Monday 7th Aug - Sunday 13th August 2023 - more info to follow
See details below of this year's planned events
A week, from 7th - 13th August 2023, of nature related activities and adventures for all ages organised by the Eco Group of CT5 People's Forum. A community collaboration by many individuals and groups who share a common desire to improve and celebrate biodiversity in CT5 and beyond. This year’s event has been made possible by a significant grant from the Whitstable Improvement Trust.
Planned Events for 2023
Listed below are our planned events for this year - Watch here for additional, details, activities and events as they are confirmed.
(Outdoor events, walks and barge trip - please wear sensible footwear and appropriate clothing for weather on the day and apply sun block if hot. Use of insect repellent is advised to protect against midges and other insects during evening walks.)
The table below is a short guide to WAW week events. Please go to detail below for booking, etc, info and links.
All week
Whitstable Museum is Open all week for Wild About Whitstable
See events below.
7th - 12th August
WAW Photographic Competition
Can you capture Wild About Whitstable with a photograph?
Is there one aspect of our natural world which you would like to share through a photograph?
Our natural world gives us such glories from beautiful maritime panoramas, stunning sunsets, dramatic landscapes, rare plants, wildflowers and incredible birds and insects.
There are four categories.
5-11 years
12-18 years
Adult
Professional
We are delighted that international photographer Alastair Philip Wiper will be selecting the best photographs.
For further details and to enter the competition, visit the Horsebridge Arts Centre website. Click onto Wild about Whitstable and enter your photograph, anytime between August 7th and 12th.
Monday 7th August
Morning
10.00am
Lord Mayor Opens Event
Umbrella Centre, Whitstable
Lord Mayor Cllr Jean Butcher and Lady Mayoress Di Baldock with members of the Wild About Whitstable team at the #Whitstabletogether event at the Umbrella Centre in June.
10am - 12noon
Bee Bombs (Val Kenny)
Umbrella Centre Garden
Bees are crucial for wildflowers and biodiversity. Come and join us to make your own beebombs to attract the bees into your garden. We hand make our bee balls from clay and a range of wildflower seeds. As you can see from the picture from last year, it’s a lot of messy fun!
Suitable for all but children must be accompanied by an adult
8.30am - 1.00pm
We are sorry to have to announce that, due to current wind conditions and the early morning forecast for Monday morning, the barge trip has had to be postponed. We are hopeful that it can be rearranged, possibly for early September, depending on availability of speakers, the Greta and funding. Participants who have booked for the trip have been informed.
Seals and other wildlife in Swale Estuary (Stephen Hendley & Andy Taylor)
Sailing Barge Greta departing Whitstable Harbour at 08.30
Join the skipper and crew on the Thames Sailing Barge, Greta, and find out about sea life in the Swale with marine mammal surveyor, Stephen Hedley and ornithologist Andy Taylor. Leaving Whitstable harbour at 08.30, returning around 13.00. Teas and coffee provided, please bring a packed lunch. Binoculars are very helpful and bring camera if desired.
Booking essential - £54.88 per person - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trip-on-the-sailing-barge-greta-to-seals-and-other-wildlife-in-the-estuary-tickets-689553040707?aff=oddtdtcreator
Down Under the Sea with Hey Diddle Music
9.15am - 10am 3-4 years old
10.15am - 11am 0-2 years old
Enjoy songs, movement, activities and instrument play to help little ones explore an underwater world through music and dance.
Siblings are welcome at both sessions.
At The Horsebridge, booking recommended https://thehorsebridge.org.uk/wildaboutwhitstable
Afternoon
2pm - 4pm
The Joy of Minute Sealife (Adrian Rundle)
Adrian Rundle will be your guide to minute Sealife through a microscope.
Whitstable Museum. To guarantee a place, please pre-book at museum reception.
Age range 8 and above, children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Free.
2pm - 5pm
A Wild Walk with Bird Wise North Kent.
Join us for a walk along the sea wall from Seasalter to South Swale reserve to learn more about our fantastic coastal birds.
Join the Bird Wise rangers for a gentle guided walk along the sea wall from Seasalter out to the South Swale reserve. We’ll have our scope with us and will help identify birds that we see and hear along the way. The walk is suitable for all abilities and well behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
Starting from the public toilets on Faversham Road, Seasalter, the walk follows the sea wall which is an uneven pathway so may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility. Suitable for all ages
20 spaces. Booking is required https://northkent.birdwise.org.uk/bird-wise-events/
1pm - 4pm
Open Garden
See a wonderful garden where neither pesticide nor insecticide has been used for over 60 years.
Waypost House, 4 Borstal Hill.
Evening
18.30
All about Eels (Matthew Hatchwell)
Matthew will talk about the amazing ecology of the European eel and its marathon migration between Europe and the Sargasso Sea, threats to the survival of this critically endangered fish, and its place in British history and popular culture.
