Bay Explorers: The Great Kentish Bird Off at Pegwell Bay

Do you know an 8–16-year-old with a wild side? Then they'd be right at home with our Bay Explorers. From beavers to birds - our Bay Explorers are on the case! Meeting monthly, our Bay Explorers are expert species inspectors - from spotting beaver tracks to identifying ducks, they’ve got local wildlife sussed. 

Designed for young nature lovers aged 8–16, this group gives budding naturalists the chance to:

• Discover local wildlife up close
• Get hands-on with pond dipping, small mammal surveys & bird ringing
• Learn from local experts in conservation and ecology
• Meet other friendly, like-minded young explorers!

This month we will be participating in the Great Kentish Bird Off at Pegwell Bay! 🐦

It’s time for the battle of the binoculars as our Bay Explorers join Bird Wise East Kent as they take on Bird Wise North Kent in the Great Kentish Bird Off.

Both teams will be going head-to-head to see how many different birds they can spot and hear – so get those binoculars ready!

🌊 Why Pegwell Bay?

Pegwell Bay is a fantastic place to go birdwatching. As part of the Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve, it has an amazing mix of habitats including mudflats, saltmarsh, sand dunes, scrub and coastal habitats.

The River Stour meets the bay here, creating rich feeding grounds full of worms, shellfish and other invertebrates – perfect for hungry birds. In autumn and winter, the bay becomes an important stopover and feeding area for many visiting and migrating birds, with species such as Dunlin, Sanderling, Grey Plover, Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit among those we might spot.

🌍 Helping our coastal birds

The Great Kentish Bird Off isn't just about winning – it's about discovering and celebrating the incredible birds that share our coastline and helping Bird Wise East Kent raise awareness of the importance of these special places.

By taking part, our Bay Explorers will be helping to record the birds using Pegwell Bay, learn more about our coastal wildlife and understand why it’s so important that we protect these habitats for birds and people.

🔭 So, can the Bay Explorers help Bird Wise East Kent beat North Kent?

Come along, keep your eyes and ears open, and let’s see how many birds we can find!

Spaces are limited to 20 participants aged 8 and over per session.

Details:

This is a drop-off Saturday club for children aged between 8-16 years old costing £6 for this session. Due to child to staff ratios, we cannot accommodate children under the age of 8.

We will be starting at our usual time of 10am. Please arrive promptly at the car Pegwell Bay Country Park, Sandwich Road, CT12 5JB

Ticket holders will be provided equipment, refreshment and snack. Participants are asked to bring a packed lunch in a backpack. 

This event will take place outside so please prepare yourself for the Kent weather! Sturdy footwear, layers, sun cream, hats and refillable drinks bottles are a must.

Any questions? Please email educationofficer@sbbot.org.uk