FRI 2 CATERPILLAR KIDS – AUTUMN SCAVENGERS
10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826]. Explore the meadows & woodland of Lorton, scavenging as you go. Will you complete the challenge? Plus games, art & more with Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Community Conservation Officer. Family event, cost £2 per child; no unaccompanied children please.
Call Community Conservation Officer on 01305 816546 for further information.
FRI 2 STUDLAND SEAGRASS & SEAHORSES – SCIENCE & POLITICS
7.30 pm. United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LJ.
Join the West Dorset group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust for an illustrated talk by Dr Ken Collins, Senior Research Fellow, National Oceanography Centre. 7.30pm, Bridport United Church, East Street, Bridport. Suggested donation: £2 (£3 for non-members) inc. refreshments.
Call Anne Wheatcroft on 01300 320168 for further information.
FRI 2 TO SUN 4 RECORDER ENSEMBLE
4.30 pm Friday 2nd to 4.00 pm Sunday 4th Nov. The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. [SY 553 990]. Join tutor Andrew Collis at the Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre for a weekend that will comprise of a series of sessions performing a wide variety of music and styles from Early, Baroque, Classical and Modern times. It will encourage participants to engage with a range of recorders as the music employs instruments from sopraninos to the larger great and contra basses. The course will cover technique and your interpretation of the music . Players should be of an intermediate and above level of playing. Please specify instrument and level of playing when booking. Cost: £220 (£165 non-residential). To book your place on the course either telephone the Centre on 01300 320684, or use the online booking facility on the website www.kingcombe.org.
SAT 3 FUNGI FORAY AT KINGCOMBE
10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. [SY 553 990]. Join John Wright at the Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre to explore the habitats of Kingcombe Meadows and the amazing range of fungus species that they contain. Mysterious, hard to identify, sometimes delicious and occasionally deadly, fungi can be a challenge for naturalists and gourmets alike. The day consists of a brief introduction to fungi, a guided walk where all the fungi found will be discussed and, where possible (it isn’t easy for anyone!) identified. A limited number of inedible fungi will be collected and, all being well, a larger number of edible fungi. If you have been lucky the day will end with a small taster of some of the edible fungi. Cost: £50. To book your place ring 01300 320684, or visit kingcombe.org.
SAT 3 LORTON MEADOWS OPEN DAY
10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, , Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826]. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Conservation Centre is open for visitors, come along for a walk around the reserve then drop in for a hot drink, and peruse our selection of Christmas cards, calendars, gifts and wildlife books. Plus watch birds on the feeders on screen, find out what to feed your garden birds during the colder months & purchase bird seed, feeders & nest boxes. Ring 01305 816546 for more information.
SUN 4 FUNGI FORAY AT POWERSTOCK
10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. [SY 553 990]. Join John Wright at the Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre to explore the habitats of Powerstock Common and the amazing range of fungus species that they contain. Mysterious, hard to identify, sometimes delicious and occasionally deadly, fungi can be a challenge for naturalists and gourmets alike. The day consists of a brief introduction to fungi, a guided walk where all the fungi found will be discussed and, where possible(it isn’t easy for anyone!) identified. A limited number of inedible fungi will be collected and, all being well, a larger number of edible fungi. If you have been lucky the day will end with a small taster of some of the edible fungi. Cost: £50. To book your place on the course ring 01300 320684, or visit kingcombe.org.
MON 5 THE WILDLIFE OF OUR LOCAL HEATHS
2.30 pm Langton Matravers Village Hall, Langton Matravers.
An illustrated talk by Jim White for the Isle of Purbeck Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Visitors welcome. Call John Wright (Chairman) on 01929 556816 for further information.
MON 5 DORSET WILDLIFE TRUST CHRISTMAS FAIR/COFFEE MORNING
9.30 am to 12.30 pm. The Exchange, Sturminster Newton. A coffee morning & Christmas Fair in aid ofin Dorset Wildlife Trust. Lots of DWT goods for sale, plus raffle & games. Free entry. Tea/coffee & cakes available.
