spring/summer 2014 FREEFor the Medway Swale Estuary

Includes ExploreNorth Kent 2014programme

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The Medway Swale Estuary Partnership is a not-for-profit organisation established in2000, whose work is centred on the sustainable management of the estuary’s naturaland historical environment and increasing knowledge of the estuary through research,publications and public activities.

The Mudlark is published twice a year by: Medway Swale Estuary Partnership, 3 LockCottages, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3 AU. Phone: 01622 683695Email: msep@medway.gov.uk Visit: www.msep.org.uk MedwaySwaleEP

The views expressed in the articles in this publication do not necessarily reflect the viewsof the partnership.

The partnership acknowledges the financial assistance of:

KentWildfowlingandConservationAssociation

MSEP is almost as migratory as the birds of the estuaries. We are on the move again,this time to the Medway Valley CMP offices. Full contact details below.

When looking at the estuary most people naturally notice the birds and plants that areimmediately visible and undoubtedly charismatic – bringing life and vibrancy to theestuary. But there is a great deal more going on, without which the ecosystems wouldbreak down completely. Not many are particularly enthralled by the invertebrates andcrustaceans of the estuary without which the cycle of life would collapse. Equally thereare others creatures busying themselves around our coasts.

In this issue there is a fascinating article on pages 16 and 17 on bumblebees. They arethe unsung heroes of the marshes, furiously plying their trade and fortuitously carryingout the vital life-bringing pollination without which our plants would disappear.

Summer is perhaps a less spectacular time for birds on the coast, but the screeching ofterns and the strident piping of the oystercatcher are among the birds to be seen andheard. No visit to the coast is ever anything other than worthwhile. Enjoy it.

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Partnership news

The MSEP on Twitter

After much deliberation, we are now on Twitter @MedwaySwaleEP. So please followus to get the latest news and more.

GGKM and GIFT-T

Over the past two years, the MSEP has worked alongside GGKM (Greening theGateway Kent & Medway) on its European GIFT-T (Green Infrastructure For Tomorrow-Together!) project on the Hoo Peninsula. With just over year left in the project, we aredisappointed to announce that GGKM has now closed. We would therfore like to takethis opportunity to thank it's director Martin Hall, for his valued support and expertiseduring this time. This doesn't mean of course that this is the end of our involvement withGIFT-T and arrangements have been made to continue in partnership with MedwayCouncil, who will become the lead partner for the peninsula.

GIFT-T! brings public and private partnerships together to address issues such as climatechange, energy and food security, and facilitate new initiatives for green enterprisessuch as recreation and bio-energy.

If you would like to find out more about the project, email the partnership at the usualaddress or visit the project website at www.gift-t.eu

Explore North Kent

Along with our partners at theRSPB, Medway and SwaleBorough Council, we have puttogether Explore North Kent,as week long series of eventstaking place during the lastweek of May. Full details of theevents can be found in theenclosed programme.

Kent Orchards For Everyone

If you would like to get involved with this project, that we are part of alongside the KentDowns AONB, Medway Valley Countryside Partnership, Mid Kent Downs CMP andNorth West Kent CMP, please see page 11.

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A North Kent Catchment Plan update

The North Kent CIG group (hosted by the MSEP) meet three times a yearand our last meeting was in December 2013.

The group has collected Information for the estuary through a mixture ofquestionnaires, drop-in events, postcards and meetings. The informationhas then been collated to form the draft action plan for the tidal Medwayand Swale, listing 136 issues, which have been listed thematically. Overthe coming months the list will be refined and key actions identified bythe group in order to produce a final action plan which will be used totake projects forward and identify funding opportunities.

For the freshwater tributaries, we have gathered information on awatercourse by watercourse basis, working with the local communities,though continuing to use data collection as with the estuary. As a resultof this work, we have helped establish the Friends of the WestbrookStream in Faversham, who are now holding regular clean up eventsthroughout the year and working alongside the local community ofIwade, where we hope the Iwade stream will become an important focalpoint of village life.

If you would like to find out more about the catchment plan and how you can get involved, contact the MSEP at msep@medway.gov.uk3 Lock Cottages, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU, or phone 01622 683695 between Wednesday and Friday.

Partnership news

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Vole reversal

Kent Wildlife Trust are now into the second yearof their water vole recovery project.

The first year produced what has been hailed asone of the best water vole datasets in thecountry; a big thank you to all the volunteersand landowners who made this possible.Having surveyed 101miles of bankside habitat,recording well over 4,000 water vole signs, they now have a really detailed picture ofthe status and distribution of water voles across the project area.

The trust are very excited to see if this picture will change next year, particularly in thewake of their work to restore and create new burrowing and foraging habitat out onHam Marshes, Faversham.

Mink monitoring efforts have shown encouragingly few signs of mink and rafts are now being deployed across the rest of the project area to widen the search for the non-native predator.

For further information contact the Water for Wildlife Project Officersamuel.thomas@kentwildlife.org.uk or chloe.sadler@kentwildlife.org.uk

Love Sheppey 2014

August sees the return of Love Sheppey an art and craft, natural and cultural heritageevent celebrating Sheppey and surrounding area, at Barton’s Point Coastal Park.

Last year’s event had 30 artists and crafts peopleexhibiting alongside a number of natural and culturalheritage organisations.

Organiser Lauri Harpum said “This year with the helpof a Creative People and Places Community Catalystgrant I will be able to hire a marquee large enoughto cover many more exhibitors and aim to see theevent grow”.

