I hope this site reflects our continued focus on ‘celebrating our coastal connections’, a strap-line that was coined when the Charity was formed. So as well as rescuing and restoring Whitstable’s iconic oyster yawl, and conserving the associated craft skills, we have worked alongside other bodies to create Harbour & Boat Shows, and a 5K Coastal Trail. Now we are extending our interest to the littoral environment, marine art, and the former boatyards of Island Wall. One outcome will be an Education Enrichment programme. If you have skills or expertise in these areas, then please get in touch through the Contact page at the end of the website.
I am editing our website while watching the graceful way in which the Little Egret moves along the foreshore feeding in shallow water as the incoming tide races across the Swale. They are not a common site which is probably why they have been omitted from a delightful children’s introduction to our local sea birds recently produced by East Kent Bird Wise. This short guide is a colouring and activity book introducing about 12 of our most common species to young readers. Contact birdwise@thanet.gov.uk.
The Little Egret does feature on the simple, but authoritative, beginner’s guide to Winter Coastal Birds which is an 8-sided folding laminated guide produced by the Field Studies Council in 2018. It is still in print and there is a Summer edition: see publications@field-studies-council.org. They can also be found in National Trust shops and some bookshops.
I would recommend both publications for use when walking along the Coastal Trail.
I hope other features on the website give you pleasure and encourage you to Volunteer or Donate! In the meantime, make sure you have reserved the evening of Thursday 18 July for the launch of the Gamecock Premium Rum at The Foundry in Canterbury (CT1 2NR): this is a ticketed event open to the public and we shall be announcing advance booking arrangements for our Supporters.
Thank you.
Gordon