WED 7 LORTON MEADOWS VOLUNTEERS CONSERVATION TASK
10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826]. Join Dorset Wildlife Trust at Lorton Meadows nature reserve for a day of practical work on site to restore the habitats important for local wildlife. Tools, gloves & drinks supplied. No experience necessary, please bring a packed lunch. Wear suitable clothing & footwear for the weather. For further information contact the Community Conservation Officer on 01305 816546 or [email protected].
WED 7 NORTH DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY
10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust for a work day of habitat management on a North Dorset nature reserve. Please contact DWT Warden, Steve Oliver: 07824 874273 for further information.
THURS 8 JOINT D.W.T. and NATIONAL TRUST MEETING
2.30 pm Priory House, Christchurch. A joint meeting of the Bournemouth & Christchurch group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust and the National Trust group. Visitors welcome. Cost £2.50. Call Duncan Gee (Chairman) on 01202 520340 for further information.
MON 12 TO FRI 16 WILLOW WEAVING
4.30 pm Monday 12th to 4.00 pm Friday 16th Nov. The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. [SY 553 990]. New for 2012 – an extended willow weaving workshop. Join tutor Norah Kennedy at the Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre for a course where, as ever, you will enjoy making traditional willow baskets while learning about the history and traditions and techniques of this five thousand year old craft. You will have time to weave two or more baskets, perhaps an oval or square one for the more experienced for use in the home or garden. It being close to Christmas you may have time to create something to adorn your tree. Either way, you will leave Kingcombe with a great sense of achievement and pride in your creations. Cost: £370 (£277 non-residential). To book your place ring 01300 320684, or visit kingcombe.org. There is a material charge payable to the tutor upon arrival.
TUES 13 URBAN TREES
7.30 pm Carter Community School, Blandford Close, Poole, BH15 4BQ.
A talk and presentation by Steve Cox, a local arboriculturalist and author of a recent book about urban trees, for the Poole Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust, including the important role trees play in enhancing the environment in built-up areas. Call Ken Yeates (Chairman) on 07947 141539 for further information.
WEDS 14 WILDLIFE WALK AT IFORD BRIDGE WITH BOURNEMOUTH NATURALLY
10 am. Join Heather Dixon and experts from Bournemouth Natural Science Society for a walk along the river, keeping an eye out for kingfishers and signs of otters. Meet by old bridge, Old Bridge Road BH6 5RG. For more information contact Heather Dixon on [email protected] or 07590 909933.
THURS 15 GRAVEL PITS, A HAVEN FOR WILDLIFE and COASTAL CLIFFS IN SUMMER
7.30 pm. Priory House, Christchurch. Two wildlife films by Dudley Higginson being shown by the Bournemouth & Christchurch Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Visitors welcome. Cost £2, inc. tea/coffee & biscuits. Call Duncan Gee (Chairman) on 01202 520340 for further information.
FRI 16 ‘42 TO DO’ – DONE!
7.30 pm Wimborne Group, St Catherine’s Church Hall, Rodway’s Corner, Wimborne].
A talk by Lynda Lake for the Wimborne Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust, describing the challenging task of visiting all the Dorset Wildlife Trust reserves within 3 months last year, while she was Chairman of the Wimborne branch. Visitors welcome. Cost £2. Call Ken Wood (Chairman) on 01202 887322 for further information
FRI 16 TO SUN 18 FOSSILS OF THE JURASSIC COAST
4.30 pm Friday 16th to 4.00 pm Sunday 18th Nov. The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. [SY 553 990].
Tutor Richard Edmonds, Earth Science Manager with the Jurassic Coast team and local fossil expert, will fill your weekend at the Dorset Wildlidfe Trust Kingcombe Centre with fossils and transport you millions of years back in time. An introductory talk on the Friday evening will set the scene and the next 2 days will be spent scouring the beaches of Charmouth, Lyme Regis and Kimmeridge, which hopefully will have been refreshed by winter stormsso that there are lots of fossils to find, identify and classify. This will be an entry level course, no geological knowledge is required. Cost: £230 (£172 non-residential). To book your place on the course either telephone the Centre on 01300 320684, or use the online booking facility on the website www.kingcombe.org.