If you would like more information email Laurie atinfo@lovesheppeyx.com visit www.lovesheppeyx.comor Facebook Love-Sheppey-X.

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Kent's Coastal Week

Despite having run successfully every October half-term since 2007, there will be noKent’s Coastal Week taking place in 2014. Over these seven years, its popular anddiverse programme has highlighted themes ranging from the arts and history tobiodiversity and climate change.

The decision was undertaken following the results of a partner survey and continuedissues with the autumn weather, but organiser Chris Drake of Kent County Council,hopes that the event will return refreshed in May 2015, providing new opportunities fororganisations from north Kent to be involved. He would like to thank London Array andSouthern Water for their sponsorship during recent years.

Beach huts for Sheppey - an update

Since the trial began in June last year, the scheme has received a huge amount ofpositive feedback and there are now over 300 people on the waiting list. A consultationhas been carried out with members of the Minster Beach Hut Association, SwaleBorough Council’s beach hut licensees and with people on the waiting list to gaugeopinion on the location, size, style and colour of the huts. A full review of the trial periodwill be undertaken shortly so that a decision can be made as to whether the council willcontinue to provide beach huts in the future. Councillor Mike Cosgrove, CabinetMember for Regeneration said “This has been one of the best ideas we have had tohelp support the Sheppey economy and encourage tourism”.

Minster Gatehouse Museum

Volunteers at Minster GatehouseMuseum have secured a £2,000grant from Creative People andPlaces Medway & Swale, in orderto create The Sheppey Timeline,along the stairwell of the building’s12th century staircase. Thecommissioned artwork will becreated with the assistance of localschools and visitors to the museumand will be unveiled this August.

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News

CC2150 Coming to a close

Coastal Communities 2150 (CC2150) is a project part-funded by the EuropeanRegion Development Fund (ERDF) through the INTERREG IVA 2 Seas Programme andthe Big Lottery Fund. It was developed to help communities develop local visions andaction plans, to decrease their vulnerability and increase resilience to future climate andcoastal change. The Isle of Sheppey was identified as a pilot community project, as thearea has and will continue to witness environmental change, bringing new challengesto its communities and visitors alike.

The final conference for the EU element of the projectwas held in Brighton, February 2014, during whichCC2150 partners were given the chance to thankcommunity members for their work during the project.Cllr John Stanford was recognised for his work onSheppey.

Through the project the CC2150 team has engagedwith nearly 800 people, resulting in approximately1,000 comments about the island’s future. Using thisinformation, community members have developed localvisions and a supporting action plan for the island,which can be viewed at: www.kentcc2150.org.uk

Shoreline management plan

Over the coming years ageing defences, climate change and sea level rise will allcontribute to an increasing risk of tidal and coastal flooding.

Between 2007 and 2010, the South East Coastal Group worked with localcommunities in the Medway and Swale area to decide the best way to manage risk inthe future. This helped to produce the Medway Estuary and Swale, and the Isle ofGrain to South Foreland Shoreline Management Plans.

Over the next three years the Environment Agency will work closely with localauthorities, Natural England and local communities to develop specific schemes thatwill help to protect people and property from the devastating effects of flooding. Anyscheme will also need to allow the diverse habitats of the area to continue to flourish.

Further information will be included on the MSEP website, www.msep.org.uk as theproject progresses.

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Stop estuary news

The campaign against an airport in the Thames Estuary is being stepped up to ensure the idea is ditched for good.

The Government’s Airports’ Commission has given those pushing for an internationalhub on the Isle of Grain one last chance to prove it could work, despite the predictedcost of up to £112 billion.

The Commission’s Chair Sir Howard Davies will decide by September, whether aThames estuary option should be grounded. The Government will use this to make itsfinal decision on potential sites for new runways in south east England next year.

It means those who oppose having an airport twice the size of Heathrow on theirdoorstep have only a short amount of time to make themselves heard.

To show your support download posters from the websitewww.stopestuaryairport.co.uk and sign the online petition.

Museum of Water

The Museum of Water is acollection of publiclydonated water andaccompanying stories. It’san invitation to ponder ourprecious liquid and thedifferent ways we accessand enjoy it around theworld. In preparation for alarge-scale installation inSomerset House this June,artist Amy Sharrocks iscollecting water from different sites worldwide. She would love to include your water inthe museum’s growing collection.

If you would like to take part please bring your bottle to LV21 on 24 and 25 May, at11am-4pm, see Explore Kent programme.

For further details contact Museum of Water: museumofwater@artsadmin.co.uk or visitwww.museumofwater.co.uk

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Introducing PRiME-C

The Partnering for Risk Management and Engagement on theCoast (PRiME-C) cluster funded by the INTERREG IVA 2 SeasProgramme is coming to the Medway and Swale Estuary.PRiME-C brings together learning from nine ERDF fundedprojects, to identify effective risk management andengagement strategies within the context of Integrated CoastalZone Management (ICZM).

PRiME-C will consolidate, valorise and disseminate learning from these nine projects todevelop comprehensive risk management and engagement practices, helping to reduceexposure to risk, increase opportunities and support the development of future effectivepolicies across the 2 Seas region.

Key aims and outputs:

1 Establish a shared understanding of best practices and lessons learned in riskmanagement and engagement from nine INTERREG projects.

2 Facilitate the exchange of knowledge within the context of integrated coastal zone management.

3 Contribute to the development of the cross-border maritime dimension through a betterunderstanding of risks and opportunities and the sharing of assessment, managementand engagement tools and techniques.

4 A best practice publication and a final thematic event (25 September, 2014) on riskmanagement and engagement strategies through ICZM.