At The Horsebridge, booking recommended https://thehorsebridge.org.uk/wildaboutwhitstable
Glass eel © Sarah Cuttle
Tuesday 8th August
11.00 - 13.00
Seaside Walk (Ian Tittley) Sealife around The Street
An opportunity to see the diversity of plants and animals around our coast, their stories, and the important services they provide. Beach walk with Ian Tittley - Natural History Museum
Booking Required via natwhitgroup@gmail.com. Free, Donations welcome. All ages from 7 upwards. THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.
Meet at the Hotel Continental, Beach Street Whitstable.
10.30 - 12.30
Bioblitz at Stream Walk Community Garden
Join members of the Kent Field Club, Butterfly Conservation and Stream Walk community garden staff and volunteers for a morning’s BioBlitz – an event to record as many native plants, insects, and other animals as possible during the morning.
Free, meet at Stream Walk community garden at 10.30.
2pm - 4pm
Seaweeds and their Secrets (Ian Tittley)
Explore the shapes, colour and sizes of different seaweeds and how to press and preserve them.
Whitstable Museum. To guarantee a place, please pre-book at museum reception.
Age range 8 and above, children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Free.
10am - 3pm
Open Garden
A colourful, organic and pesticide-free garden designed for wildlife. Raised beds, greenhouse, a meadow area, pond, patio pots and lots of inspirational planting showcase what can be done with a long, narrow garden with wildlife always in mind.
56 Argyle Road, CT5 1JR
Entrance at rear via side road running between Cromwell Rd and Argyle Rd.
4.30-6pm
Wild Wonders of Whitstable - with Forth and Forage
A sustainable and mindful foraging walk covering coastal and urban flora. Expect fantastical tales and practical foraging advice for families and anyone curious about the free food on our doorstep. Meeting outside the South Quay Shed, Whitstable Harbour side.
We will mostly be walking on footpaths at the pace of the group, suitable for pushchairs.
Adults £10, children ages 13-17 £5, under 12 free with an adult.
To book or for more details contact Amy at forthandforage@gmail.com or 07425139438 or message via the Forth and Forage Facebook page.
Evening
18.30
Practical Wildlife Gardening Talk with Dr Steve Head, Founder Patron of the Wildlife gardening forum
Steve will give you some clear pointers to how you can make your home a haven for wildlife and add birdsong, colour and movement to your garden.
At The Horsebridge, booking recommended https://thehorsebridge.org.uk/wildaboutwhitstable
Wednesday 9th August
Morning
8am - 10am
Bird Walk at Long Rock (Andy Taylor)
A chance to discover and encounter some of our diverse and nationally rare wildlife at Longrock SSSI Swalecliffe with local nature enthusiast Andy (the bird man) Taylor. Find out which birds, bugs, reptiles, mammals and plants live right on our doorstep and what makes this place so important for our local biodiversity.
Meet at the skatepark at 8am. It’s free and no need to book. Bring binoculars and or a camera if you like and suitable clothing for whatever the weather might be on the day.
10 - 10.45am or 11 - 11.45am
Bird mobiles with Debbie from Cygnini crafts
Craft colourful, feathery birds to turn into beautiful driftwood hanging mobiles.
Suitable for ages 7 - 11. Accompanying adults (and younger siblings) are welcome to stay and join in.
At The Horsebridge, booking recommended https://thehorsebridge.org.uk/wildaboutwhitstable
14.30 - 15.30
Tales of Flora: Folklore of Wild Plants (Roy Vickery)
What can be cured by crawling under bramble arches? Which plant is known as bazzies in Kent and cuckle-buttons in Devon? Which common wild plant is a source of fibre? Find out about the fascinating tales of our wild flowers, their alternative names, uses and stories through history during a walk near Tankerton slopes, beach and tea garden, with Roy Vickery of the South London Botanical Institute. http://www.plant-lore.com/
Booking required via natwhitgroup@gmail.com. Free, donations welcome. Up to 20 people - all ages from 7 upwards. Meet at the Picnic Area opposite entrance to the Castle on Tower Hill.
Red valerian
2pm - 4pm
Focus on Fossils, workshops
Whitstable Museum. To guarantee a place, please pre-book at museum reception.
Age range 8 and above, children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Free.
7pm
Film: River (Certificate U)
RIVER is an exploration of the timeless relationship between human civilization and Earth's rivers. It takes you on a journey through space and time spanning six continents, drawing on extraordinary contemporary cinematography, showing rivers on scales and from perspectives never seen before. Narrated by Willem Dafoe.
