Windy Westbrook Walk

Just got back from a ramble on Westbrook cliff tops as Hurricane Gonzalo flicks its tail towards us. At 12 noon high tide has passed and fortunately the gale is 'westing' rather than 'northing' at the moment. Walking towards Westgate it was difficult to remain perpendicular as the strength of the wind moves towards its predicted 70 MPH. Breathing is also difficult given the strength of the gale. No spectacular pictures of tidal surges. Next high tide around 11 pm tonight might be more difficult if the wind springs to northwest as predicted however the tide tables show the high is a moderate 4.9 metres unless there is a surge in the North Sea.

 

Moving Beach huts to winter storage in Barnes Car park becomes a tricky operation.

Thanet has Six of Top Ten Beaches in Kent and Sussex

According to Family Friendly Fun  Thanet has six beaches in its top ten for Kent and Sussex. With Blue Flags and all things are looking up.
Check it out:
http://familyfriendlyfun.co.uk/best-beaches-south-east-england/

Westbrook Snow Walk

Westbrook Bay

Brent Geese fly in.

Grazing

Undercliffe Nature Park

After Sunday's Snow it was a pleasant ramble across the beach and along the prom. Plenty of wildlife on beach and chalk reef with the geese flying in and feeding along with purple sandpipers, sanderlings and turnstones.

Turnstones: Stand up and be counted.

Thanet Coast Wardens ready for Turnstone Count

 In February this year volunteer wardens are assisting Sandwich Bay Observatory in the count of Turnstones present on the North East Kent Coast. About 1200 of these little birds visit this part of the coast every winter.

At high tide these birds can be spotted on promenades, breakwaters and slipways usually resting/roosting until the tide goes out and they can return to feeding. During the spring many of them go to Arctic Canada to breed and return to us in the Autumn often to the same bays. It is therefore important that they feed up on our coast to allow them to build up body reserves to enable them to make this journey.

Disturbance Monitoring

During January and February wardens will also be monitoring the levels of disturbance these birds encounter which can affect their survival. This is normally due to human activity. Generally they are not affected by  people as they seem to have got used to them. Fishermen often find these cheeky birds will pinch their bait if left unattended. However dogs are a different story as these birds see them as predators similar to the Arctic Fox they encounter in Canada. It is important to monitor this in order raise awareness of this problem.

What you can do to help

If you are a dog walker please do not let your dog chase or disturb these birds causing them to take flight using valuable energy. 

The video below made by local young people explains. Please pass the message on if you want to see these lovely little birds return each year to our coast.

Goodwin Sands Airport

I don't Believe it!!

This may be the silly season but this new proposal for an off shore airport must be a joke. If the powers to be thought Manston was just a bit too far away from London then why on earth are they considering this proposal. See    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20783474

Any off shore airport is problematic to say the least. We cannot even build an art gallery in the sea close to land (Turner Contemporary).

If the lunatics decided to build this it would require major road and bridge links in a hostile environment. It would need to be built several metres above sea level to take into account climate change and rising sea levels.

Placing an object like this in the sea would also change tidal flows in indeterminable ways to present more problems for shipping and coastal erosion.

The effect on wildlife and marine life would be devastating particularly so close to a bird reserve and seal colony.

It would also be subject to strong cross winds and gales not to mention flooding.

I think this must be another non starter like the other two suggestions to build in the Thames Estuary.

Climate Change 2150. Towards our Children's Children's Children

CC 2150

Planning for climate change up to the year 2150 may seem somewhat bizarre but there is a project involving Thanet just doing that. It is probably certain that all of us will not be around then so it is really a question of thinking beyond our own lives and looking towards those of our descendants.

What can we expect to happen?


The debate still goes on and those more clever than I have their theories. Are we really at a tipping point which could determine whether we become the new tropics or is the gulf stream about to be switched off by melting ice and we enter  a new ice age? Remember we are on the same level as Alaska and no gulf stream would leave us with an Alaska climate.

Current climate


Looking at recent weather patterns it would be easy to jump to the conclusion that we are moving to more extreme weather patterns. But then has this not been happening over the past millions of years? We have on a long timeline been a tropical region before and also an ice age.

Planning


Planning for climate change in coastal communities is therefore not easy or precise so it is necessary to look at many scenarios. Looking at the potential for warming and increased sea levels some of the things we are planning today are starting to err on the possibility of this happening. Take for instance our Turner Centre, it was thought prudent to raise its base higher to take into account increasing sea levels.
We are also seeing the the new Margate sea defence being built but again the design allows for an increase its height in the event of future increased sea levels.

Maybe we should also be looking at the Dreamland site. It would appear silly not to consider this site very carefully since much of it is low lying if not below sea level. If you consider sea level rises it would appear unwise to build housing on this site. Maybe the idea of a heritage theme park is a much better idea. At least rides would be much easier to shift than housing if the sea threatened the site. Maybe we should consider the idea of a marina.

Cheques and balances.