Find out more at www.prime-c.net

Sheppey RNLI Lifeguard patrols

The second season of the RNLI Lifeguard service will starton Sheppey on 24 May for weekends and bank holidaysat Sheerness and Leysdown beaches.

A full-time season will start on 5 July at Sheerness, Leysdown and Minster Leas until 7 September. The RNLI are in the process of recruiting beach lifeguards for the 2014season. Recruitment information can be found at:https://jobs.rnli.org/vacancy/lifeguards-swale-temporary-177345.html

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Are you passionate for plums or are your cherries ripe?

Do you live in Iwade, Gillingham, High Halstow or Lynsted? Want to support yourcommunity orchard?

You can now, through Kent Orchards for Everyone, a new project which will helpyou to enjoy your community orchard and discover what is hiding amongst thosesorrowful trees following this winter’s weather. Watch the phoenix rising, withcherries, plums and pears galore over the next four years.

This is a fantastic opportunity to involve orchardcommunities and stimulate those nostalgicmemories of years gone by. It will create afootplate for villagers to celebrate their heritage,to volunteer and collaborate in surveys andeducational events in their traditional orchards’.It will help to establish good managementpractices within our community orchards.

Watch this space for hi-jinks in the orchard,something for everyone. For more informationplease contact Pippa Palmar, email:pippa.palmar@kentdowns.org.uk or phone:01303 815170.

Medway grows

Medway Council is launching a campaign topersuade people to discover their inner CharlieDimmock or Monty Don – and use their gardens toput food on the plate.

The Medway Grows scheme aims to show residents – green fingered or otherwise –how easy it is to grow their own food; with added benefits for both health and theirbank balance. The campaign is being run by the council’s Public Health Team withspecial information packs available full of useful tips on getting started as well as aseries of Get Growing workshops.

To request a Medway Grows pack or to register for a Get Growing workshop emailchange4life@medway.gov.uk or phone 01634 334309. Places are available on a firstcome, first served basis.

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Event listings

AprilTask day - Grain Coastal Park, Isle ofGrain. Sun, 20 Apr and 18 May, 10am-1pmFriends of Grain Coastal Park look after thiscoastal section of grain on behalf of theParish Council. Regular task days are heldto carry out maintenance and management to the park. graincoastalpark@ymail.comBird watching walk - Northward Hill RSPBReserve. Tue, 22, 10am-1pmJoin the Gravesend RSPB group for a walkaround the Northward Hill RSPB Reserve.Meet at the Bromhey Farm car park (ME38SR). FREE. Bring binoculars if you havethem. For further details visitwww.rspbgravesend.org.ukGuided tour - Grain Coastal Park. Sun,27, 10.30am-12.30pmA guided tour around this hidden gem,where history and nature come together.Location: Grain Coastal Park. Meet: CarPark, High Street ME3 0BS. Contact: Michael Dale 01634 270314.

MayBeginners birdwatching for adults(spring) - Riverside Country Park. Sat, 3, 11am-3pm. 11am-12noon(classroom based), 1-3pm (field based)This introductory course will help youidentify the most common birds seen orheard during spring along the estuary. No experience necessary. £5 per person.01634 337432.Paul Trigwell Island Run - Leysdown.Sun, 11.The eighth annual 10 mile run takes inMinster Leas and Sheerness seafronts. Formore information visit: http://ptir.org.uk

Dawn Chorus - Northward Hill RSPBReserve. Sat, 17, 5-9am.Listen out for the the different warblerspecies and hopefully nightingales. For moredetails visit www.rspbgravesend.org.ukFamily sctivities - Northward Hill RSPBReserve. Sat, 17, 10am to 2pm.An exciting wildlife adventure suitable forall the family. For further details visitwww.rspbgravesend.org.ukLookout 21 Celebration - LV21,Gillingham Pier. Sat, 17, 11am-5pm.Experimental, collaborative eventscombining local heritage, people’s dreamsand personal stories with different artforms.FREE Suitable for all ages. For moreinformation visit: www.lookout21.co.ukThings with wings - Riverside CountryPark. Thu, 28, 10am-12noon. Choosefrom either a 10 or 11am start.Create your favourite winged animal foundat the park at this arts and craft activitysession. £3 per child. 01634 337432.

JuneBeginners birdwatching for adults(summer) - Riverside Country Park. Sat,14 June, 11am to 3pm, 11am-12noon(classroom based), 1-3pm (field based).This introductory course will help youidentify the most common birds seen orheard during the summer along the estuary.£5 per person. Book in advance on01634 337432.Guided tour - Grain Coastal Park. Sun,29, 10.30am-12.30pmA guided tour around this hidden gem,where history and nature come together.Location: Grain Coastal Park. Meet: CarPark, High Street ME3 0BS. Contact: Michael Dale 01634 270314.

Explore North Kent Saturday, 24 May to Sunday, 1 June 2014

Sat, 24 and Sat, 31 May, 10.30am-4pm

Explore North Kent on LV21In collaboration with a number of partners,LV21 hosts a variety of arts activities andexhibitions inspired by the north Kentenvironment throughout the week.Location: Gillingham Pier. FREE. Suitablefor all ages. For further information visit: www.lookout21.co.uk

Mon, 26 to Sat, 31 May, 10.30am-4pm

Along the Way Exhibition of paintings by Paul Fowlermade in response to a series of circularwalks undertaken by the artist using the Saxon Shore Way in north Kent.

