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The Thanet Coast Project was founded in 2001 to support the safeguarding of local wildlife and coastal geology, operating through donations and grants.
Kent Coast Volunteering spoke with Carole Yearsley about how volunteering benefits the organisation:
Our unique shoreline has long attracted visitors, delighted children, and served as a haven for coastal communities.
The Thanet Coast Project, led by isle stalwart Tony Childs, has consistently celebrated the region’s diverse coastal wildlife through initiatives such as Seashore Safaris – popular family events that introduce people to the shore life found on their own doorstep around the various bays in Thanet.
Volunteers contribute significantly to the project’s ongoing success by supporting activities that range from educational talks to school visits.
Carole Yearsley, originally from Broadstairs, says volunteering has provided her with a renewed appreciation for the coastal environment. She said: “Having grown up here, I often questioned, as an 18-year-old, why people would come to Thanet! But after I moved back nine years ago, I found myself appreciating the area in entirely new ways and through different eyes.”
A renewed enthusiasm for coastal life led Carole, 66, to volunteer at Thanet Coast Project and the former teacher has enjoyed sharing her knowledge with the public. She said: “Taking part in school visits, scavenger hunts and liaising with people is very rewarding. It’s great to share my enthusiasm and seeing people – often the adults – so interested in what we have here right on our doorstep.”
Connecting with the coast and working with a tight-knit team also supported her move back to Broadstairs after many years living away. She said: “I came back partly to be closer to my mum and sadly she passed away just five days after moving.” Scattering her ashes at Stone Beach, Carole says being on the coast and volunteering has provided comfort and purpose.
From the discovery and identification of a rare egg case (mermaid’s purse) belonging to a blonde ray to differentiating types of jellyfish species such as compass and moon, Carole’s learning journey continues each time she walks across the beach.
The team’s wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm enriches our understanding of Thanet’s special coastline.
The Thanet Coast Project welcomes new volunteers – to find out more and for other volunteering opportunities visit www.kcv.org.uk, email [email protected] or call 01304 367 898. Thanet Coast Project is available directly on
[email protected] or call Tony Child Thanet Coast Project (NE Kent Marine Protected Area) Officer on 01843 577672
EVENTS
Wed 13 Aug, 8:30am: Seashore Safari – St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate. Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book here (select correct date for your location required!)
Thu 14 Aug, 9am: Seashore Safari – Westbrook Bay, Margate. Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book here (select correct date for your location required!)
Fri 15 Aug, 9:30am: Seashore Safari – Margate Main Sands. Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book here (select correct date for your location required!)
Sat 16 Aug, 10:30am: Seashore Safari – Walpole Bay, Margate. Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book here (select correct date for your location required!)
Thur 21 Aug, 5pm: Seaweed & Their Secrets – Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs Join Ian Tittley from the Natural History Museum for a seaweed extravaganza! Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about their history, properties, and more. (14+; 2hrs; donation). Please Book: Bookings open.
Wed 27 Aug, 8:30am: Seashore Safari – Eastcliff, Ramsgate. Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book here (select correct date for your location required!)
Thu 28 Aug, 9am: Seashore Safari – Western Undercliff, Ramsgate. Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book here (select correct date for your location required!)
Fri 29 Aug, 9:30am: Seashore Safari – Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs. Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book here (select correct date for your location required!)
Fri 12 Sept, 9:30am: The White Cliffs of Kingsgate. Join this walk to explore the geology, erosion, fossils and history of the spectacular Kingsgate coastline, led by Richard Hubbard. (2hrs; suitable for 14+; £5pp suggested donation). Book here!
Sat 20 Sept, 10am: Great British Beach Clean – Plum Pudding, Minnis Bay, Birchington Join the clean & litter survey within the Marine Protected Area. Book here!
Sat 20 Sept, 2pm: Great British Beach Clean – Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend Join the clean & litter survey within the National Nature Reserve. Book here!
Sun 21 Sept, 11am-4pm: Westbrook Sunken Garden Eco Fair 2025 Come and meet different environment organisations – including the Thanet Coast Project volunteers and find out more about our local marine wildlife of the Marine Protected Area and how you can get help!
Sat 11 Oct, 9am: Seaweed & Their Secrets – Walpole Bay, Margate Join Ian Tittley from the Natural History Museum for a seaweed extravaganza! Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about their history, properties, and more. (14+; 2hrs; donation). Book: thanetcoast.org.uk at start of September
Tue 28 Oct, 11am: Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! – Walpole Bay, Margate. Look for clues of our marine life along the shore. (1.5hrs; suitable for 4-11s; donation). Book: thanetcoast.org.uk at start of October
Wed 29 Oct, 11am: Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! – Botany Bay, Broadstairs. Look for clues of our marine life along the shore. (1.5hrs; suitable for 4-11s; donation). Book: thanetcoast.org.uk at start of October
Thur 30 Oct, 11am: Scavenger Hunt with Beach Art! – Ramsgate Main Sands. Look for clues of our marine life along the shore. (1.5hrs; suitable for 4-11s; donation). Book: thanetcoast.org.uk at start of October
Fri 5 December, 1pm: Winter Beach Clean – Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend Join the beach clean & litter survey within the Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve.