At The Horsebridge, booking recommended https://thehorsebridge.org.uk/wildaboutwhitstable
Thursday 10th August
All day
Create space for nature - Garden design Instagram stories Q&A with Lisa @fuchsiagreengardendesign
Since 2011 Lisa has been passionate about creating gardens that not only look beautiful but make you feel good. Her philosophy is to respect the spaces her clients share with nature, balancing the brief with sustainable contemporary design solutions. If you would like to get your garden buzzing through the seasons, without compromising on style but don't know where to start; send your question to @fuchsiagreengardendesign and see her responses through the day on Thursday 10th August. Lisa will also be answering nature related garden design questions in person at the Eco Fair on 12th August.
12 - 1pm or 2.30 - 3.30pm
Young Makers Club Goes Wild!
An introduction to origami (the art of paper folding)
Learn how to create animals and/or flower bouquets in this paper craft workshop
Suitable for ages 6 - 11
At The Horsebridge, booking recommended https://thehorsebridge.org.uk/wildaboutwhitstable
2pm
Tree Walk (David Carey)
Meet at Whitstable Library
2pm - 4pm
A walk on the wild side at The Gorrell Valley Nature Reserve (Ashley Clark)
The key to bio diversity is habitat and The Gorrell Valley Nature Reserve (which includes Duncan Down) is the largest public open space in Whitstable with an ongoing programme of habitat enhancement and improvement. Originally established in the 80s and 90s at some 30 acres, thanks to the efforts of determined individuals it has now trebled in size and is managed by skilled volunteers who carry out nearly all the work other than grass cuts on the rides and emptying of bins. With Village Green protection, the area has been saved from the developer and has gained 18 successive Green Flag Awards. It bucks the national trend in respect of habitat and species loss. The City Council supports our volunteers.
All ages are welcome and there is no need to book. The walk will be led by Head Warden Ashley Clark who leads the volunteers. He will introduce the habitats and wildlife and outline the work currently in hand to make things better still.
The meeting point will be the flag pole at the Borstal Avenue entrance.
2pm-4pm
Owl and Bird of Prey Pellet workshop (Andy Taylor)
Andy Taylor will introduce you to the diet of owls and kestrels.
Whitstable Museum. To guarantee a place, please pre-book at museum reception.
Age range 8 and above, children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Free.
3pm - 4pm
Wild Medicine - a practical exploration (Medical herbalist Belinda Murray)
Take your first steps in discovering the potency and the potential of the remedies literally growing at our feet.
Participants will meet the "Garden Gatecrashers" the "Uninvited Guests.." (AKA Weeds!)....Who were probably there before we were.. We will reconnect with these common plants used as remedies since antiquity.
We will discuss sustainable methods of collecting and medicine making with the plants around us and learn some handy "tricks of the trade".
Free of Charge but donations to WAW and/or Stream Walk Community Garden much appreciated.
Booking advised as numbers will be limited to 15. Children 12 and under to be accompanied by an adult. Please wear sensible footwear and appropriate clothing for weather on the day. A pad and pencil and a camera/phone for photos might be useful. Bring your wisdom and knowledge to share too. Let's have fun!
Stream Walk Community Garden.
Evening
5.30-6.30pm
What have we done to Whitstable?
A free family friendly guided walk, starting at Whitstable Museum at 5.30pm and walking to Prospect Field (off Joy Lane) a distance of about half a mile.
We will look at the impact of Whitstable people over the years and the importance of retaining open spaces for wildlife and ourselves. There will be an “I-Spy” challenge for the children too and a picnic opportunity at Prospect Field should walkers want to bring their own refreshment for after the event.
Walkers will need to find their own way home from Prospect Field as the leaders will not be walking back to the Museum.
The walk will be led by David Roberts and Jon Shelton, and although there is no need to book, it would be good for David to know who is coming, his email is starlings66@talktalk.net
Meet at the Museum.
Bat Walk and Moth Evening (Shirley Thomson/Andy Taylor)
20.15: A walk on the Wildside – after sunset
Find out about Whitstable's nocturnal wildlife and join Kent Bat group members for a walk around Whitstable Castle gardens - led by Shirley Thompson, Kent Bat Group.
This is followed by a meeting with moths from 21.15 to 22.45 with Andy Taylor.
Donations please to Kent Bat Group and Whitstable Castle.
Meet at the main vehicular entrance to the Castle grounds on Tower Hill.
(20.15 for bat walk, 21.15 for moth evening) Approximately 200M up Tower Hill – double gates on the right-hand side.
Booking essential via natwhitgroup@gmail.com. To ensure your place please arrive 5 minutes early – no admittance after 21.30 as gates will close. THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.
Common pipistrelle bat in flight (c) BCT
Friday 11th August
Drop in between 10am - 12pm
Nocturnal garden animals
Join us to make night time animals such as hedgehogs, bats and moths with natural and found materials.
