Lively Lizards at Fort Burgoyne

Event Date: 30/05/2025 10:00 - 14:30

2 time slots are available: 10am-11:30am & 1pm-2:30pm. Please select your time slot when booking. 

Join Rangers Jasmine and Matt at Fort Burgoyne as we delve into the hidden corners of the fort, seeking out the elusive slow worms and common lizards. This gentle walk offers a rare opportunity to get up close with these fascinating creatures. But that's not all – our expert rangers will reveal the fort's other intriguing wildlife as we explore.

Be part of our mission to document the day's discoveries and contribute to the vital wildlife data for Fort Burgoyne!

This event is taking place alongside Fort Burgoyne's Open Day on 30th May- more information about our Open Day can be found here.

£2.50 per child- booking essential.

Parking

Free parking available within Fort Burgoyne. Please follow signs for event parking on arrival.

Health & safety considerations:

Children must be accompanied at all times.

Please be aware that this event will navigate over uneven ground & non-tarmacked paths & follows paths with steep drops to the side. All safety information will be explained prior to the event. 

Please wear suitable clothing for the weather and shoes with good grip and support- no open toed shoes.

Meeting point:

WCCP gazebo on parade ground at Fort Burgoyne.

Event Location - Fort Burgoyne

Fort Burgoyne

Located beside Dover Castle and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, Fort Burgoyne is a scheduled ancient monument dating back to the 1860s. Originally known as "Castle Hill Fort," it was built to defend Dover Castle. In addition to the historical buildings, a diverse range of wildlife can be found on site, including Common lizards and Slow worms, and is a site of high importance for several bat species. Currently, the main Fort Burgoyne building is closed to the public, except during events. WCCP manage Fort Burgoyne, including The West Wing, Coombe Hole and Burgoyne Heights Recreation Ground on behalf of The Land Trust.

The what3words location of the entrance to Fort Burgoyne is - ///topped.hunter.push

The West Wing

In 2023, the West Wing Battery of Fort Burgoyne was opened to the public following significant investment in the conservation of its structures and improvements to accessibility. With restricted opening times, the West Wing Battery welcomes visitors from 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. This area features historical elements such as the gatehouse, gun shed, tool shed, and gun platform, all dating back to the construction of Fort Burgoyne.

From the gun platform, visitors can enjoy views of Dover Town, Dover Castle, and Britain’s busiest ferry port. Adding to the experience is the immersive sound installation “I Would Rather Walk With You” by Emily Peasgood. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council as part of the Pioneering Places East Kent project, this installation combines archival audio of soldiers, bespoke choral recordings, and community-produced material. It takes visitors on a journey, honouring the site’s military history while celebrating its evolution into a community space.

The what3words location of the entrance to The West Wing is - ///spices.super.noted  

Recreation Ground

Spanning 7 hectares, the recreation ground and woodland surrounding the northern and eastern areas of the Fort offer glimpses into its ditch, as well as breath taking views of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the English Channel.