Extra: Recent sightings at Dungeness Nature Reserve from RXWildlife

The Romney Marshes and coastal neighbour Dungeness are famous for the diversity of habitats, geomorphology, flora, fauna and wildlife they contain, with eleven sites designated as being of Special Scientific Interest in the region. This page details recent wildlife observations, links to observation areas, details of the status designated to the area and notes about flora and fauna of the region.

The region is recognized as being of international scientific importance and has received regional, national and international recognition through numerous designations, including: Local Nature Reserve(Romney Warren), National Nature Reserve(Dungeness), Special Protection Area (SPA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC)(Dungeness), Special Scientific Interest (SSI)(Dungeness), Site of Nature Conservation Interest, Internationally important wetland (RAMSAR) and a national Earth Heritage(Dungeness) site.

Dungeness Flora

Dungeness is a particularly important site for flora. With many species of rare plant found on the extensive shingle banks. Common species include Sea kale Crambe maritima, Wild carrot Daucus carota, prostrate broom Cytisus scoparius , Sweet Vernal Grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, Wood Sage Teucrium scorodonia, and Sorrel Rumex acetosa and blackthorn Prunus spinosa all found extensively in the area.

Nature Reserves/Observation Points

• Romney Marsh Countryside Project - Romney Marsh Country Side Project
• English Nature - Romney Marsh reserves managed by English Nature.
• RSPB reserve Dungeness RSPB Dungeness - RSPB reserves at Dungeness.
• Dungeness Observatory - RSPB observatory at Dungeness.

• Porpoises, Common and Grey seals seen off coast by Dungeness.
• Recent bird sightings include: Arctic Skuas, Great Skuas, a Little Owl, 25 Robins, 17 Sparrowhawks, a Merlin, 40 Lapwing, 300 Swallows, a Tree Pipit, 58 Pied Wagtails, eight Tree Sparrows, 21 Chaffinches, 188 Goldfinches, three Siskins, a Lapland Bunting, and Marsh Harriers.
• Insects sighted include: Beautiful Gothic, Clancy's Rustic, Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Delicates and Small Mottled WillowClouded Yellow moths; Red Admiral, Peacocks and Painted Ladies butterflies and hundreds of Common Darter and Migrant Hawker dragon flies.

• Kent Wildlife Trust - Romney Marsh visitor centre
• RSPB Dungeness - Dungeness Bird Observatory

When visiting or travelling around Romney Marsh please treat the area with respect and pay particular attention not to disturb the local wildlife; many species living in the shingle banks in particular are protected by law.

For further details on sites of interest, plant and animal species present, see Romney Marshes Natural Area by English Nature.

Other Websites

http://rxwildlife.org.uk/ Highly Recommended weblog with the lastest wildlife news for the Hastings, Rye Bay, Dungeness and Romney Marsh area.

Last update: 08-07-2008 23:53