You could be forgiven for thinking most of them are our year-round neighbours, they’re so familiar.

But join a wildlife migration day with the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership at Samphire Hoe between Dover and Folkestone will put you straight.

Every autumn, millions of migrant birds head to this country. Many of the species, such as blackbirds and robins, are well known to us, but the majority of these arriving individuals will not be staying long – instead they will return to continental Europe at the end of the winter.

Samphire Hoe is a haven for wildlife, and staff who live and breathe the area and its inhabitants run dozens of events throughout the year showing people what to look for and where.

You don’t have to be a hardcore twitcher to join them – binoculars, along with the knowledge – are supplied.

Leading a mini migration expedition from the education shelter along the cliffs for about an hour, Paul Holt, partnership officer with the WCCP, says: "I love seeing rare birds."

The group, ranging from children as young as four to pensioners, are treated to a glimpse of Britain’s smallest bird – a goldcrest.

"The goldcrests have crossed the North Sea to come and winter with us. This year has been one of the most amazing arrivals of goldcrests. Some days there are just hundreds of them," enthuses Paul.

"This autumn has seen one of the most memorable arrivals as they migrate from cold Scandinavian countries to winter in warm, mild England."

Paul has been doing the job since 1998. What does he love about it?

"There are amazing things to see. Every day is slightly different. You can have the most incredible moments. You’ve just got to get out and be there to see it. There’s something happening all year round."

The seasons determine what happens when. During March and April birds are arriving; in May, June and July they are breeding. In August and September some are leaving but others are arriving, while in October and November many arrive in their thousands.

On a wildlife migration day last month, more than 35,000 birds were recorded – via Twitter, appropriately – along the coast from Hythe to Kingsdown.

What’s the rarest bird Paul has ever seen?

"A desert warbler was spotted a few years back. Lots of people came to see it. But they don’t have to be rare to be great to see."

SAMPHIRE HOE

Just a stone’s throw from lorries queuing to get to the busy port of Dover is the haven that is Samphire Hoe, owned by Eurotunnel and managed together with the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership (WCCP).

It’s a picturesque and occasionally blustery site, right on the coast, with the White Cliffs towering over it. There’s a free car park and a little shop.

An education shelter where many of the visitor events are held opened a year ago, thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery fund with Eurotunnel and Dover Rotary.

GETTING THERE

Samphire Hoe is signposted off the A20 heading from Dover, or if you travel from Folkestone, follow the signs that direct you to go right round the roundabout as you come into Dover and head back along the A20.

For details go to www.samphire hoe.com/uk/visit-us/

For details of the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership go to www.whitecliffscountryside.org.uk/