Sat, 24 and Sun, 25 May, 10.30am-4pm

Museum of Water by AmySharrocks A collection of publicly donated waterand accompanying stories. The Museuminvites you to add your own water to thecollection. Choose water that is mostprecious to you, find a bottle to put it in,bring it aboard and share why you choseit. Accumulating over two years indifferent sites worldwide, Museum ofWater is an invitation to ponder ourprecious liquid and how we use it.www.museumofwater.co.ukIn celebration of our access to fresh waterin this country, running alongside themuseum is Water Bar, a free pop-upoutdoor bar serving only water.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust

Sat, 24 to Sat, 31 May, 10.30am-4pm

The Big PictureRSPB photography exhibition andaccompanying workshops. Discover theunique beauty of the Greater Thameslandscape, its wildlife and the peoplewho care for it. Vote for your favouritephotograph and you might win it. Whilstonboard, you can join in the RSPB’sworld record-breaking attempt to makethe longest line of bunting.www.rspb.org.uk/futurescapes/greaterthames

Sat, 24 May, 10am-1pm

Naughty Nuns and NightingalesJoin travel writer Carol Donaldson, todiscover more about the naughty nuns ofLower Higham, before continuing acrossthe marshes to the Thames, listening out fornightingales along the way. Meet: StMary’s Church, Lower Higham ME3 7LS.Distance: 3miles. Cost: £1. Contact: 07740 184544countrysideconsultations@hotmail.com

Mon, 26 to Sat, 31 May, 10.30am-4pm

F.I.V.E. The Sensory Experience in Medway byUniversity of Kent Fine Art students: Site-specific installations and accompanyingsensory activities exploring the five senseswith use of natural elements, sounds,lights and tactile effects across the decksaimed specifically for children of all ages.For further information and event updates please visit ww.lv21.co.uk

Sat, 24 May and Sun, 25 May

Wild Flower Mini-festivalJoin Plantlife to celebrate the naturalenvironment of the outstandingRanscombe Farm Reserve.

Sat, 24: Geocache challenge, 1-4pm;Discover wild food, 1-2.30pm; Botany forbeginners, 3-4pm.Sun, 25: Craft activities and bush-craftskills, 10am-3pm; Botany for Beginners,10-11am; Morris dancing, 12noon-1pm;Orchid Hunt, 1-3pm.Location: Ranscombe Farm Reserve,Cuxton. See www.plantlife.org.uk for more details or phone 01634 292062.

Sat, 24 to Sat, 31 May, 10am-5pm

Sculpture trailVisit Barton’s Point Coastal Park towitness the creation of the island’s veryfirst chainsaw sculpture trail. Woodcarving workshops available during theweek. For more details visitwww.bartonspointcoastalpark.co.ukLocation: Barton’s Point Coastal Park, Isle of Sheppey. Contact: Mandy Shade 07909 994196.

Sun, 25 May, 10.30am - 12.30pm

Grain Coastal ParkA guided tour around this hidden gem,where history and nature come together.Location: Grain Coastal Park. Meet: Car Park, High Street ME3 0BS. Contact: Michael Dale 01634 270314.

Sun, 25 May, 7-9pm

Great Chattenden WoodAn evening stroll around this historicwoodland, listening out for the distinctivesong of the nightingale. Location:Chattenden Wood. Meet: Public footpath(RS86), Hilton Rd, Cliffe Woods. Donation to RSPB. Distance: 3 miles. Rolf Williams - RSPB 01634 222480.

Dogs on leads welcoFamily eventBooking essentialKey to symbols

Tue, 27, 10am and 1pm

Marvellous May bugs andbeautiful bluebellsTake a walk with the education rangersaround the park to discover the beauty ofspring at Oare. £3 per child. Oare Gunpowder Works. Contact: Mary Tate 01622 683695 to book.

Wed, 28 May, 11am - 1pm

Historic Blue Town on footA fascinating walk around this historicarea of Sheerness, originally home tothose who worked in the neighbouringdockyard. Location: Sheerness. Meet:Blue Town Heritage Centre ME12 1RW.Distance: 2.5miles. Cost: £5. Contact: Jenny Hurkett - Blue Town Heritage Centre01795 662981.

Wed, 28 May, 2-4.30pm

Queen Sexburgha of KentJoin Gabrielle Mollet for illustrated talk on the life of Queen Sexburgha, whofounded Minster's monastery in the 7th century.www.minstergatehousemuseum/infoLocation: Minster Gatehouse Museum,Minster ME12 2HW. Cost: adults £2,children £1, concessions £1.50. Noneed to book. Contact: Mary Thompsett01795 872837.

Wed, 28 May, 7.30pm

The lost village of DodeNestled in an almost forgotten valleyastride the North Downs, Dode church isa beautiful Norman Church and all thatremains of the lost village. Owner DougChapman provides a fascinating talk onthe history of this magical spot.Location: Dode Church, Wrangling Lane, Nr Luddesdown DA13 0XF.

Thu, 29, Fri, 30 and Sat, 31 May, 10am - 1pm

Walking SafariJoin Park Warden Ed Courtney for thisleisurely family adventure.Location: Milton Creek Country ParkGreen Porch Close. Contact: edwardcourtney@swale.gov.uk

Thu, 29 May, 2-4pm

Gossip and GunpowderStoryteller Roisin Murray leads this familyfriendly walk around the historic OareGunpowder Works, where history andnature come together. £2 per adult £1 perchild. Book: 07932 794251 orroisin@morethanstories.org.uk

Fri, 30 May, 7-9pm

Orchard OpulanceAn evening of music and storytelling.Location: Northward Hill Cherry Orchard,RSPB Northward Hill. Donation to RSPB. Contact: 01634 222480.

me Refreshment opportunities

Cover illustration by Clifford Harper

The organisers would like to thank all the individuals and organisations involved, forhelping to make Explore North Kent happen.

