Dungeness

The Dungeness reserve is set back from the sea, boasting mile after mile of open shingle, freshwater pits, wet grassland and stunning wildflower meadows. We look after the reserve's wet and dry grasslands to create good breeding conditions for Lapwings, Redshanks and Garganeys, as well as two uncommon bumblebee species – the Brown-banded Carder Bee and Red-shanked Carder Bee.

Watch the sky in spring and autumn for hundreds of Swallows, Swifts and martins feeding over Burrowes pit. Listen for the booming of our Bitterns and the unmistakable call of the Cuckoo. In the summer, the meadows are a riot of colourful wildflowers which attract nectar-loving pollinators like bees and butterflies.

It is always a joy to watch the Hobbies performing their acrobatic displays over the reserve as they hunt insects during the summer months. In the autumn, many different species of waders will stop to feed here in their hundreds before migrating elsewhere for the winter. Other migrating birds such as Whinchats, Redstarts, Wheatears and Ring Ouzels, will all be present in varying numbers.

Winter sees large numbers of Wigeons, Gadwalls, Teals, Shovelers, Pochards, Tufted Ducks, Goldeneyes and Pintails. Bewick's and Whooper Swans are also a species highlight seen around the reserve at this time. Other birds such as Goldcrests, Firecrests, Goldfinches, Robins and Fieldfares can be spotted when they overwinter here.

Lade Pits is a unique site for history as well as wildlife, as it contains three Scheduled Ancient Monuments, which are of international significance. The Denge Sound Mirrors (also known as the Acoustic Mirrors or Listening Ears) are three concrete structures which range in size from 20 to 200 feet. They were built between 1928 and 1935 as part of Britain's national defence strategy. The Sound Mirrors are open to the public during organised events.

From early April 2025, vehicle parking charges have been brought in for all non- RSPB member vehicles parking at RSPB Dungeness. Previously, visitors arriving in their vehicle were charged a ‘per person’ entry fee when accessing the reserve through the Visitor’s Centre.  

There will be no additional charges for RSPB members. By increasing income through vehicle parking charges for non-members the RSPB will be more able to fund conservation work and improvements to visitor infrastructure, such as wildlife viewing areas. 

Previously announced changes at Dungeness at the end of 2024 included the closing of the shop in the Visitor’s Centre.  Staff at the Visitor Centre will now begin to operate a 5-day week operation instead of the previous 7-day week, meaning changes needed to be made in how visitor charges are taken. Although the visitor centre is now only open 5 days per week, the car park, toilets and trails will remain open 7 days a week. 

Altering charges for visitors at Dungeness will ensure fair, consistent charging as it means people who access the reserve at different points to the Visitor’s Centre entry point are also contributing to upkeep of facilities at the reserve. It will mean that families and groups who travel together will pay less than they did previously and will encourage greener transport options by charging only those who drive.   

For non-members car Parking payment can be made in four different ways - phone, app, website or when the Visitor Centre is open -via our card machine. Please see below for phone numbers and payment details http://www.paybyphone.co.uk/RSPB or call 0330 400 7275.

Members can display their membership cards face down on their dashboard. For any questions, please do contact the team on 01797 320588 or [email protected]

Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.