RSPB LogoDungeness RSPB Nature Reserve

 

 

Dungeness Facts

Dungeness is the RSPB's oldest nature reserve. It was created in 1931 to protect populations of seabirds and today supports internationally important populations of wintering wildfowl.
Dungeness is the largest shingle formation in Europe, formed over several thousand years.
The reserve covers nearly 1000 hectares and includes most of the best examples of undisturbed shingle ridges on the peninsula.
The reserve is a good place to see migrating birds. During the spring and autumn almost anything may turn up. The shingle and wetland habitats support some 450 species of plants and 1550 species of invertebrates, some unique to the area.

Visitor Information

 

The reserve is open every day (except 25th and 26th December) from 9 am to sunset.
The visitor centre is open 10am to 5pm (4pm November to February).
A circular nature trail 3.2 km (2 miles) in length starts at the Visitor and Education Centre.  There are six hides on the main nature trail, plus viewing from the Visitor Centre.  The trail is generally suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs although there are occasional patches of more loose shingle.  At the Hanson-ARC site there are two tracks from the car park (both 380 m in length), one leading to a hide, one to a viewing screen. Both tracks are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. All hides and the viewing screen are wheelchair accessible.
The visitor centre houses a shop selling optical equipment, natural history books, birdfood and feeders, and a range of gifts. Hot and cold drinks and confectionery are available.
The Education Centre at Dungeness can accommodate up to 90 people seated for a slide talk or speaker and is available for hire to community groups, businesses and individuals.
Admission prices are as follows: RSPB and WEX members free, non-members; adults £3.00, children £1.00, concessions £2.00 and families £6.00.
Binoculars and WEX backpacks can be hired.
To avoid disturbance to wildlife, dogs, except for guide dogs, are not allowed around the nature trail.
Please keep to the footpath as the shingle habitat is very fragile.
Education programme, guided walks and other events throughout the year (events leaflet is available from the reserve and some are also detailed on this web site).

Summer birds

Over 60 species breed regularly The reserve is one of the few places in England where Common Gulls breed. Over 180 species of birds are recorded annually.

Breeding waterbirds include Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Gadwall, Shoveler and Little and Great Crested Grebes. Breeding wading birds include Oystercatchers and Ringed Plovers on the shingle and islands. Redshanks and Lapwings breed in the surrounding wet meadows.

Cetti's, Reed and Sedge Warblers, Reed Buntings and Bearded Tits nest in the vegetation around the pools and ditches. Other breeding passerines include Yellowhammer, Wheatear, Corn Bunting and Yellow Wagtail.

Winter birds

From October onwards, the arrival of wintering wildfowl becomes the focus of interest. Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon and Pochard gather in large numbers. Smew, Whooper and Bewick's Swans, grebes and divers also occur regularly. Barn Owls, Short-eared Owls, Peregrines, Merlins and Hen Harriers hunt over the reserve, whilst in recent years Penduline Tit and Bittern have wintered on the reserve.

Plant Life

The undisturbed shingle ridges support a rich and specialised variety of plants including the rare Nottingham Catchfly. The colourful Yellow-horned Poppy and Viper's Bugloss thrive on the disturbed areas of shingle. The freshwater pools are host to wetland species such as marsh fern and saw sedge.

Invertebrates

Some 1550 species of invertebrates have been recorded including three species of beetle found nowhere else in Britain. The reserve also holds an important population of the medicinal leech - a globally threatened species. Dragonflies include Ruddy Darter, Red-veined Darter and Hairy Hawker. Migrant Lesser Emperor dragonflies have been recorded annually in recent years.

Other wildlife

Great-crested Newts and Smooth Newts, Grass Snakes and Marsh Frogs are all found on the reserve. Foxes, Badgers, Stoats, Weasels and Brown Hares also occur.

Further Information

If you would like further information or wish to arrange a group or school visit, please contact the warden at RSPB Dungeness Reserve, Boulderwall Farm, Dungeness Road, Lydd,Romney Marsh, Kent TN29 9PN. Tel: 01797 320588. Fax: 01797 321962. Email: dungeness@rspb.org.uk

How to find us

The reserve is signposted off the Lydd to Dungeness road 10 miles/16km east of Rye and 1 mile south of Lydd.

The nearest railway stations are at Rye, Ashford and Folkestone. Bus service number 12 from Lydd or Folkestone will stop at the reserve entrance on request (not Sunday).There is also a limited service from Ashford. There is a one mile walk from the reserve entrance to the visitor centre.