Guided Walks at Pegwell Bay
One of the most engaging moments for many participants was learning about Pegwell Bay’s local seal population. Many were surprised to hear that these vulnerable marine mammals can be observed from the land without causing disturbance, simply by using binoculars or scopes. While we enjoyed seeing the seals resting peacefully during the walk, sadly just a few hours later they suffered ongoing disturbance when a pair of kayakers approached too closely, causing the entire haul-out site to crash-dive into the water in fear. This incident underlined the importance of our message: disturbance can harm seals by interrupting their rest and feeding and viewing them responsibly from a distance is vital for their wellbeing.
Family Events at Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory (SBBO)
At Sandwich Bay, we teamed up with SBBO and the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership to deliver a day of family-friendly coastal engagement. Families joined us for a beach clean, collecting litter to help protect wildlife and earning a well-deserved ice cream kindly donated by the Co-op. We also encouraged creative connections with the coast by making cyanotype art from natural finds such as shells and dried seaweed, allowing families to capture their beauty without removing them from the beach.
Whitstable Harbour Day and Operation Seabird
At Whitstable Harbour Day, Kent Wildlife Trust joined forces with the Kent Marine Police Unit and Birdwise East and North Kent to raise awareness of ‘Operation Seabird’, a national initiative aimed at reducing disturbance to coastal birds and marine wildlife. Our joint stand attracted a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, with many keen to learn what they can do if they witness disturbance on the coast.
We shared clear guidance: marine wildlife disturbance can be reported to Kent Police via 101 or online, while incidents involving birds can also be reported directly to Birdwise East Kent. We spoke with boat owners, paddleboarders, and dog walkers about avoiding sensitive areas, giving wildlife space, and recognising the signs of stress in animals. This collaborative approach allowed us to deliver a consistent, united message that empowered the public to take positive action for coastal wildlife.
A key success of National Marine Week was the spirit of collaboration. By working closely with the Kent Marine Police Unit, Birdwise East and North Kent, SBBO, and the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, we were able to pool resources, share expertise, and reach wider audiences. This joined-up working also meant we could tailor messages to specific groups – from recreational water users to young families – and reinforce them across multiple events.
Feedback on our programme of events was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants saying they had learned something new – from the surprising presence of seals at Pegwell to the threats facing local species and practical ways to reduce disturbance.
With coastal and marine species under growing pressure from development, climate change, and increasing visitor numbers, our message was clear: small, mindful actions matter. Simple steps – such as keeping dogs on leads near wildlife, giving animals space, and sticking to marked paths to protect fragile habitats – can make a real difference in protecting the wildlife that makes our shores so special. The success of these events highlights the power of combining education, hands-on experience, and partnership working to safeguard our coast and sea for future generations.
National Marine Week may be over, but the connections made – between people, places, and organisations – will continue to strengthen our marine conservation efforts throughout the year.