Natural England - Dungeness NNR
Dungeness NNR
The NNR is a shingle beach on the south Kent/East Sussex border.
County: Kent
Main habitats: Coastal, Lowland Grassland, Maritime
Area: 1031 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map.
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Dungeness NNR is jointly owned and managed by Natural England and the RSPB, with support from the Romney Marsh Countryside Project, who undertake the day to day management on parts of the site on behalf of various landowners. The shingle is made largely from material eroded during the last ice age. The beach has formed over the past 6000 years and is the 'spine' behind which the Romney and Walland Marshes have developed. Vegetated shingle is the major habitat at the reserve together with natural and artificial wetlands, and grazing marsh.
The reserve has one of south-east England's most important breeding colonies of gulls and terns. The site is also important for many migrating birds, including Bewick's swans, gadwalls and wintering smew.
Dungeness has an important population of medicinal leech. In the past these leeches were used to treat a variety of ailments and were collected in such numbers that they became extinct in many parts of the country.
Location and access
Dungeness NNR is on the Dungeness peninsular, 7 km south of New Romney and 3 km south east of the town of Lydd.
By car, access is via minor roads from the B2075 (A259). The nearest car parking is in Lydd, at Lade (by Lydd-on-Sea), and the light railway station/old lighthouse at Dungeness.
The nearest train station is in Rye (15 km to the east), and a seasonal steam locomotive service is provided by the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway between Hythe and Dungeness.
For details of local bus services go to the Kent County Council transport website.
Lydd is on Route 2 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Facilities
There is an RSPB visitor centre on the RSPB part of the NNR offering toilet and refreshment facilities, including facilities for the disabled. There are information panels, an easy access nature trail and a number of hides, most of which are wheelchair accessible. The RSPB organises frequent activities including guided walks. Please note that admission charges might apply.
On the wider Dungeness NNR, the Romney Marsh Countryside Project leads a selection of free guided walks.
There are also wheelchair accessible boardwalks at the Dungeness Point adjacent to the New Lighthouse and at Lade car park.