Save our Turtle Doves

We are the Friends of Betteshanger* Country Park (near Deal in Kent); this ex-mining pit has evolved into a rich biodiverse mosaic habitat where the rare Turtle Doves nest, forage, drink and bathe. Their habitat is threatened by a Hotel Complex development.

Turtle Doves, a symbol of love and loyalty, referred to in song and literature for hundreds of years are on the Red List as vulnerable to global extinction; now down to 2,100 pairs in the UK, (98% decline since the 1970’s). Up and down the country every effort is being made to save this small dove that used to purr in summer time in our ‘green and pleasant land’.

There is also the large and impressive Lizard Orchid, it has become the second largest colony in the UK and a jewel in Dover Districts’ wildlife crown, it also needs protection from the large development.**

Betteshanger was intended as a Nature Reserve Country Park for the local community, due to bungled bureaucracy it was sold to a Developer. We have to stop this special habitat from ruin.

Please donate to help our community group campaign against this proposed development. The money will be used for: printing, research, viewing covenants, room hire for meetings and publicity.

Earth is struggling, Nature is struggling; Britain is one of the countries with the most depleted nature in the world. This is a gorgeous corner of Kent and we will fight to keep this natural habitat rich in wildlife; we all want to save planet Earth, our home.

Any funds not used for the campaign will be given to The RSPB (Royal Society for Protection of Birds) for ‘ Operation Turtle Dove’. ***

*Facebook: Friends of Betteshanger

**Dover District Council Planning Ref No’s. for Hotel and artificial 'surf lagoon' 22/01152 and 22/01158. Please say no.

*** RSPB page https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/conservation/projects/operation-turtle-dove/