpkins. Then join in with a spooky guided walk (less than 1 mile), please bring a torch and wear shoes with good grip. Donation appreciated. No toilets available. Not suitable for prams. Meet at St. Martin's Battery Car Park, South Military Road, Western Heights. Contact White Cliffs Countryside Project: Melanie Wrigley 07880 706990.
Sunday November 2
Rocky Shore Discovery Tour, Cliftonville (9am – 10.30am)
Explore the rocks and pools with marine ecologist Ian Humpheryes. Meet by Walpole Bay tidal swimming pool. Book online with the Thanet Coast Project.
For each event, please contact the relevant organizing body.
Bayblast www.bayblast.co.uk
Tel: 01227 373372 and 07800 745493
Canterbury City Council
Tel: 01227 266719
English Heritage
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Tel: 01304 364288 – Walmer Castle
Horizon Sea Safaris
Tel: 07931 744788
Kent County Council www.coastalkent.net
Tel: 01622 221266
Kent Wildlife Trust
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Tel: 01622 662012
Marine Conservation Society
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Medway Council & Medway Swale Estuary Partnership
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Tel: 01634 337432
National Trust org.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Tel: 01304 202756 – White Cliffs of Dover
Natural England www.naturalengland .org.uk
Personal Watercraft Partnership
Romney Marsh Countryside Project
Tel: 01797 367934
RSPB North Kent Marshes www.rspb.org.uk
Tel: 01634 222480
RSPB Dungeness www.rspb.org.uk
Tel: 01797 320588
Thanet Coast Project
www.thanetcoast. org.uk
Tel: 01843 577672
Timescapes
www.timescapes. spaces.live.com
White Cliffs Countryside Project
www.whitecliffs countryside.org.uk
Tel: 01304 241806
Activities run from Saturday October 25 until Sunday November 2.
Some events may be cancelled due to poor weather. The full programme is available from Kent County Council, go online to www.kent.gov. uk/explorekent or call 01622 221266