NATURE
[Part of the Up-to-Date Ramsgate Guide]
The Nature Guide is the ideal resource for eco-conscious visitors and wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore Ramsgate and its stunning coastline. From tracking the resident seal colony resting on the mudflats to spotting vibrant flocks of wild ring-necked parakeets, this guide highlights the incredible biodiversity right on our doorstep. Discover globally recognised wildlife reserves, choose between immersive guided tours led by local experts, or explore at your own pace with detailed self-guided nature walks.
Photo credit @Ramsgatebirds
Questions and Answers
- Tell me about the Pegwell Nature Reserve
- Tell me about Monkton Nature Reserve
- Are there any guided nature walks?
- Are there any self guided nature walks?
- Where can you see the local Seal Colony?
- Where can you see Highland cows and Konik ponies?
- Where can you see Ring neck parakeets?
- Where are the best place in Ramsgate for Birdwatching?
- What birds can I potentially see in Ramsgate and Pegwell?
Tell me about the Pegwell Nature Reserve
Protected wetland and mudflats featuring wading birds, egrets, and wintering waterfowl. Includes a dedicated public bird hide.
Click here to learn more about this nature reserve.
Tell me about Monkton Nature Reserve
A 16-acre reclaimed chalk quarry with woodland species and specialized observation windows looking out at active bird feeders.
Click here to learn more about this nature reserve.
Return to questions
Where can you see the local seal colony?
Ramsgate has a resident seal colony located nearby at the mouth of the River Stour near Shellness Point on the edge of the Pegwell Bay Nature Reserve.
You can view the seals during low tide when they haul out onto the mudflats and sandbanks to rest and sunbathe.
Because seals are highly sensitive to disturbances, they are best viewed either from designated land-based vantage points with binoculars or via organized, eco-friendly boat tours departing from Ramsgate Royal Harbour and the Seal Kayaking Safari from the Western Undercliff.
| Viewing Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Land-based vantage points | Bring binoculars to see them on the distant mudflats at low tide. |
| Pegwell Bay Country Park | Best viewed from the park pathways looking across the Stour Estuary. |
| The Old Hoverport / Coastline | Accessed via the paths behind the Viking Ship. Guided nature walks are available on foot. |
| By Boat | |
| Sea Searcher | Water-based tour departing from Ramsgate Harbour (West Pier). Offers a 90-minute traditional boat tour timed with the tides. Engines are cut near the colony. |
| River Runner | Water-based tour departing from Ramsgate Harbour (West Pier). Runs a 1 hour 20 minute family-friendly, wheelchair-accessible catamaran trip. |
| Go2Sea | Water-based tour departing from Ramsgate Harbour (Pier Yard). Operates Year-round Seal & Wildlife Safaris using stable commercial vessels. |
| By Kayak | |
| Seal Kayak Safaris | Low-impact water excursion. Guided 3-hour group canoe or kayak safaris traveling directly through the nature reserve. |
Return to questions
Where can you see Ring neck parakeets in Ramsgate?
While these vibrant birds inhabit various parts of Ramsgate, King George VI Memorial Park offers the highest chance of a sighting. The Montifiore Woodlands is another favourite spot.
Return to questions
Where and when can you see Kingfishers in Ramsgate?
Where else would a kingfisher spend the winter but in a royal harbour? Our local expert will help you spot these elusive majestic birds amid the splendour of our boats.
They are normally here from September to March.
Return to questions
Where can you see Highland cows and Konik ponies?
You can often spot grazing Konik ponies and Highland cattle in the fields at Pegwell Nature Reserve*.
*If you are planning a specific trip to see the animals, you can contact the Kent Wildlife Trust ahead of time to check their current herd locations.
Return to questions
Are there any guided nature walks?
Yes, see list below :-
| Guide | Description |
|---|---|
| Keith Ross (Booking enquiries : email keithross1@hotmail.com). | Wildlife Filmmaker and Nature Guide • Ramsgate-based expert specializing in local coastal species. • Offers custom full-day nature walks (6-mile walks from Ramsgate to Pegwell Bay), alongside a chance to see the famous overwintering Kingfishers (BBC One Show and BBC Spring watch stars) on his Kingfisher Walks in Ramsgate Royal Harbour. |
| Tony Swandale (Booking enquiries : email tony.swandale@vfast.co.uk). | Ornithologist, Ecologist, and Wildlife Guide • Spent 25+ years managing nature reserves like Oare Marshes and Pegwell Bay. • Runs Swandale Birding, offering structured public/private bird identification courses and guided migration walks. |
| Bird Wise East Kent | Coastal Mitigation & Conservation Project • Operates as a partnership dedicated entirely to the Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay Special Protection Area. • Uses seasonal engagement officers and community events at Pegwell Bay to educate the public on reducing dog and human disturbance to vital wintering waders. |
Return to questions
Are there any self guided nature walks?
The Contra Trail from Ramsgate to Pegwell, is a good route for a nature walk.
Bring your binoculars to spot the abundance of wildlife – from basking seals in the bay, to wading birds along our local nature reserve.
| Map |
| Click here to view the full range of Self-Guided Walk Maps. |
Return to questions
Where are the best place in Ramsgate for bird watching?
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Pegwell Nature Reserve | Protected wetland and mudflats featuring wading birds, egrets, and wintering waterfowl. 🪿 Includes a dedicated public bird hide. |
| Pegwell Bay Country Park | Grassy seafront paths with coastal views. Excellent in the winter for birds of prey hunting over the saltmarshes. |
| Monkton Nature Reserve | A 16-acre reclaimed chalk quarry with woodland species and specialized observation windows looking out at active bird feeders. |
| Ramsgate Royal Harbour | Coastal harbour piers ideal during autumn and winter for spotting kingfishers, turnstones, and divers. |
More places nearby :-
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Grove Ferry | Flooded river meadows and reedbeds. It features viewing hides, a ramp, and is excellent for spotting passage waders, cattle egrets, and wetland birds. 🪿 There are 5 bird hides spread over Grove Ferry and Stodmarsh. |
| Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve | Features one of the country’s largest reedbeds adjacent to the Stour River Valley. It is a premier location for bitterns, kingfishers, water rails and bearded tits. |
| Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory | A field study centre that monitors migration. The surrounding grassland, dunes, and woodland host owls (short-eared and barn owls), kestrels, and migrant songbirds. Tip : At the Toll Booth, let them know that you are heading for the observatory and you will only be charged £1. |
| Restharrow Scrape Hide | Located just south of the observatory, these spacious hides overlook a manmade lake and islands. It supports safe nesting opportunities and is perfect for viewing water birds and waders up close. |
Click here for more information on Birdwatching.
Return to questions
What birds can I potentially see in Ramsgate and Pegwell?
Nature offers no guarantees, but the following information will help you navigate what to expect :-
| Season / Timing | Bird Species |
|---|---|
| All year round | Little egret, grey heron, curlew, shelduck, oystercatcher, turnstone, cormorant, redshank, kestrel, peregrine, and if you are very lucky, a Ramsgate Raven 😉 |
| Winter | Wigeon, teal, shoveler, avocet, brent geese, lapwing, kingfisher, golden plover, grey plover, ringed plover, dunlin, red-throated and great northern divers. |
| Spring & Autumn | Wheatear, whinchat, cuckoo, swift, and swallows (arriving and leaving). |
| Summer | Cuckoo, swallow, fulmar, and swifts (especially near the San Clu Hotel). |
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