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Green Flag hoisted at
Samphire Hoe for sixth year

by Graham Tutthill

Samphire Hoe, the nature reserve created at the foot of the
cliffs at Dover, has been presented with a Green Flag Award for the
sixth consecutive year.

The area was originally created with nearly five million cubic
metres of spoil from the Channel Tunnel excavations and was opened
to the public in July 1997.

It has become the home for 200 plant species, 12,000 orchids, 30
varieties of butterflies and more than 200 bird species, as well as
sheep and cows from local farms which graze the area.

Owned by Eurotunnel and managed by the White Cliffs Countryside
Partnership, the Hoe attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year,
and up to 1,000 on the busiest days.

“It’s a place for people and wildlife,” said WCCP ranger Paul
Holt. “Both are of equal importance and it’s maintaining the
balance that is so vital.”

He thanked the 16 volunteer rangers and another 220 part-time
volunteers who help look after the Hoe, which is open from 7am
until dusk every day.

Full story and photos in the Dover Mercury, August
5.