News archive

Sunday, 20 July 2008

Naughty Nuns and Nightingales

The RSPB is inviting Kent residents to discover more of the fascinating North Kent Marshes heritage with a new walking guide that takes in some historical intrigue as well as the area's wildlife wonders.

For as well as taking in some traditional sites where nightingales sing in spring, the guide passes through the tiny village of Higham which was rocked by a scandal some 500-years ago. Here a vicar led some Benedictine nuns astray, leading to the closure of the convent.

The Naughty Nuns and Nightingales trail begins at Higham Station (an hour from London's Charing Cross station) and heads to the hamlet of Church Street, one time home of the notorious nuns, and wedding place of Charles Dickens' daughter Katey to fellow novelist Wilkie Collin's brother.

It then strikes out across the evocative North Kent Marshes through to the RSPB's Cliffe Pools reserve where the RSPB is creating a flagship nature reserve. The trail finishes in the attractive village of Cliffe.

The trail was created by RSPB Community Officer, Carol Donaldson, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. "This is a fantastic area to explore," said Carol. It's easy to reach from London but once here you could feel that you've stepped back in time. The marshes are a beautiful and peaceful place to be at all times of year but come alive in spring and summer when the nightingales are calling.

To receive a free copy of the Naughty Nuns and Nightingales guide contact Carol Donaldson on:

(01634) 222480
or e-mail
carol.donaldson@rspb.org.uk

For information about the Cliffe pools reserve follow the link below;