Sandwich and Pegwell Bay is a coastal reserve full of incredible wildlife. Elusive cuckoos, rare lizard orchids and harbour seals can all be found here. Though it is recognized for having the best preserved sand dune system in South East England, this reserve is probably best known as a birdwatcher’s gem. Spring and summer give passage migrants a warm welcome as they stop for the breeding season. Nightingales and Cuckoos loudly advertise their territories whilst the perfectly camouflaged eggs of Ringed Plovers go unnoticed on the shingle. Autumn and winter see the arrival of a spectacular number of birds attracted by the vast expanse of soft, unfrozen mudflats of the bay. Wildfowl and waders franticly feed with the receding tide. After epic journeys from places as far as Canada, Siberia and Southern Africa, birds desperately need to build up their fat stores and conserve their energy to face the harsh winter weather and reach spring in good condition for a successful breeding season.
This fantastic landscape is not just enjoyed by the birds though. Thousands of visitors come to Sandwich and Pegwell bay every year. Dog walking, horse riding, kite surfing, paddle boarding, running and cycling are some of the activities that regularly take place. Leisure activities can easily disturb birds and unfortunately they can prevent them from meeting their most basic needs. As a consequence, very few chicks are successfully fledging and winter populations are declining severely. Though the site is protected under EU and UK legislation for its huge flocks more needs to be done. A new, dedicated team of engagement wardens is ready to tackle this issue by working together with visitors, local people and partner organizations to ensure humans can continue to enjoy this wonderful site whilst protecting our wild visitors.
We need volunteers to help us spread the word to visitors. Before the pandemic, a fantastic team had already started helping us on the ground by raising awareness of the needs of our birds and informing visitors of sensitive habitats and restricted access areas on the reserve. The team was known as Coastal Guardians and just like other parties, they too had to stop their good work due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, many have not been able to return to the role so we are keen to welcome new volunteers to the team that will now be known as Wilder Coast Volunteers. If you like being outdoors, are passionate about wildlife and enjoy chatting with people this might be a great role for you. Training will be provided and both ad hoc and fixed shifts are welcome. Please email volunteering@kentwildlife.org.uk to find out more.
c) Chris Gomersall 2020 Vision