Family craft session suitable for all ages
At The Horsebridge, booking recommended https://thehorsebridge.org.uk/wildaboutwhitstable
2pm-4pm
Welcoming Wildlife to Whitstable (Helen Smith)
Explore with Helen Smith what you can do to help local biodiversity through a Permaculture perspective - caring for the earth, caring for people and sharing. We will be creating things out of recycled materials to entice animals into our gardens our onto our windowsills.
Whitstable Museum. To guarantee a place, please pre-book at museum reception.
Age range 8 and above, children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Free.
2pm-4pm
A Practical Taster Session in Beekeeping
2 hours or thereabouts at the teaching apiary of Whitstable & Herne Bay Beekeepers - accessible in max 20 mins by car from Whitstable and on-site parking is available; attendance must be booked and paid for in advance and appropriate paperwork completed, price £25 per head.
As part of the taster session each attendee will receive a briefing on apiary hygiene, health & safety and an introduction to the basic hardware and PPE used in beekeeping. The attendee will have the opportunity to observe at close quarters an experienced beekeeper (the mentor) open a hive and talk through what they are doing and what can be seen and to ask questions of the mentor during that inspection, which will include, if the attendee wishes, a chance to handle a frame of bees; we will also provide a group Q&A session between the visitors and mentors after closing of the hives, a pack of information on the learning pathway that we recommend for taking up beekeeping and a digital photo as a personal memento of attendance. Please contact Roger Simpson on rogersimpson122@yahoo.co.uk or 07989492401 for booking or more information.
4.30-6pm
Wild Wonders of Whitstable - with Forth and Forage
A sustainable and mindful foraging walk covering coastal and urban flora. Expect fantastical tales and practical foraging advice for families and anyone curious about the free food on our doorstep. Meeting outside the South Quay Shed, Whitstable Harbour side.
We will mostly be walking on footpaths at the pace of the group, suitable for pushchairs.
Adults £10, children ages 13-17 £5, under 12 free with an adult.
To book or for more details contact Amy at forthandforage@gmail.com or 07425139438 or message via the Forth and Forage Facebook page.
5pm - 6pm
Forest Gardening Workshop at Stream Walk Community Garden. How to encourage wildlife and grow perennial food.
Jo Barker from Future Food Forests will share this wonderful Nature based, chemical free, ancient food growing technique.
We will learn about the concept of Forest gardening, forage, and the basics of designing this ecological system through Permaculture Design. Learn about perennial plants, tips for attracting wildlife in the garden and how to eat almost everything!
This will be a talk, a walk and a bit interactive. Suitable for older children and everyone.
Donations welcome - please give what you can.
Evening
18,30
Why did the hedgehog cross the road? With Hugh Warwick, hedgehog-loving ecologist and author
Hugh shares his love of hedgehogs in an illustrated (and funny) talk, explaining why they are in trouble – and what we can do to help
At The Horsebridge, booking recommended https://thehorsebridge.org.uk/wildaboutwhitstable
Saturday 12th August
10am - 11.30am
Beach Clean
Come and join Whitstable’s Marine Environment Group for a special Wild About Whitstable beach clean. All kit will be provided. https://www.facebook.com/MarineEnvironmentGroup
Meet at 10am by West Beach Tennis Courts.
11am - 3.30pm
Eco Fair at Whitstable Umbrella Centre
The Eco Fair will be a day-long event and the culmination of a week of Nature related activities. It provides a platform for local and other nature and environment-focused groups to meet the public. Stalls will feature local Bee Keepers, the Kent Bat Group, the Wildlife Trust, Save our Seas (SOS) Whitstable green spaces, Beach Clean, Whitstable Horticulture Society, and many more. There will also be fun competitions for children.
Pics from last year’s Eco Fair
(Venue this year is Whitstable Umbrella Centre)
9.30 to 12.30
Family Wildlife Day - Stream Walk Community Garden
Fun family wildlife activities; pond dipping, bug hunts, crafts and more.
Refreshments and home-made cake for sale.
Entry £3.00
Sunday 13th August
8am - 10am
Bird Walk at Long Rock (Andy Taylor)
Join us for our free Monthly Ct5 Eco Group’s Guided Wildlife Walk at Longrock SSSI Swalecliffe. Find out all about this area’s local Wildlife, all welcome.
As well as the first Autumn Migrating Bird we should see Butterflies and other insects feeding on the late flowering coastal plants. This month’s Walk is part of the Wild about Whitstable week.
Meet at the Skate Park.
9.15am - 10.30am
Friends of Tankerton Bay Beach Clean
Meet at the Lifeguard Hut on the Promenade at the end of St Anne's Road, Tankerton.
This is a special additional beach clean for Wild about Whitstable week in addition to the usual first Sunday of the month clean.
Equipment provided but if you have your own litter-picking gear, do bring it along.
All welcome!