Climate change will bring threats and opportunities to our coastal community. Warmer weather could present more tourism. Perhaps we would be able to grow more exotic fruit and vegetables all the year round. On the other hand we could lose land and have to consider sea defences like those in Holland. The more you think about it the more threats and opportunities present themselves .

Involving the community.


A start has been made involving the community. Thanet Coast Project has had its first discussion group on the subject involving volunteer coastal wardens and more are planned. It is thought that the work of the wardens is essential in the planning process as their monitoring of our coast in terms of wildlife and use gives early indications of change.

The future


Who knows what the future holds and the more I think about it I switch from 'am I bothered' I will not be here to maybe I have a chance to consider what we leave behind for our Children's Children's Children and that does worry me.

Further information


If you want to find out more visit
www.kent.gov.uk/CC2150
and
www.cc2150.co.uk

Wreck?

Mystery

Yesterday someone drew my attention to what looks like a very old wreck on the chalk reef to the West of St Mildred's Bay. I cannot say that I have ever noticed this on my rambles on the beach and across these rocks. It may be the fact that you cannot see it at beach level unless you locate the gulley in which it sits. However it is visible from the cliff tops. The photographs below were taken last evening. It may be that it had been covered up with sand which has now shifted.

Close up it is a wooden structure which appears to be a large keel of probably some 30 feet crossed by thick wooden beams.

It may be the wreck of an old wooden sailing barge but it would be interesting to know if that is the case. The truth is out there somewhere. Does anyone have any information?

Love is in the Air

Forget San Francisco come to Margate


What a brilliant BBC series of five stories showing how love conquers everything called "True Love".
Is Margate now to become the love capital of the world? Forget San Francisco come to Margate.
This series was a beautifully crafted drama with the wonderful backdrop of our coast, its sunsets and magic light so famous in Turners paintings.

If you missed it get it on BBC's iPlayer you will not be disappointed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01k692v/True_Love_Nick/

Many people take for granted our lovely coast with its sandy beaches, fresh air, wildlife, cliffs and seascapes until a series like this showcases them. Margate has something special even in the winter when this was filmed.

So I suppose we are now "Margate as Seen on TV".

Keeping the Blue Flag flying

Unsung Heroes

Wonderful news we have blue flags flying all around Thanet's Coast. There has been praise for Thanet District Council for its cleaning service. Yes it is brilliant and they do a good job.

I would however like to mention the work of The Thanet Coast Project in looking after our valuable coast and the help of volunteers that support this worthwhile project. Throughout the year they have been organising beach cleans by local volunteers as well as raising awareness to people and children about the care of our coast. Take a look at their website to see all the things they get involved in and the activities planned. www.thanetcoast.org.uk/

They have a large number of dedicated volunteer Coastal Wardens who adopt a bay and keep an eye on it reporting any incidents that occur many that may prevent us getting our blue flags.

Our coast is our major resource its good to know that someone is looking after it. Why not get involved too?

The Seaweed Saga

Each year we encounter the problem of seaweed. In the summer months it is often washed up on our beaches upsetting locals and tourists alike.
Seaweed is a naturally occurring algae and tends to bloom in early summer. When the wind is in the right or should I say wrong direction it appears on the beach.
Seaweed is good for the health of our marine environment as it absorbs much of the nasties that find their way into our seas. Similarly sunlight and increased sea temperatures also increase its production. Take also excessive shellfish harvesting of creatures that eat algae and this adds to why amounts appear to be increasing.
Many of the older generation remark that we have always had this problem in Thanet but in the ‘olden days’ it was carted away by farmers to put on their fields. However in later years this practice has declined as agricultural land was built on and allegedly more efficient nitrates were used on remaining fields.
After the decline of use for agriculture the local council used to remove it and dump it much to the annoyance of residents in those areas where it was placed.
The favoured action in recent years was to push it back out to sea with bulldozers. This was not effective as usually it only moved the problem to another bay. The best example of this was in 2010 when the bulldozed weed in Palm Bay migrated to Walpole Bay. This with what was already in Walpole Bay ended up several feet thick. Last year, after many complaints, the council breathed a sigh of relief when the wind changed to a favourable direction and the bulldozed weed scurried off in the direction of Herne Bay.
At this time of the year it is easy to put the “Seaweed Saga” on hold and then my word next summer we are again attempting short term solutions to the problem.

Seaweed Uses
Seaweed is an incredible resource. I list some of uses below but as a non-scientist I will leave readers to research the many papers available on the internet.
1. Fertilizer.
2. Cosmetics
3. Pharmaceutical
4. Food additives (i.e. for ice cream)
5. Biofuel and biomass fuel
6. Alternative medicine
7. Baths
8. Waste water treatment
9. Food
10. Animal feed
I am sure there are more but it does demonstrate that there could be an alternative to just pushing it back into the sea like a modern day King Canute.

The Debate
There has been considerable debate both in the council and outside but there appears to be no solutions, joined up thinking or resolve to get a grip on the situation.
Could we not find a use for it and market it or is this too simple? I do not want to create a "stink" but avoid one. We need someone to take a strong lead on this one. Surely we can find a long term solution by pulling all the interested parties together including those with a scientific background. There may even be economic benefits and savings to our council’s much stretched budget.