Sat, 31 May, 9.30am-3.30pm

Explore SheppeyA full day guided tour. A uniqueopportunity to visit areas not usually opento the public (please ensure that youbring along some form of photo ID)Location: Blue Town Heritage Centre,Criterion Music Hall, Sheerness ME121RW. Cost: £25. Contact: Jenny Hurkett -Blue Town Heritage Centre 01795 662981.

Sat, 31 May, 1-3pm

Historic Blue Town on FootA fascinating walk around this historicarea of Sheerness, originally home tothose who worked in the neighbouringdockyard. Location: Sheerness. Meet:Blue Town Heritage Centre ME12 1RW.Distance: 2.5miles. Cost: £5. Contact: Jenny Hurkett - Blue Town Heritage Centre01795 662981.

Thu, 29 May 2-4pm

Gossip and GunpowderStoryteller Roisin Murray leads this familyfriendly walk around the historic OareGunpowder Works, where history andnature come together. Book 07932794251 orroisin@morethanstories.org.uk £2 peradult £1 per child. Location: Faversham.Contact: Roisin Murray

Sat, 31 May, 10am-3pm

Teynham to Faversham (SSW) Join author Brian Rance for a ramble alongthis wonderful stretch the Saxon ShoreWay to the historic town of Faversham.Meet: Teynham Railway Station. Distance:10miles. Cost: £1 per person. Contact:Brian Rance on 07974 150311.

Sun, 1 June, 7.30-9.30pm

Haunted RochesterAuthor Neil Arnold leads a twilight strollin search of phantom monks, romanticspirits, dark apparitions and more.Meet:Rochester. Booking essential. Distance:2miles. Contact: neil.arnold@live.com

Booking - Where you see the BE symbol, please ensure that you contact the individual ororganisation named to book or find out more about the event. For further informationemail: msep@medway.gov.uk All distances are approximate.

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JulyMedway River Festival - ChathamWaterfront. Sat, 12, 10am-4.30pm.Celebrating Medway’s maritimeconnections with races, floating riverprocessions, yacht displays, live music,food stalls, childrens’ entertainment andmore. www.enjoymedway.co.ukMinibeast safari - Oare GunpowderWorks Country Park. Fri, 25, 10am and 1pmJoin the education rangers for a safariaround the park to look for the tiny creepycrawlies. £3 per child. Please phone01622 683695 to book. Pond dipping - Oare Gunpowder WorksCountry Park. Tue, 29, 10am and 1pmEveryone’s favourite. The education rangerswill accompany you to our pond where wewill use nets to catch a range of waterycreatures. £3 per child. Please phone01622 683695 to book. Guided bumblebee walk - Milton CreekCountry Park. Wed, 30, 10.30am-12.30pm. Meet at the Parish Hall, Green Porch Close,Milton, Sittingbourne ME10 2HH. To book,please phone 01795 417389 or emailmiltonvol@swale.gov.uk

AugustBat walk and talk - Oare GunpowderWorks Country Park. Fri, 1, 7.30pmKent Bat Group will provide us with afascinating talk on bats followed by a strollaround the park to encounter these magicalcreatures. £3 each (all proceeds will go tothe Bat Group) Please phone 01622683695 to book.

Bird watching walk - Cliffe Pools. Fri, 8,6.30pm start.Join the Gravesend RSPB group for a walkaround Cliffe Pools for possible sightings ofpassage waders such as curlew, green andwood sandpipers, spotted redshank andwhimbrel. Meet outside the entrance of thereserve car park off Salt Lane (ME3 7SU).FREE. Bring binoculars if you havethem. NB: Insect repellant is recommended.For further details phone 01474 813534, orvisit www.rspbgravesend.org.ukSunset stroll - Minster Leas. Sat, 9.Raising money for Cancer Research UK thisenjoyable walk starts at Minster Leas, alongSheerness seafront, through Bluetown andalong to Queenborough. For furtherinformation visit: www.funforlife.btck.co.ukKite making workshop - OareGunpowder Works Country Park. Tue, 12, 10am and 1pm.Join the education rangers to make yourown kite. If it is windy enough we will takeit out for a fly on the range. £3 per child.Please phone 01622 683695 to book. Hi-tech trail - Oare Gunpowder WorksCountry Park. Fri, 15, times tbc. Follow satellites to find hidden clues aroundthe park. See how fast you can completethe challenge. £3 per child. Please phone01622 683695 to book.Bird watching walk - Oare Marsh. Sun, 24 August, 10am-4pmJoin the Gravesend RSPB group for a walkaround Oare Marsh. Meet in the car park(ME13 0QD). The event is free and all arewelcome. Bring a packed lunch andbinoculars if you have them. For furtherdetails visit www.rspbgravesend.org.uk

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Pond dipping - Oare Gunpowder WorksCountry Park. Tue, 26, 10am and 1pm.The education rangers will accompany youto our pond where we will use nets to catcha range of watery creatures. £3 per child.Please phone 01622 683695 to book. Bird watching walk - Riverside CountryPark. Tue, 26, 10am-1pm.Join the Gravesend RSPB group for a walkaround Riverside Country Park. Meet in thereserve car park (ME7 2XH). The event isfree and all are welcome. Bring binocularsif you have them. For further details phone01474 813534, or visitwww.rspbgravesend.org.ukBat talk and walk - Oare GunpowderWorks Country Park. Fri, 29, 7.30pm.Kent Bat Group provide a fascinating talkon bats followed by a stroll around the parkto encounter these magical creatures. £3each (all proceeds will go to the Bat Group)Please phone 01622 683695 to book. Mini-beast hunt (pond dipping and sweepnetting) - Riverside Country Park. Wed,30 July, 10am-12noon or 1-3pm. Find out what lives in the pond andwildflower meadows at Riverside, from pondsnails to crickets you will be surprised whatyou find. Suitable for accompanied childrenaged 5 to 12 years old. £3 per child. Bookin advance on 01634 337432.

