Free entry to Monkton Nature Reserve on teacher strike days

Monkton Nature Reserve Photo Tom Plastow

Monkton Nature Reserve is offering free entry for families affected by strikes on Thursday , March 2nd and 16th, There is also a ‘Family Fiver’ deal – £5 entrance fee for every family on the last Sunday of the month. ‘Family Fiver’ begins on Sunday 26th February and will run until the start of the summer holidays.

The money saving initiative embraces the reserve’s aims of promoting conservation and education to the community.

Monkton Nature Reserve is a 16-acre former abandoned quarry on the outskirts of Ramsgate and boasts over 350 species of flowering plant, including the nationally scarce Man Orchid.

There is an abundance of opportunities to learn about the environment at the reserve, one of which is its newest activity trail Walk, Watch, Listen and Learn. This activity trail is for primary aged children, 8 years and above. Nine large interpretation boards and ten small information panels can be found throughout the reserve; each contains information about the landscape and/or various species of plant and animal found at Monkton Nature Reserve.

Children can choose some, or all, of the twelve educational activity leaflets, each covering a different topic. Answers are to be found within the leaflets and on the boards.

Anna Nicholls, Education and Community Outreach, said: “We hope these offers give the community time out to relax and enjoy spring at the reserve with its delightful snowdrops, daffodils, and early blossoms. The fascinating museum and fun trails are perfect ways to engage children in discovering more about nature, and everyone enjoys time spent in the café, gift, and book shop.’

For more information visit: www.monkton-reserve.org or email: [email protected]

Teachers in Ramsgate joining strike action in February

Teachers in Thanet will be among those taking to the picket lines on March 2 and March 16th in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Members of the National Education Union (NEU) are striking in the ongoing campaign for a fully-funded, above inflation pay rise.

The first took place today (February 1) affecting 23,400 schools in England and Wales. Teachers are protesting about pay but also over cuts to school budgets and the resulting recruitment crisis.

Upcoming strike days affecting the south east:

Thursday 2 March: all eligible members in the following English regions: London, South East, South West.

Wednesday 15 March: all eligible members in England and Wales.

Thursday 16 March: all eligible members in England and Wales.

Renewal projects, volunteer efforts and Spring offers at Monkton Nature Reserve