Seashore Safari with Thanet Coast Project

Thanet Coast Project and its volunteers are running Seashore Safaris this summer to explore the isle’s fascinating chalk reef and rock pools. Those taking part will get the chance to spot crabs, shrimps, fish, shellfish, anemones and all sorts of colourful seaweed.

Designed for the whole family to enjoy and are especially engaging for children aged 4-11 (who must always be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the session) which lasts around two hours. These events are donation-based, with a suggested contribution of £2.50 per person (adult or child), which helps support the work of the Thanet Coast Project and their volunteers. Booking is essential.

Participants are asked to bring sturdy footwear, and appropriate clothing for the weather, a suitable container such as a plastic bucket/clean ice cream tub, for the temporary observation of marine species, a pencil to write notes in the shore life identification booklet provided. A plastic sieve is also recommended for examining small swimming creatures. All those taking part are expected to follow the Rockpool Code, ensuring minimal disturbance to marine life and handling of all species.

When can you take part?

Walpole Bay, Cliftonville (CT9 3HF)

Wednesday 23 July, 5:00pm

Meet on the sandy beach below the Lower Promenade car park (east side of Walpole Tidal Pool)

West Bay, Westgate (CT8 8QA)

Thursday 24 July, 6:00pm

Meet on the promenade, access via steps just north of Finbars restaurant, across chalk reef to east side of bay

Botany Bay, Broadstairs (CT10 3LG)

Monday 28 July, 8:30am

Meet on the sandy beach near chalk stacks

Note: Park in Palm Bay Avenue (15-min walk), Botany Bay Avenue, or Percy Avenue

Stone Bay, Broadstairs (CT10 1DU)

Tuesday 29 July, 9:00am

Meet on lower promenade near steps from Eastern Esplanade/Toilets, near slope to beach, southern side of bay

Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs (CT10 1TA)

Thursday 31 July, 10:00am

Meet at the southern end of lower promenade, then onto sandy beach/chalk reef south side

Minnis Bay, Birchington (CT7 9QR)

Friday 1 Aug, 10:30am

Meet at the lower promenade beside small tidal pool, east side of bay near chalk reef/cliff

St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate (CT8 8TP)

Wednesday 13 Aug, 8:30am

Meet on promenade beside cafes, then onto sandy beach east side near chalk reef

Westbrook Bay, Margate (CT9 5DX)

Thursday 14 Aug, 9:00am

Meet at the lower promenade near Barne’s car park, slope to bay/chalk reef west side

Margate Main Sands (CT9 5AE)

Friday 15 Aug, 9:30am

Meet on the promenade beside Nayland Rock Shelter, beach on west side of tidal pool near Nayland Rock reef

Walpole Bay, Margate (CT9 3HF)

Saturday 16 Aug, 10:30am

Meet on the sandy beach below Lower Promenade car park, east side of Walpole Tidal Pool

East Cliff, Ramsgate (CT11 8ED)

Wednesday 27 Aug, 8:30am

Meet at Marina Esplanade car park promenade, beside Sea Garden, then beach below Winterstoke Gardens steps

Western Undercliff, Ramsgate (CT11 9PH)

Thursday 28 Aug, 9:00am

Meet at the promenade above the small tidal pool, on chalk reef next to slipway/tidal pool west of artificial beaches

Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs (CT10 1TA)

Friday 29 Aug, 9:30am

Meet southern end of lower promenade, then onto sandy beach/chalk reef south side

How to book - To book a Seashore Safari event, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/seashore-safaris-2025-on-the-thanet- coast-various-bays-tickets-1431626947739 , and if you require any further details, contact [email protected] (Isle of Thanet News)