Special dog zone where pets can run free to be launched at nature reserve celebration

On Saturday 6th August, people are invited to join Kent Wildlife Trust at Pegwell Bay Country Park for a celebration event where people can enjoy self-led trails, craft making and wildlife themed games alongside stalls from local artists and coastal archeology projects.

The Sandwich and Pegwell Bay dog zone will be officially opened at the event. This special area gives owners the opportunity to let their pooch run free off the lead in a safe environment. On the wider reserve, people are asked to keep their dog on a lead so local wildlife can thrive without disturbance.

Nina Jones, of Kent Wildlife Trust said: ‘We are champions for animals and wildlife, but despite how much we love them, at times our pets’ inquisitive nature can cause harm to wild birds and other animals.

‘This project is the result of hard work by Kent County Council Country Parks and Bird Wise East Kent who have created this safe space to allow dogs to get their much-needed run and exercise without harming the rare and endangered birds nesting, feeding and resting on our shorelines.

‘We hope that dog owners feel we are giving them a suitable alternative and work with us to protect nature by keeping their dog on a lead when visiting the wider reserve.

‘In addition to the launch of the dog zone, there will be lots of fun activities and stalls for families to enjoy and we hope the event will give people the opportunity to discover this beautiful reserve and connect with nature.’

2022 marks the 70-year anniversary of the declaration of the first National Nature Reserve, and celebrations like this will be held across the country. Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve was opened by Sir David Attenborough in 1999 and is managed by Kent Wildlife Trust on behalf of the landowners, including Kent County Council, National Trust, RSPB and Thanet District Council.

This celebration event is a result of a collaboration between Kent Wildlife Trust, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory and Thanet Coast Project and has been sponsored by GrowUp Farms.