Dungeness Preservation Fund

Abstract

THE promontory of Dungeness is unique on the south-east coast of England as being the last level area of any size remaining in a natural and undisturbed state. It is of particular interest for its bird life, notably as the sole British breeding ground of the Kentish plover. Other uncommon birds also nest there, such as the stone curlew, and there is a large colony of terns. All this may soon be irretrievably lost if a threat of bungalow building along the sea-front cannot be averted. To secure the position, therefore, efforts are being made to raise 9000 for the purchase of 271 acres as a bird sanctuary and Nature reserve, to be administered either by the National Trust or by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. This area, with its half-mile of shore frontage, is the part immediately in danger, and its price is, unfortunately, already that of a building site. Its acquisition, however, would increase the sanctuary value of adjacent land that is already preserved, and would make inaccessible to development a further stretch of coast lying beyond. The area is thus a key position, and the success of the scheme for its security is very greatly to be desired. The treasurer of the fund is Mr. Percival Jackling, Lloyds Bank, Folkestone.