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In this area…

Nothing can prepare you for the landscape of Dungeness – mile after mile of shingle; it’s wild and weird! A visit here is unforgettable.

The reserve is a haven for an astounding array of wildlife. In spring and summer, you’ll be greeted by vibrant wildflower meadows humming with the sound of bees, while lapwings swoop and call playfully overhead. And there’s nothing quite like hearing the resounding “boom” of a bittern as the spring sun warms the reedbeds.

Winter brings its own amazing wildlife experiences as hundreds of ducks, geese and swans take up residence on the lakes. On a chilly day, sit peacefully with a hot drink, taking in the view through the huge picture window of our visitor centre. Our friendly staff are always on hand to help you make the most of your day.

The great variety of wildlife and strangely beautiful landscape make RSPB Dungeness a memorable place to visit at any time of year.

Nearest town: LyddBy train: the nearest train stations are Rye (10 miles) and Ashford (16 miles).

By bus: 11, 11A and 11B buses from Lydd to Ashford stop on request at the reserve entrance.

By bike: National Cycle Route 2 passes through Lydd, just one mile from the reserve entrance.

By car: from Lydd, follow Dungeness Road towards the coast. After a mile, turn right, following signs to the reserve. Follow the entrance track for one mile to the main car park. For the Hanson ARC trail, turn left off Dungeness Road, opposite the main reserve entrance. There is also a car park here.

Opening timesOpen every day 9am–9pm (or sunset if earlier), except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The visitor centre is open 10am–5pm from March to October, and 10am–4pm from November to February.

Admission charges RSPB members: free. Non-members: adults £5, children £2.50, students £3.50. The visitor centre and Hanson ARC trail are free to all.

RSPB DungenessBoulderwall Farm, Dungeness Road, Lydd, Kent, TN29 9PN. Tel: 01797 320588 E-mail: Dungeness@rspb.org.ukrspb.org.uk/dungeness

Spring/summerA busy time for nature and a great time for you to explore.

Enjoy the wealth of natural colour, from wildflower meadows to jewel-like dragonflies.

Listen out for the magical “boom” of a bittern.

Be inspired by our wildlife garden. Could you give nature a home where you live?

Hear the squawks of terns as they fish to feed their fluffy chicks.

Hear the story of the short-haired bumblebees, who are returning to our meadows.

Autumn/winterFive things not to miss during the chillier months.

Pause for a while to watch the sunset turn the reedbeds golden.

Watch hundreds of ducks and geese gathering on the pits as they arrive for winter.

Enjoy wildlife watching from the cosy visitor centre with a warming drink.

Which herons will you spot? Little egrets, great white egrets, grey herons and bitterns can all be seen.

Look out for boxing brown hares as winter turns to spring.

Other local attractions:

Rye Harbour nature reserve, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7TX Tel. 01797 227784 (17 miles) wildrye.infoA mosaic of wildlife habitats including saltmarsh, sand dunes, rivers, reedbeds and farmland. Open at all times, entrance free.

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The RSPB is a registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654. Front cover by Jesper Mattias (rspb-images.com). 860-2012-17-18

It was the overwhelming scale of the day that impressed me. So much scent, so much colour, so much sound. Carol, Worcester.

Dungenessnature reserve

There’s nowhere else quite like it!Enjoy the fine views from the visitor centre.

Get away for the day to a tranquil other world.

Be inspired by a wild walk under huge skies.

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Take part with usWildlife watchingLearn about our amazing wildlife on a relaxed stroll with a friendly, knowledgeable guide. We run reserve tours catering for families, beginners and more experienced wildlife enthusiasts.

Family eventsMeet our pond creatures or build a den amongst the wildflowers – we run events throughout the year. Showing yourselves around? Then pick up a Wildlife Explorer backpack and follow the Pebble Trail!

Help us give nature a homeDo you want to be a part of the amazing work we do for wildlife? Ask a member of staff about the many ways you can volunteer for the RSPB.

For dates, prices and full details about all our events, ask a member of the reserve team or visit rspb.org.uk/dungeness

Helping to give nature a home

The RSPB is the country’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.

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Scotthide

Firthhide

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Denge Marsh hide

Hanson ARC hide

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Burrowe’s Pit

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Nature Discovery tra il

To LyddFinding your way aroundDungeness

The trails will take you through some of our most important habitats. Explore and discover what makes Dungeness such a special place for nature.

Hanson ARC trail One branch of the red trail leads to our delightful Willow trail along a boardwalk to the Hanson ARC hide; the second takes you to a viewing screen. These trails total just under a mile’s walk. Allow at least an hour to explore.

The paths guide you to spectacular lakeside views and a peaceful Willow trail. You may see dragonflies whizzing by, or delicate clouds of butterflies. The lake is a popular home for birds at all times of year. Watch out for grey herons and great white egrets fishing on the banks. Closer by, look for the bright blue flash of a kingfisher darting across the water.

Main trailThis two-mile circular trail explores the heart of the reserve. Allow at least two hours.

There are six hides along the trail overlooking freshwater pools, marshes and whispering reedbeds. This is one of the best ways to see the vast shingle expanse that makes Dungeness so different – and such a special home for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for grass snakes slithering into the water as you picnic by Dennis’s hide. In summer, you won’t be able to miss the shrieking calls and captivating grace of common terns nesting in front of Denge Marsh hide. The Nature Discovery trail offers the chance to come face to face with great crested newts and brightly coloured day-flying moths like cinnabars.

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Watch for marsh harriers at the reedbed

Look out for common lizards as you walk along the trails

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Please stay on the paths at all times, as the shingle banks protect and give homes to many types of wildlife.

Visitors with disabilities may drive to some hides. Please ask in the visitor centre for details.

For more information on the accessibility of RSPB Dungeness, please visit rspb.org.uk/dungeness or call 01797 320588.

To avoid disturbing wildlife, no dogs except registered assistance dogs are allowed on the nature trails.

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Vivid vipers bugloss plants drip nectar – our bees can’t get enough!

Watchful hobbies perch on posts in the summer.

Cormorants stretch out their wings to dry in the sun.

Carefully check for minibeasts along the Nature Discovery trail.

At the reedbed, look for soaring marsh harriers, and in the spring listen for the bittern’s foghorn “boom”.

Tiptoe past basking newts and lizards on the boardwalk.

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