Reculver overview

O.S Map 179 TR 225695 : Reculver Country Park: Nr Herne Bay

The twin towers of St Mary's Church, set in the grounds of a Roman fort, are a distinctive feature on the North Kent coast. Each year thousands of birds stop off on long migration routes to and from the Arctic. Sand Martins nest in the cliffs and the grassland on top is a wildflower meadow, home to butterflies and skylarks. The coast is undefended and the constant landslips reveal the geology of the area.

The visitor centre has superb displays about the site and a range of information about the importance of the site for wildlife, history and geology.

The centre reopened on Friday 10th July 2009 with a new extension as the Reculver Centre for renewable energy and interpretation. It also has a shop and makes an excellent starting point for cliff top walks. To read more information click here. (Canterbury City Council online).

Opening times

Winter Opening times/days:

• Friday 4th September - Sunday 1st November, open three days per week on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 11am - 4pm
• Saturday 7th November - Sunday 21st March, open two days per week on Saturday & Sunday, 11am - 3pm
• Closed from 21st December, reopening on 2nd Januray 2010

Events

Seashore Safari
Sunday 6 June 2010, 1pm
Explore the rocky shore and hunt marine creatures at Reculver Country Park, and discover how they have adapted to this extreme environment. Meet: Reculver Visitor Centre, Reculver Lane, CT6 6SS. Leader: Julie Thomsett Kent Wildlife Trust (01227 740676). Duration; 2 hours. Wellies and sturdy footwear required. Dogs on leads. The access path to the beach is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Whitstable Oyster Festival:
Saturday 24 July - Friday 30 July 2010

Whitstable Oyster Festival History Walk
Sunday 25 July, 4.30pm
Discover the history of Whitstable and walk back along the beach to see 'The Street'. Meet: Hotel Continental, Whitstable. Leader Kent Wildlife Trust. Duration 2 hours. Dogs welcome on leads. For more information contact Canterbury City Council on 01227 862267.

Whitstable Oyster Festival - Sunset Saunter
Tuesday 27 July, 6.30pm
Come and enjoy a leisurely walk around Whitstable towards Seasalter findong out about some of the local history and wildlife. This walk is a loop and we will finish back where we started. Meet: Middle Wall car park, Whitstable. Leader: Kent Wildlife Trust. Duration 2 hours. Dogs on leads welcome. For more information contact Canterbury City Council on 01227 862267.

Whitstable Oyster Festival - Seashore Safari
Friday 30 July 9.30am
Join in the fun of exploring the rock pools and finding out about the amazing creatures that live on our shores. Please wear wellies or old shoes as you may get wet. Leader: Kent Wildlife Trust. Duration 2 hours. Meet Keam's Yard car park, Island Wall, Whitstable. For more information contact Canterbury City Council on 01227 862267.

Thanet Coastal Project - Summer Seashore Safaris
From Wednesday 28 July and throughout August
Explore the rocky shore and see Thanet's intriquing shore life - with help on hand to identify your finds! Book online at www.thanetcoast.org.uk (All last 2 hours and are suitable for 4 - 14 year olds & for the whole family!)

Shepway Coastal Park  - Summer Seashore Safaris
August 2010
Join in the fun of exploring the rock pools in Folkestone's Coastal Park, and find out about the amazing creatures that live on our shores. Leader: Kent Wildlife Trust. Duration: 2 hours. Please contact www.shepway.gov.uk Leisure and Culture for more information nearer the time.

Marine Week - Seashore Safari
Monday 2 August, 11am
Explore the rocky shore and hunt for marine creatures at Reculver Country Park, and discover how they have adapted to this extreme environment. Meet: Reculver Visitor Centre, reculver Lane, CT6 6SS. Leader: Kent Wildlife Trust (01227 740676). Duration; 2 hours. Wellies and sturdy footwear required. Dogs on lead. The access path to the beach is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Seashore Safari
Monday 16 August, 11am
Explore the rocky shore and hunt for marine creatures at Reculver Country Park, and discover how they have adapted to this extreme environment. Meet: Reculver Visitor Centre, reculver Lane, CT6 6SS. Leader: Kent Wildlife Trust (01227 740676). Duration; 2 hours. Wellies and sturdy footwear required. Dogs on lead. The access path to the beach is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. 

Seashore Safari
Monday 19 August, 11am
Explore the rocky shore and hunt for marine creatures at Reculver Country Park, and discover how they have adapted to this extreme environment. Meet: Reculver Visitor Centre, reculver Lane, CT6 6SS. Leader: Kent Wildlife Trust (01227 740676). Duration; 2 hours. Wellies and sturdy footwear required. Dogs on lead. The access path to the beach is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. 

Key site

For migrant birds: during spring, autumn and winter. Reculver is also one of the best sites to view sand martins and mining bees.