by Graham Tutthillgtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

More than 20 harbour porpoises have been seen in the Channel off Samphire Hoe.

Local wildlife expert Phil Smith, who is a volunteer ranger at the Hoe, reported them in a flat, calm sea recently.

“They are the smallest of the dolphin family but an adult can be six feet in length,” he said.

“It is the only porpoise living in Europe, but unfortunately they often drown in fishermen’s nets.

“A recent beach survey in Kent found several dead and mutilated carcasses on the shore.”