SeptemberBird watching walk. Sat, 6, 10am-4pmJoin the Gravesend RSPB group for a walkaround Cliffe Pools and Northward HillRSPB Reserve. Meet in the car park off SaltLane (ME3 7SU). The event is free and allare welcome. Bring a packed lunch andbinoculars if you have them. For furtherdetails visit www.rspbgravesend.org.uk

OctoberNatural painting - Oare GunpowderWorks Country Park. Tue, 28,10am and 1pmDiscover what natural materials you can useto make paint to create your masterpiece.£3 per child. Please phone 01622683695 to book. Ghost stories - Oare Gunpowder WorksCountry Park. Fri, 31, 10am and 1pm. Once a bustling gunpowder factory, the sitehas a rich history and many ghosts tales.Walk around the site with the ranger teamand hear ghost stories. £3 each. Pleasephone 01622 683695 to book. International Lighthouse & LightshipWeekend 2014 - LV21, Gillingham Pier.Sat, 16-Sun 17, 11am-5pmExplore the historic vessel and take part innautical activities whilst enjoying sea shantyperformances by Swinging the Led.For further information visit ww.lv21.co.ukFREE Suitable for all agesLight Vessel 21, Gillingham Pier, PierApproach Road, Gillingham ME7 1 RXPlease note: The renovation of the historiclightship is ongoing and as such some areasare not accessible. There are steep stairs andnarrow passageways throughout the vessel.Please wear suitable, flat footwear.

If you would like to advertise your event here for free, emailmsep@medway.gov.uk. Copy deadline for the next edition isFriday, 5 September 2014

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Milton Creek Country Park - Edward Courtney

With spring upon us, 2014 looks set to be a good year for the park. The wet winterweather failed to dampen spirits and we got off to a flying start with two importantconservation activities undertaken by volunteers in January. The Friends of Milton Creekjoined forces with Sittingbourne’s Pulse Café and their Skilnet Group volunteers to planta heritage community orchard. This project will provide habitat and visual enhancementas well as a collection of traditional fruit varieties for people to enjoy in the future. Laterin the month the friends group were out again, spending a weekend learning the art ofhedge laying under the expert tutelage of Alan Ashby. This has given the volunteers theknowledge and skills to lay more of the park’s hedges as they mature and keep thisdying rural craft alive.

February brought the park and its friends their second award, the SittingbourneSociety’s Rose Bowl. The park will also be entered into a more ambitious south east inbloom category this year, as well as for a green flag award, fingers crossed.

With help from the newly appointed subcommittee, The Milton Creek Trust has plannedthis year’s Art in the Park event, to be held on 19 July. This year we anticipate that theevent will have increased attendance with more interactive workshops and a localmicro-brewery to wet visitor’s appetites.

The implementation of the management plan will also be expanded this year. Thecareful job of blending the new, developing habitats with the older, more establishedhabitats into a seamless natural appearance should have a more noticeable effect, withthe 1914 Poppy Commemoration adding a striking splash of colour during the summer.

With growing community support, the park is beginning to show its potential. Thereremains an enormous amount still to unlock however and new members of the friendsgroup are always welcome. For anyone interested in becoming a trustee there is afantastic opportunity available at theMilton Creek Trust, people with goodbusiness acumen or bid writing skillswould be particularly welcome.

For more information visit:www.miltoncreek.co.uk

Facebook: FriendsOfMiltonCreek

Or contact the Park Ranger, EdwardCourtney, phone: 07785 458702miltonvol@swale.gov.uk

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All of a buzz in Medway and Swale - Sam Page BCT

One of the first and most joyous signs of spring is the buzzing of a large queenbumblebee among the flowers on a warm sunny day. Queens are the only bumblebeesthat live a whole year. The queens we see in springtime will have been produced thesummer before. After mating, she will feed on as many flowers as possible to build upher fat reserves before finding a place to hibernate, usually digging a hole in the soil ina north-facing bank, hedge-bottom or perhaps a compost heap or plant pot.

The 24 species of bumblebee in the UK all emerge from hibernation at slightly differenttimes. One of the first to emerge is the buff-tailed bumblebee, a common andwidespread species with the familiar black and yellow stripes and off-white or ‘buff’tail. But Medway and Swale is also home to some of our rarest bees including the Shrillcarder bee, the most threatened bumblebee species in the UK and now found in onlyseven locations, one of which is north Kent.The Shrill carder bee and several other rarespecies also found locally (e.g. brown-banded carder bee, moss carder bee)emerge much later from hibernation, usuallyin mid-to-late May, so keep an eye out forthem this summer.

