About Suzie

The Thanet Coastline is an amazing treasure that we have on our doorstep. And we have the longest continuous stretch of chalk cliffs in Britain.  Since its set up in 2001 the Thanet Coast Project has raised awareness of the areas coastline through events, such as seashore safaris, story telling educations visits, talks and working with the local community. The coastline of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate is internationally important for some of its marine and bird life and also has a number of  nationally important environmental features which include the cliff top chalk grassland supporting rare plants and insects, waders and breeding birds, seals, sandbanks and important geological features.

The Thanet Coast Project aims to

- raise awareness
- Work with local people
- Promote coastal wildlife events
- provide information & keep people informed

The Thanet Coast Project relies on a huge amount of volunteer support and we have a warden scheme where people from the local community adopt their local beach to look after. We also help find out what information; we still need to know, to encourage future research to make sure that the coast is managed in a favourable way for the wildlife.

The project has had Big Lottery Funding which has enabled two projects to run for three years. The role of Assistant has been heavily involved in planning, organizing and running these two projects. The ‘Beach Play’ project has involved working to allow children and young people opportunities to play outdoors, utilizing Thanet’s natural assets (beaches, bays and reefs). It has also been to offer environmental and creative opportunities to children and young people over 8 weeks of school holidays throughout the year. These aims have been achieved through a wide range of activities such as Seashore safaris (rock pooling), story telling, festivals, surfing, carnivals and geology rock activities.

The second project ‘Doorstep Play’ has focused on engaging diverse community groups to provide better access and involvement in learning about the importance of the natural coastal environment. We have provided a variety of responsible play sessions, providing opportunities to children and young people for safe play, including sport, music, arts and crafts.

The role is very diverse and provides great opportunities for engaging with a wide range of age groups, external agencies, community groups and experts in environmentally linked areas. The position has included leading school trips in the coastal environment, a school science fair, water safety talks, cool seas road shows and After School Eco Clubs.

To find out more about the Thanet Coast Project you can visit www.thanetcoast.org.uk