Dungeness is one of the largest expanses of shingle in the world. It is of international conservation importance for its geomorphology, plant and invertebrate communities and birdlife. This is recognised and protected in large part through its conservation designations - National Nature Reserve (NNR), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The area has an unique aesthetic appeal and character that is attractive to an increasing number of visitors.

Dungeness is an unique area favoured by fashion shoots and film crews. However, Dungeness is also a private estate and a National Nature Reserve. The Dungeness wildlife is sensitive and fragile, while residents live in the 90 odd houses on the point so you must follow the Code of Conduct.

You will need permission and the relevant paperwork to photograph or film at Dungeness and have cleared the work with the Romney Marsh Countryside Project before entering the estate.

Please click here for contact details.

However, Dungeness is incredibly fragile and suffers from tremendous visitor pressure. Do not drive or ride across the shingle.

Dungeness National Nature Reserve is managed through a partnership of organisations namely English Nature, the RSPB, Shepway District Council and Folkestone and Dover Water Services.

Dungeness also holds a special place in the hearts of local people and the National Nature Reserve aims to safeguard Dungeness for generations to come. Please respect the privacy of the people who live and work here.

There is a remarkable and unique variety of wildlife living at Dungeness. Over 600 different types of plant are found here; that's a third of all the different kinds of plant in the whole of Britain. Dungeness has a far greater range of plants living on it than on any other British Nature Reserve.

Dungeness is one of the best places in Britain to find insects such as moths, bees, beetles and spiders; many of these are very rare, some are found nowhere else in Britain. Many rare moths occur on Dungeness, including the Sussex Emerald Moth, a species restricted only to Dungeness in Britain feeds on the plant wild carrot. Other rare moths found are the Toadflax Brocade, White Spot and Pygmy Footman.

The landscape at Dungeness is important too. It is one of the largest areas of shingle in Europe, the pattern of shingle ridges having built up over 5,000 years, vital in piecing together the information on climatic change. The pattern of the ridges helps scientists understand how the beach formed. The ridges can be traced back inland to the Marsh soils. The height of the shingle ridges can be used to determine sea level when formed and therefore across Dungeness, there are a series of records showing how sea level has changed naturally over the past 5,000 years.

The best places to visit are the Dungeness RSPB Reserve Visitor Centre or the Dungeness Power Station Visitor Centre. They are both equipped for visitors and will welcome you.

For more information on the RSPB reserve please visit www.rspb.org.uk

If you visit Dungeness please take care to care for this important place. The landscape is open but please do not drive or ride over the shingle. If you have any queries about the Dungeness NNR, please get in touch with us.

For more information on National Nature Reserve’s in England, including Dungeness visit www.english-nature.org.uk

If you would like to find out more about recent wildlife sightings at Dungeness, from the latest migrant bird, to the complete Dungeness plant list, to butterfly and moth sightings, visit the Dungeness Bird Observatory website.

While at Dungeness you may wish to climb the 169 steps to the top of the Dungeness Old Lighthouse www.dungenesslighthouse.com or travel on the world famous Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway www.rhdr.demon.co.uk

Dungeness also boasts the RSPB reserve with excellent visitor centre, toilet and car park facilities. Sit and have a cup of tea looking out over the gravel pits, watching breeding terns, ducks and waders.