The first stage of the Public Inquiry is drawing to a close with just one more week before it is adjourned until 10 May.

The inspector has already heard evidence on the likely impact of an expanded airport on bird populations, the effect on our much valued Dungeness Nature Reserve and the loss of the peace and tranquility that this special place provides to both people and wildlife.

This week evidence on air quality has been heard with witnesses on behalf of the airport (Dr Bethan Tuckett-Jones and Holger Thues),   Natural England (Jo Dear) and Kent Wildlife Trust (Richard Moyse).

You can have your chance to speak at a public evening session in New Rommey on Tuesday 5 July. For more information contact the Programme Officer on 01303 853542 or email posltd@virginmedia.com

And if you head to the RSPB's Dungeness Reserve now you might catch the sound of a booming male Bittern who has been heard calling in recent weeks. On one morning alone there were 19 booming events recorded, with multiple booms on several occasions.

Spring arrivals continue with sightings of sand martins and swallows. Cuckoos should soon be heard and Lapwings seen displaying over the fields.

Will the purple herons return?

 

 

To find out more about what is happening near you go to: www.rspb.org.uk/nearyou