The (sometimes green) White Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are one of England’s most iconic landmarks, which you can see nearly all the way to France (just 21 miles) on a clear day, or from the ferry. The are white due to erosion of fine limestone, but in areas protected from erosion, plants grow on them, so they are green!
The cliffs are home to many unique plants and insects (like pyramidal orchids and chalkhill blue butterflies).
Stay on marked trails, as chalk edges crumble easily. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a windproof jacket. And always take litter home, to keep plants and wildlife safe.
Obviously keep dogs away from cliffs (The National Trust has a useful page of tips to keep dogs, livestock and marine creatures safe, if visiting the area with your pooch).
If at the coast, read about how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
No Bluebirds on the White Cliffs!
Despite the iconic song from forces sweetheart Vera Lynn, there are no bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover. At least none have ever been spotted, though many other birds have!
The tune had an anti-war message, looking forward to a day when there would be peace. Vera’s friend Harry Secombe joked that Churchill did not beat the Nazis – Vera ‘sang them to death!)’ She lived to 103, spending her last days in the village of Ditchling, the highest point in East Sussex.
In 2009, feisty Vera took the BNP to court, for using her song on an anti-immigration album, without her permission. She was concerned this would link her name to far-right views. It later transpired that the party had not realised another song was by a black artist, and another by Jewish songwriter Irving Berlin.
Vera lost the case, as the song was by now in the public domain. A spokesman for the BNP said of our national heroine: ‘She can complain, but it’s not going to do her any good’. Charming.
