Rediscovering the Fifth Continent – Interpretation Programme
There will be a range of new information hubs, panels, leaflets, trails and audio apps to help residents and tourists get to know and learn more about the Landscape, Wildlife and Heritage of Romney Marsh – The Fifth Continent.
Rediscovering the Fifth Continent – Interpretation Programme contributes to Rediscover project theme.
There are no opportunities for volunteering with this project.
Visit the volunteering page to find out more about getting involved with Fifth Continent projects.
2020
Wool Heritage day
A group of eight members of Age UK recently enjoyed a relaxing soap felting workshop to aid in anxiety reduction. They also learnt about the heritage of wool on Romney Marsh. We look forward to the workshop helping to support Age UK’s planting project.
Green sheep come alive
Our Green Sheep topiary frames have arrived. These will be placed as part of the heritage landscape at the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre. We are excited to be working with the Romney Marsh Flower Arrangers to produce two of the sheep. Soon beautiful plants including Saxifrages, Old man’s beard and Viper’s bugloss will be sprouting from the frames. Come and help us finalise the sheep on Saturday 9 May at the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, with lots of other activities taking place.
Visitor Interpretation Site
The Spinney at New Church has been identified as the location for enhancing the existing interpretation facility. The location overlooks the site of the former advanced landing ground – small air strips that were used to support the D Day landings.
2019
School activities day
During December we were at Brookland Primary School for a full day of nature sessions with students. This included fungus fun and habitat creation, culminating in the production of a bee wall for their playground.
Fungus Fun Afternoon
Our fungus event in November went down a treat with the children and adults alike. They learnt the basics of mushroom identification, made some mushroom ornaments and cultivated some mushrooms on books to grow 🍄🍁 They also helped to contribute to our fungus sheep which will be planted next May 🐑
Fungus walk
During November, 20 adults enjoyed an identification talk and fungus foray walk with expert Martin Allison. We identified 32 different fungus species in Ham Street ancient woodland including a couple of puffballs and the amethyst deceiver.
New Heritage Trail Planned
We are going to be working with members of the community to develop a heritage trail in New Romney. More details to follow.
Writing workshops coming soon
We are pleased to have teamed up with local author Emma Batten to run a range of writing workshops. These workshops will be focused on the stone faces present on the churches across the marsh. The first workshop will be held at the Old Romney School on 27 November. Contact Craig for more info.
Summer Full of Activities
This summer we greeted just over 120 children and their families to the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre to take part in a range of marsh-centric events. The children learnt about natural dying of Romney Marsh wool and all about the native insects.
First Door Step Discovery Trail booklets being designed
The first in a series of five Door Step discovery trail booklets is being designed. Printed versions will be made available for families to get out and explore short walks in local areas, learning about wildlife and heritage around them.
Ideas to develop the Interpretation Project
At a recent meeting with partner organisations we had a discussion about possible locations and themes of the Interpretation Hubs.
Approval for landscape interpretation project
The Heritage Lottery Fund have given approval for us to create a number of interconnected Interpretation Hubs to be set in the landscape. Look out for more information as these are developed. These will create a new resource for the area to inform locals and visitors about the marsh, and together they will create a new walking and cycling trail.
2018
New project vehicle
Our new project vehicle is now operational and is out and about on Romney Marsh. It’s just had its new livery put on by Spyder Creative… very eye catching. It will be helping us at digs, monitoring and events over the coming years.
Supported Wildlife & Heritage event
This year we supported the summer fair at All Saints Church in Lydd on Saturday 18 August. We were joined by the Bug Roadshow as well as some of the Scheme’s partners, together with local crafters and small businesses. More than 50 people were able to get a microscopic view of insects and then find the mini-beasts in the long grass outside. Approximately 200 people attended the event, so it gave us a great opportunity to talk to local people about the Scheme. For more details see the August entry on our Blog page.
Free Felting Workshops organised
Free Wet Felting and Soap Felting workshops are taking place in the community. There will be two held in Brooklands in July and two at the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre in August.
Wildlife and Heritage themed event planned
This year’s Summer Fair at Lydd Church will be a Wildlife and Heritage themed event and takes place on Saturday 18th August. See What’s On page for more details.
Encouraging cycling
Meeting with Cycle Shepway volunteer group regarding developing recreation cycle routes on the marsh.
Project vehicle arrived
Project vehicle purchased. Graphics for vehicle are being designed and will be based around the ‘Romney Marsh – Fifth Continent’ logo.
Changes to project agreed
HLF approved changes some elements of the project, including: bundling together some of the interpretation elements to go out to tender; use a small amount of the funds to have a re-evaluation of existing interpretation; and change from education vehicle to a multi-purpose vehicle.
Project vehicle planned
We are in the process of purchasing a project vehicle which will support our information stand at events, and to promote the Scheme around Romney Marsh.
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