Unless we find a solution soon the problem will continue to wash up on our beaches every summer.

Winter on the Coast

Brent Geese in Westbrook Bay on a dull winter's day.

Winter Wildlife Treats

Now that all the visitors have gone it is a good time to go down to our beaches and coast. Wrap up warm, check the tide and forecast. This time of the year there are exciting things to find. One example is the Brent Geese that regularly visit us from Northern Russia. Often seen flying in V formation from bay to bay and across the estuary. From time to time off Westbrook you will see in excess of a hundred of these birds feeding at the end of the chalk reef. Many thousands of these geese visit the South East each year. If Bonkers Boris' Airport is ever build these geese could pose a major threat to aircraft. Let us hope common sense prevails as an airport here would devastate wildlife in the estuary.
On the cliff tops and under cliff on some days you will see migrating birds using it as a staging post. For a feast of birds Sandwich Bay is the crème de la crème for birders but any part of our coast has its own treats.

Living on the Edge.

Wintertime can be the time to watch for incidents of nature. Recently we have had a number of seal pups beaching. In previous years we have had phenomenon like the death of thousands of Velvet Swimming Crabs.



Two years ago following a serious drop in temperature Westbrook Bay was the major disaster area and last year Walpole Bay experienced a similar incident. The conclusion is that these crabs have been living on the edge of their existence and had moved up our coasts due to warmer seas. When we had a severe drop in temperature after a number of years of warmer winters they got caught out and suffered the consequences. We cannot be certain but this is our best guess so far. If you witness a similar incident this year please contact the Thanet Coast Project.

Over the years we do witness incidents like this on the coast like the unexplained mass of starfish washed up and many years ago Walpole bay pool being awash with herring.

As Tony Beachcomber tells us the coast and beaches are full of interesting finds especially after a good blow.

So after Christmas, weather permitting, it may be a good time to get out in the fresh air with your bins and cameras and make the most of this winter wildlife wonderland.

We are all depressed by the chancellor about the economy but forget what is really important. The following is a reminder to us all what is really at stake. Put speakers on and watch it to the end. Happy New Year.

Westbrook Coastal Walk

Distance 1 mile approx. 20 – 30 minutes.
Wheelchair accessible (Exception parts of Sunken Garden)
Well-made paths with slope to cliff top.
A combination of coast and open spaces.




Start at Barnes Westbrook Lower Promenade car park. Click on Google map in links on this blog for location. Head west along promenade towards Westgate (left if facing the sea).

At low Tide looking seaward notice the series of high and low profiles of the chalk reef. This is often covered with many varieties of seagulls and wading birds including turnstones, plovers, redshanks, curlews and oyster catchers. A cormorant often visits this bay, flocks of Brent geese and the occasional seal.


If you look back to the cliffs you will find Westbrook Town Green and Nature Park in the making. Shielded by the cliffs and free from traffic noise you may see rock pipits, pied wagtails, goldfinches, redstarts, wheatear, kestrel and other birds feeding on the grasses between the cliffs and promenade.



There are wildflowers in spring and summer. A wildflower guide has been produced; follow the link on this blog. You may have noticed bricked up openings in the cliffs; I am told these used to be gun emplacements from the last war which were accessible from the cliff top.


Half a mile on, there are some breakwaters where wading birds often roost. There is a sandy gully where sandlings normally scatter to and fro. So far this year they are conspicuous by their abscence. In autumn and winter at high tide look over the railings and you are likely to see turnstones, plovers and redshanks roosting. Please be careful not to disturb them.





Rounding the point you are entering St Mildred’s Bay there is a café if you feel like a cup of tea etc. There is also a plaque showing the location of the First World War sea plane station. Otherwise take an about turn at the car park and walk up the slope. Turn left at the top and you will see a viewpoint. You can view the coast both ways. If evening this is a lovely spot to just watch as the Sun goes down.



Now head east towards Margate along the cliff top path. There are sea views in both directions and you will have views of Margate, its harbour and the Turner Centre. Keep an eye out to sea for flocks of birds flying either east to west or west to east. You will see in the middle of the cliff top greens, a hedged enclosure. This is worth a visit as it is the famous Sunken Gardens. There is a variety of plants and garden birds to see.

We return to the cliff top path heading towards Margate returning to the car park via a slope.

This walk can be extended for another half mile continuing along the cliff top path and later the road returning to the promenade by one of the slopes or stairs. Return westwards to the car park along Westbrook bay promenade or even venture on to the lovely sands. If you look at the strand line (noticeable by a line of seaweed) you may find egg cases of dogfish and skate (mermaid’s purse), a wide variety of sea shells or even cuttlefish bones like the ones found in budgie cages. There is also a café open in the summer in case you need further sustenance. Return to the car park along the promenade or the beach at low tide.

Click on Link "Westbrook Coastal Walk" for instruction sheet.