Once a queen emerges from hibernation,she’ll need to replenish her energy withnectar and pollen (so make sure you havespring flowers in your garden) beforesearching for a nest site. If you see abumblebee rummaging around in vegetationin spring rather than feeding on flowers,that’s probably what she’s doing. Differentspecies prefer different nest sites. Some nestunderground in abandoned mouse or voleburrows, whereas ‘carder bees’ nest on theground’s surface in tall or tussocky grass and are so called because they weave (card)dead grass and moss to make their nest. Then there’s the tree bumblebee which nestshigh up in trees or bird boxes.

Once she’s established her nest, the queen starts to lay eggs and raise her first brood ofworkers. Workers are infertile females and their job is to feed and nurture the colony.Most of the bumblebees we see in summer are workers, out gathering nectar andpollen while the queen stays in the nest laying more eggs and keeping safe.

Shrill carder bee - Look out for this rarebumblebee. The Shrill carder bee is adistinctive bee which can be identified byits pale grey-yellow colouring, black bandof hair between the wings and reddish-orange tail. It also has a noticeablyhigh-pitched buzz.

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Bumblebee nests can have up to 400workers but some species like the shrillcarder bee might have less than 70. Oncethe colony is big enough to ensure plenty offood, the queen switches to producing malesand new queens who then leave the nest tofind a mate. It is only at this stage that thecolony can reproduce for the following year.The rest of the colony then begins to die offand the cycle begins again.

Bumblebees need your help

Bumblebees have been in serious decline inrecent decades. Two species are now extinctand others have declined dramatically. The main cause is the loss of flowers from ourlandscape. You can help by planting bee-friendly flowers in your garden or windowbox, or creating a garden at your local school, community centre or place of work.

Bumblebees need flowers from the moment the first queens appear in early spring rightthrough to early autumn (September/October) when late-emerging species like the shrillcarder bee are still completing their life cycles. They also need the right kind of flowers.Many showy ornamental flowers or mass-produced bedding plants are no good forbees as they don’t produce pollen and nectar or multiple petals make it inaccessible –so look for bee-friendly plants which mostgarden centres now stock. Differentbumblebees have different tongue lengths sotry also to provide different shaped flowers,including tubular flowers for long-tonguedbumblebees (like the rare shrill carder bee)such as comfrey, catmint, aquilegia,foxglove, honeysuckle, viper’s-bugloss andpurple loosestrife. Herb gardens andlavenders are also fantastic for bees.

For more information visitwww.bumblebeeconservation.org

White-tailed bumblebee queen carryingpollen on hind legs. Pollen is rich is proteinand is fed to the larvae so they can growinto adult bees.

Red-tailed bumblebee (male). Male bumblebees don’t collect pollen forthe nest so you often see them covered inpollen grains.

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As a member of the RSPB I find myself increasingly answering the question,“aren’t you putting birds before people?” Whether it is an estuary airport, awind farm, or housing, it is clearly more simple and newsworthy to distill thearguments to either/or. I am told that over-riding human interest justifies

development and wildlife just has to move or be moved. The real world does notfunction with such simplicity no matter how much the news media try to paint it as such.Alarmingly, the likes of Boris Johnson, Lord Foster and property developers are peddlingthe same message so that Medway’s natural assets can be destroyed in favour of localdevelopment. I am told with much conviction that we can recreate tidal estuarysomewhere else, move 300,000 birds in the Thames, Medway and Swale tosomewhere else, and 172 nightingales on the Hoo Peninsula can flock-off to Essex.

As I flew over RSPB Nor Marsh (in the heart of the Medway Estuary) I was struck mostprofoundly, not by the sheer beauty of the milky clouds ghost-like across the flooding saltmarsh but, by the metaphor of connection. It shows a natural place with hints of formerhuman activity, a myriad of sinuous and some straight channels joining every part toevery other part with beautiful complexity; it was the blood vessels around a heart, thebranches of a tree, all the streams, rivulets and rivers feeding into the Medway. Thisnotion that our human needs are disconnected from nature is prevalent and utterlymisguided, there are strands running through our lives into the heart of our natural landand seascape. Most obviously our food - without pollinating insects there would be noorchards in Kent; arable crops are resistant to disease because they are regularly cross-bred with wild strains; textiles and dyes come from wild plants. Marine organisms arerevealing biochemistries to tackle the serious issue of human resistance to antibiotics.Mental wellbeing and physical health is enhanced by open green spaces, not justmanicured and sterile but animated with buzzing, hopping, flapping and singing.Children are attracted by such nature to exercise and play outdoors, with provenlifelong health, social and educational benefits that happens to save the NHS millions1.Think about this: 90 per cent of the oxygen in each of your breaths was recycled by themicroscopic plants in the oceans and in recent years climate change has significantlyaltered plankton in the North Sea.

Therefore, the idea that our lives are separate from nature is absurd. The idea thatnature happens somewhere else despite of us, is absurd. The idea that developmentmust always come before the environment is absurd, as is the notion that we do notcare about people if we do put the environment first. It is rather like asking someone todefine in this picture which bits are wet or dry; it is not either/or… it depends.

For birds and people - Rolf Williams RSPB

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Given our inextricable link with our natural world, it is alarming that, of 3,148 speciesclosely monitored in the UK2, 60 per cent have seen serious declines in the last 50years. If nature is in trouble, we are in trouble. The good news is, the UK has a robustset of planning policies and environment laws that should protect the special and bestplaces for nature and Medway has a good share of these. When developers say they‘have’ to build on a protected site, there is a stringent set of environmental tests thatneed to be satisfied otherwise it should not happen. What Johnson, Foster and othersdo not tell you is how they try to circumvent those tests to suit their needs and hide thedetail by presenting an emotive and falsely polarised view, “it’s birds or people.” Don’tbe fooled. While you are out enjoying the Medway Estuary and Dickens’ marshes thisyear, read the landscape. You will see the salt marsh protecting your property from tidalstorm surge, parks and gardens protecting your home from rain storms, marshes‘growing’ beef and wool, meadows supporting bees and so the pears and apples nextdoor, your fresh air blowing off the sea, your children playing and learning outside. Ask yourself, do you want tarmac spread out to the water’s edge, every field paved-over, every wood felled? There is a reason it has not happened so far - the best bitshave been protected and managed for their natural value as much in your interest asthe creatures that live there.

