This What's On is the public events and activities run by the Thanet Coast Project with the help of volunteers - such as our Coastal Wardens. For Safety information - please see the bottom of this page.
A new program of public events will be drawn up and submitted to Thanet Council during the winter for events at 1/2 term, Easter & summer school holidays
FYI: This was how 2022 went:
VOLUNTEERING: Coastal Warden Introductory Training
This is the introductory course for new volunteers to help as Coastal Wardens/Guardians on the North East Kent coast which includes the NE Kent MPA (from Whitstable to Sandwich Bay).
Volunteers adopt a local bay or stretch of coastline and help look after local marine and bird life in your patch. We will take you through the history of the North East Kent Marine Protected Area (NEKMPA) and the management scheme, your role as a coastal warden/guardian and the different opportunities where you can help.
HEALTH ADVICE: We would like you to be vigilant and safe on our coast: here's the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information; and local and national Bird Flu advice; and bathing water quality classifications and results for you to take into account.
ORDER: Thanet 'Beaches and Coast Public Space Protection Order' (PSPO) replaced the former coastal bylaws in 2021 and is supported by the Beach & Coast PSPO code of conduct. Beach & CoastPSPO Sign.
ADVICE: Summer 2022 Thanet Beach Management Plan (briefing) - helping visitors for safe use and enjoyment of beaches
ADVICE: You can help reduce your impact on the coastby following the voluntary Thanet Coastal Codes for different recreational activities
Local people can get actively involved with looking after their own chosen stretch of coastline by enrolling as a NEKMPA Coastal Warden with activities and training opportunities throughout the year. In addition, you can volunteer to join the 'Coastbusters' (non-native species control teams - currently targeting Pacific Oysters) around NE Kent; or with 'Making a Buzz for the Coast' - with task days or Bird Wise East Kent for our internationally important bird life.
A series of events to raise awareness of the thousands of winter migratory birds that come to the Thanet coast are taking place throughout the winter thanks to fundings from SAMMs. Two new engagement officers run free educational events at various locations along the Thanet and Canterbury coastline from their new eye-catching Bird Wise van.
Designed to help people wise up to bird disturbance, the events cover information about the perilous journey birds make each winter and why it is important that they are given room to roost, rest, and recuperate whilst visiting us in Thanet. These birds travel from as far as Canada from across the Arctic tundra to feed on our shores. As well as travelling along the coast for the public events, the Bird Wise team will also be driving to schools across Thanet and Canterbury district to deliver lessons to pupils. Event details are available via @BirdwiseEK on Twitter, Facebook and website. Please note: event timings are subject to change due to the tide times. Please check the website or social media for updates in the days before the date of the event you wish to attend.
Community groups can organise their own beach cleans, or join in with ones that are currently organised by local groups. Find out more or join an event!
Online advice and a Notification scheme for school/group visits can be found under the learning section on this website. Schools, clubs or large group excursions can enjoy the beaches - including looking at the variety of coastal wildlife around the Thanet coast (depending upon the tide being in or out); and see evidence of coastal erosion, run beach inspired activities, or just visit for general coastal leisure opportunities. More information - includes who to notify, bay facilities and online resources.
Mobility Access: Many of our beaches have 'all terrain wheelchairs' available for booking for anyone with mobility impairment. For further information and for donations to help this superb charity, please visit the website: Beach Within Reach
The Thanet Coast Project gratefully acknowledges a grant from Southern Water and donations from Haeckels of Margate to ensure that we can continue our remit and work.
c/o Thanet District Council,
PO Box 9, Cecil Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1XZ
United Kingdom
E-mail:
Tony Child
Thanet Coast (NE Kent Marine Protected Area) Officer
Telephone: +44 (0) 1843 577672
(based in Manston Road Depot)