THE RADAR THAT NEVER WAS – OPEN DAYS AT THE SOUND MIRRORS
RSPB Dungeness is not just about the birds – it’s also home to the Lade Pits Island, where three remarkable relics of a pre-World War II acoustic defence system are sited.
These unique Sound Mirrors were built to detect enemy aircraft approaching across the Channel and is the only place in the world where you can see all three designs together.
Open Days: July 12 and 27; August 9 and 24; September 6 and 20; October 4 2025.
WHAT IS A SOUND MIRROR?
Before World War II and the invention of radar, acoustic mirrors were an early warning device. The most famous examples are the ones on Lade Pits Island. The three different shapes indicate the experimental nature of this work, but as aircraft became faster in the 1930s they would be too close to engage by the time they had been detected. The design was not wasted however, as the system developed for linking the stations and plotting aircraft movements was given to the first radar teams and contributed to their success in World War II.
DISCOVER THE SECRETS
Open between 11am and 3pm, you can test the incredible acoustics by speaking to friends and family from opposite ends of the impressive 200-foot curved wall and imagine picking up the engine sounds of approaching aircraft as they did over 80 years ago.
On selected dates, local experts will give fascinating talks on the history of the sound mirrors. Occasionally, these talks will be led by historian Peter Osborne, author of Echoes from the Sky and RAF Biggin Hill: The Other Side of the Bump.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We strongly recommend reading Sound Mirrors Event Guidance – RSPB Dungeness which has detailed information on directions, parking and talk times as well as a what3words location.
The terrain here is challenging as it consists of walking on deep and loose shingle. Wheelchair and pushchair access are unfortunately not available. For more information, please refer to the accessibility guide- Sound Mirrors Accessibility Guide.
Tickets are limited, so pre-booking at events.rspb.org.uk is advised. Entry is free for children under 5 and carers with an accompanying adult ticket.
Due to the presence of ground-nesting birds, dogs are not allowed except assistance dogs.
There are NO TOILETS at the Sound Mirror Site. The closest public toilets are located at the Lade Car Park.
Sound Mirrors, Leonard Road, Greatstone, New Romney, Kent TN28 8SA
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