Sound Mirror Open Day

RSPB Dungeness is proud to welcome you back to the enigmatic island of the Sound Mirrors in 2024!

Please Note:

• For more information on the Sound Mirror event such as parking, talk times and direction follow the link below. Sound Mirrors Event Guidance – RSPB Dungeness
• Dogs are not permitted at this event, except assistance dogs.

• Free entry for children under 5 and carers with accompanying tickets.

On this day, you will 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. The secretive island retreat is the only location in the world where you can see all three designs in one place.

Drop in at any time between 11am and 3pm to 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 aircraft in years gone by.

On selected dates, we will have a special guest hosting talks about the history of the Mirrors. Mr Peter Osborne – a local expert and publisher of the ‘Echoes from the Sky’ and the author of ‘RAF Biggin Hill, The Other Side of the Bump’ book. We will be selling copies of both books at the event.

There are limited tickets for each date, so we are advice pre-booking ticket as we may be unable to accept drop in visits on the day if we are at capacity, due to health and safety reasons.

Important information to be aware of:

• The location of the Sound Mirrors, lade pits, is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). We ask that you please respect the area and its wildlife whilst attending the open day.
• Please keep to the pathways and ensure you take any litter home with you.
• Always supervise children
• Please do not climb on the Sound Mirrors.
• There are NO TOILETS at the Sound Mirror Site. The closest public toilets are located at the Lade Car Park (approximately 1.1 miles away, details above).
• Please be aware of trip hazards, such as rubble, brambles and discarded metal which can be found throughout the site.
• Please be aware that a portion of the walk to and around the sound mirrors is over loose shingle.We advise that you wear appropriate clothing and footwear – good, comfortable walking boots or shoes and warm, waterproof clothing if needed.
• There will be First Aiders present on site.
• 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.
• Please see our terms and conditions to find information on cancellation and refunds. Reserve Events Terms and Conditions (rspb.org.uk)

We look forward to welcoming you to the Sound Mirrors in 2024!