1 Every Child Outdoors: www.rspb.org.uk/Images/everychildoutdoors_tcm9-259689.pdf2 State of Nature report: www.rspb.org.uk/Images/stateofnature_tcm9-345839.pdf

www.rspb.org.uk search State of Nature and Every Child Outdoors

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The Two Creeks Walk - Faversham

Distance: 4.6miles (7.4 km). Time: allow 2.5 hours. OS Explorer Map: 149

Terrain: field paths and tracks. Parking: Queen’s Hall car park near Faversham station

Refreshments and facilities: restaurants, pubs and tea rooms along the route

Public Transport: For local bus and train services in Kent, phone Traveline: 08706082608, www.traveline.org.uk

Follow the course of Faversham Creek and discover the windswept marshes andindustrial quaysides which contributed to the area’s legacy as the Larder of London.

Your walk starts from Faversham, a bustling market town which boasts ShepherdNeame, Britain’s oldest brewer. From West Street, turn into Flood Lane, following thetrack before turning right onto Brent Hill. Pause and admire views of the distant spire ofFaversham Church. At the foot of the hill, turn right and take the path to wind alongsidethe creek.

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Alongside the water’s edge the Saxon Shore Way leads you into open farmlandblanketed with golden cereals in summer.

The path continues along the creek as it curves through fields towards the sea wall,buzzing with the sound of maritime craftsmen. The iconic Oyster Bay House sits at theedge of the marshes, once the home of the United Fertiliser Company.

Follow the sea wall towards Thorn Creek, where boats entering Faversham weremoored until 1559. From here you can admire glorious views over the diverselandscape and across to the wood-capped hills. Watch out for waders, rabbits, barnowls and coastal birds swooping over a landscape rich with reed beds, pools of waterand scarce plants.

The Shipwright’s Arms at Hollowshore offers a perfect resting place to enjoy freshlycaught fish and local ale. At this point the Swale divides into Faversham Creek andOare Creek. Follow the sea wall to continue along Oare Creek.

At the edge of the saltmarshes Oare Meadow Nature Reserve has an intriguing mixtureof fresh and salt water plants, including ragged robin and yellow flag iris.

Medieval sea walls encircle wild meadows bursting with grassland flowers, includingthe rare hog’s fennel and rich pastures for sheep and cattle, which maintain thedelicate habitat.

From Oare you’ll follow the road back towards Faversham, passing the windmill,brickfields and old gravel pits which all contributed to the area’s industrial legacy.

To find out about other walks in Kent or for information on cycling, riding and countryparks in Kent, visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent Follow @explorekent on Twitter.

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Book reviews

The Walker’s Guide to Outdoor Clues & Signs – Tristan Gooley

Hodder & Stoughton, £20

Back in 2010, writer, explorer and navigator TristanGooley led a very successful and highly original walkacross the Cuxton countryside as part the North KentWalking Festival. The walk also coincided with thepublication of his book The Natural Navigator, whichintroduced readers to the traditional art of finding yourway, using nothing but nature’s own signposts. This hassince been followed by The Natural Explorer:Understanding Your Landscape and the pocket guide Howto Connect with Nature (published by the School of Life).

Now we have The Walker’s Guide to Outdoor Clues & Signs, the result of twodecades of pioneering outdoors experience and six years of instructing, researchingand writing. At over 400 pages long, it’s not going to fit easily in your pocket, but it’sthe author’s most comprehensive work to date, with over 850 outdoor clues and signs.With clues ranging from how butterflies can tell you how far it is to the pub topredicting the weather, it's a quirky and highly informative guide. A word a warningthough, unless you know your commas from your brimstones or your ash from youralder, you'll need to purchase several ID guides to get the most out of the book.

How to change the World - John-Paul Flitoff

Macmillan, £7.99

We’d all like to live in a better world, but often feel that welack the ability to make real and lasting change.

How to change the World, is a short but engaging book,packed with inspirational insights from history, politics andmodern culture. In it the author reminds us that even thesmallest actions can bring about positive change, to bothour own and others lives, we just need have enoughcourage to take that first step.

As the saying goes “Think global, act local”.

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If you would like to receive future editions of the Mudlark by post, please complete theform below (enclosing two second-class stamps) and send it to: Medway Swale EstuaryPartnership, 3 Lock Cottages, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3 AU. If you would prefer to receive future copies and details of forthcomingevents/publications electronically, email us at: msep@medway.gov.uk

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Exclusive Billy Childish print

Produced for us by the L13Gallery, for Kent’s CoastalWeek’s Tides of Changeexhibition, we have a fewremaining copies of this beautifulprint by artist Billy Childish forsale. Each copy is signed andnumbered by the artist, in anedition of 31 copies andmeasures 30.5cm x 38cm. Theprice is £35 plus £5 postageand packing, cheques should bemade payable to Medway Council (with MSEP account written on the reverse) andsent to the address below. We can also deliver to addresses within the MSEP area.