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The twin towers of St. Mary's Church are a well known landmark for sailors and local people alike along this stretch of the North Kent Coast between Herne Bay and Birchington. It is said that back in the Middle Ages ships would dip their sails as they sailed passed the Church as a sign of respect. ReculverReculver was the site of Regulbium, an important Roman fort which controlled the northern entrance to the Wantsum Channel separating the Isle of Thanet from mainland England.
In Saxon times the Abbey of Saint Augustine stood here; most of that site has now crumbled into the sea. The imposing remains of the church are a reminder of this period. Erosion is still a big issue here today, with the added concerns of global warming and rising sea levels.
Recent innovative work on this geologically important stretch of coastline has set a precedent for similar sites. Erosion is slowed to an acceptable rate, rather than trying to halt it completely. At the base of the cliffs, huge pieces of rock imported from Sweden (called Hornblende Gneiss) are used to absorb the sea’s energy.
In 2001 Reculver achieved a Seaside Award for its beach.
Trials of famous ‘bouncing bombs’ were carried out near here to assist with the war effort. |
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| The Famous 'Bouncing Bomb' tests at Reculver |
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| The twin towers of St. Mary's Church |
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Reculver Country Park is an excellent location for bird watching, with over 150 different species spotted each year. Make sure you visit the Information Centre where you can learn about the history, flora, fauna and geology of this atmospheric spot. |
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| For more information contact: |
Herne Bay Visitor Information Centre
12 William Street
Herne Bay
Kent
CT6 5EJ
United Kingdom |
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| Telephone: |
+44 (0)1227 361 911 |
| Facsimile: |
+44 (0)1227 361 911 |
| Website: |
http://www.canterbury.co.uk/ |
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