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From
pebble shore to wooded escarpment, Sandgate is rich in marine,
botanical and wildlife interest. Recent beach replenishment not only
protects the coastline but has also encouraged many plants to get a
hold above the normal high tide mark once the winter storms are
over. Sea Knotgrass, Sea Kale, Seastock, and Sea Lavender may then
return. The Yellow-horned
Poppy, a Dungeness native, makes a rare sight.
Seashore:
Birdlife flourishes and seagulls, of course are commonplace -
Herring Gulls and Black-headed Gulls among them. Walking along the
Esplanade you may catch sight of Cormorants and Guillemots and even
Oyster-catchers where patches of sand become exposed. Wagtails
scratch hopefully for crumbs.
Woodland:
Minutes from the main road, a haven of wildlife awaits you.
Signposted footpaths weave their way up through Encombe Woods west
to Brewer's Hill, or to the escarprment. Stunning views appear as
you head east, past the 'Nick's View' bench and Martello Tower No 6,
down to Military Road before crossing into Enbrook Park behind the
ragstone wall.
Owls, Woodpeckers, Jays and Tits
are at home here, Kestrels hover in search of prey, and Foxes are a
familiar sight. Throughout your walk, you may spot Celendine,
Violets, Foxgloves, Red Campion, Wild Iris, Cuckoo-Pint and Harts
Tongue Ferns amid the usual ground cover.
Leaflets and
Literature to download or order
Excerpt from the Military Orchid
(The Orchid Trilogy) - by Jocelyn Brooke
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