About us

Photo: Liz Payne

The aim of the Trust is to raise public awareness of the importance and significance of the Sands, not only as part of our national maritime heritage and marine environment but also as a natural sea defence. We are also working towards introducing effective legislation to protect this unique area.

Culture

The Goodwin Sands have been painted, photographed, written and spoken about for centuries. Paintings by EW Cooke, William Edward Frost, WH Macklin and WL Wyllie all create a rich tapestry of this famous landscape.

Ecology & Environment

Anyone walking along the seafront on a windy day at low tide cannot fail to notice the foamy white line of waves crashing onto the Goodwins, an acknowledged sea defence, four miles away.

Heritage & History

Many books have been written about the history of the Goodwins and a list of these can be found in our Research Library. If you know of a book that should be included in this list, please do let us know.

Recreation & Sport

The first recorded cricket match took place on the Sands in 1813. Later in 1824 a match held on the Sands by a Ramsgate harbourmaster between local mariners became an annual tradition that lasted for several years.

Have a peek at our new leaflet

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Latest News

News

Our very own podcast series!

After three years of hard work we are finally streaming our very own series of podcasts!   We have spoken to 12 people with completely different experiences of the Goodwin Sands …

News

Call for Action to Save Our Sands | August 2025

In order to achieve its conservation objectives for protecting the seabed, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has recently launched a public consultation on banning bottom-trawling in over 40 Marine Protected …

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