The Globe Inn Marsh in Military Road has added a new interest apart from its excellent food, ambience and Thursday night music offerings and on Monday, November 14, I went to listen to a talk by Elizabeth Grant: ‘Love Our Place – Romney Marsh Wildlife’.
Elizabeth is the development officer and visitor centre manager at Kent Wildlife Trust’s New Romney centre (pictured above and below) and was very enthusiastic about all the projects they were already providing, together with new ones planned. She explained the uniqueness of Romney Marsh, its history and heritage. The centre houses fascinating displays depicting the region’s natural and social history, providing opportunities for visitors and locals to discover, explore and learn about the Romney Marsh landscape.
The art gallery has regular exhibitions of local artists and photographers depicting the season and vistas of the amazing beauty of the Marsh. On the site is a reconstructed Lookers Hut, a traditional building used by lookers and shepherds in the 18th and 19th century. It is the only publicly accessible such hut on the Marsh.
Elizabeth told us that they have many visitors and holiday makers – especially New Zealanders for the sheep. Apart from talking about the centre, wildlife and events on the Marsh, staff also provide extensive information about what is on in the area, what to see and where to go. Her other task is to work with the local community, as well as small creative businesses, which produce goods that can be sold in the gift/retail section of the centre. It creates jobs and training opportunities for young people who want to learn about land management, retail and charity work. There is a new project on the horizon which will include partnership work with Rye Harbour.
The audience seemed very attentive, asking questions and being involved. Usually after a talk there is a quiz, but we all had such an interesting discussion with Elizabeth that there was no time in the end.
The visitor’s centre is open from March to November, seven days a week and November to March,Wednesday to Sunday.
If you would like to know more about the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, Dymchurch Road, New Romney go to their website or phone 01797 369487
The next talk at The Globe Inn is on November 28 – ‘Love Our Place’ with Jamie and Frank (the pub’s butchers), Tonbridge Brewery and Biddenden Vineyard. It starts at approximately 7pm. Among other talks planned for next year are: gardening for insect pollinators and fracking – a geologist’s view. To get more information go to: the Globe Inn Marsh website or phone 01797 225220
Photos by Elizabeth Grant