RSPB Dungeness is proud to welcome you back to the enigmatic island of the Sound Mirrors in 2022!
Due to Covid-19 we haven't been able to open the Sound Mirrors to the public for two years. We are now extremely excited to re-launch our highly anticipated Sound Mirror open days to the public this year.
On this day, you can gain exclusive access to the island at Lade Pits in Dungeness, Kent. Nestled on this island, you will discover the three spectacular relics of a pre-World War 2 acoustic aerial defence system, built to sound the alarm against enemy planes crossing the channel. Their secretive island retreat is the only location in the world where you can see all three designs in one place.
From 11am to 3pm, explore the mysteries of the listening dishes, talk to your friends and family from each end of the great 200ft curved wall and imagine what it would have been like to hear the engine sounds from approaching air craft in years gone by.
On the first open day 13th February, we will have a special guest, Mr Peter Osborne - a local expert on the mirrors and publisher of the ‘Echoes from the Sky’ book - hosting talks by the 200ft curved wall, so you can learn all there is to know about their history and construction. Mr Osborne will be present at future events, though the specific dates of his attendance is yet to be confirmed.
We will also be selling limited refreshments on the island and will have copies of the previously mentioned ‘Echoes from the Sky’ book available for purchase, for those who are interested in delving deeper into the subject.
There are limited tickets for each event, so grab yours early. However, if you don’t manage to get tickets for one event, don’t panic - there are plenty more dates to choose from. Please note that we are only accepting pre-booked tickets and are unable to accept drop in visits on the day if we are at capacity, due to health and safety reasons. Free entry for children under 5.
Important information to be aware of:
· Unfortunately, due to the terrain of the nature reserve, these events are not suitable for those with accessibility issues. The pathways are made up of loose shingle and may be unsuitable for access by disabled visitors, particularly those in wheelchairs and mobility scooters - this also applies to pushchairs. The bridge to the Sound Mirrors is also very narrow and we regret that wheelchairs and mobility scooters are unable to cross it. If you are concerned about any accessibility issues, we advise that you contact us on 01797 320588 before booking on to any of our Sound Mirror events.
· There are no toilets on the island, the closest facilities being at the Lade Car Park (approx. a mile away) or on our main nature reserve site, (approx. 3 miles away).
· Please ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear for the day.
Please be aware that in extreme circumstances, for example, high winds or torrential rain, we reserve the right to cancel or postpone the event at short notice, for the safety of our staff and visitors. In this instance, we would look to transfer your tickets to the next suitable event.
Further information regarding location, directions and facilities will be emailed to you at the email address used for your booking approximately a week prior to the open day. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk folder before contacting us on 01797 320588.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Sound Mirrors in 2022!