SAT 17 LORTON MEADOWS OPEN DAY
10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826]. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Conservation Centre is open for visitors, come along for a walk around the reserve then drop in for a hot drink, and peruse our selection of Christmas cards, calendars, gifts and wildlife books. Plus watch birds on the feeders on screen, find out what to feed your garden birds during the colder months & purchase bird seed, feeders & nest boxes. Call the Community Conservation Officer on 01305 816546 for more information.
SAT 17 COFFEE MORNING & CHRISTMAS SALE AT THORNCOMBE VILLAGE HALL
10.00 am to 12.00 noon. Thorncombe Village Hall, Thorncombe. Coffee Morning & Christmas sale in aid ofDorset Wildlife Trust,by kind invitation of The Thorncombe Village Trust. Join with members of Dorset DWT for tea & cake, coffee & biscuits, Christmas gifts and cards will also be for sale. Please call 01305 268471 for more information.
SUN 18 NORTH DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY
10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Join Dorset Wildlife Trust for a work day of habitat management on a North Dorset nature reserve. Please contact DWT Warden, Steve Oliver: 07824 874273 for further information.
MON 19 A GLIMPSE AT SOME WILD RIVERS OF EUROPE AND THEIR WILDLIFE
2.30 pm. Langton Matravers Village Hall, Langton Matravers. An illustrated talk by by Hugh Dawson for the Isle of Purbeck Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Visitors welcome. Call John Wright (Chairman) on 01929 556816 for further information.
TUES 20 THE WILDLIFE OF THE FALKLANDS
2.30 pm. Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PG.
An illustrated talk by Brian Pettit, world wildlife photographer, for a joint meeting of the West Dorset Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust & The Lyme Regis Society. Contact Monty Crook: 01308 423442 for further details.
WED 21 BEAVERS
7.30 pm. Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. An illustrated talk by Phoebe Carter (TBC) for the Sherborne Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Visitors welcome. Cost £2.50.Call John Gaye (Chairman) on 01258 821499 for further information.
WED 21 MARINE AND COASTAL WILDLIFE OF THE UK
7.30 pm. Fontmell Magna Village Hall, Fontmell Magna, SP7 0JU.
An illustrated talk by Steve Trewhella for the North Dorset Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Steve has dived extensively in UK seas & specializes in the photography of marine & coastal wildlife. Visitors welcome. Cost £2 (children free), inc. tea/coffee & biscuits.). Call Tony Stables (Chairman) on 01258 471478 for further information.
WED 21 NORTH DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY
10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust for a work day of habitat management on a North Dorset nature reserve. Please contact DWT Warden, Steve Oliver: 07824 874273 for further information.
WED 21 LORTON MEADOWS VOLUNTEERS CONSERVATION TASK
10.00 am to 3.00 pm. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826]. Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Community Conservation Officer at Lorton Meadows nature reserve for a day of practical work on site to restore the habitats important for local wildlife. Tools, gloves & drinks supplied. For further information contact the Community Conservation Officer on 01305 816546 or [email protected]. No experience necessary, please bring a packed lunch. Wear suitable clothing & footwear for the weather.
FRI 23 TO SUN 25 MAKING MUSIC AND WRITING SONGS
4.30 pm Friday 23rd to 4.00 pm Sunday 25th Nov. The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. [SY 553 990].
Songwriter Talis Kimberley leads a weekend of songwriting, at the Dorset Wildlidfe Trust Kingcombe Centre, inspired by Kingcombe’s rich environment and exploring the shaping of lyric and melody in celebration of it. Whether you’re a naturalist who wants to make songs or a songwriter seeking to try some new styles and voices, Talis will apply twenty years’ experience to encourage you in creating sea shanties, folk ballads, poignant elegies or can-do environmental singalongs, depending on what Kingcombe’s green setting brings out in your creativity! You’ll also get to hear some of Talis’s own contemporary green folk on the Friday. Cost: £220 (£165 non-residential). To book your place ring 01300 320684 or visit kingcombe.org.
SUN 25 WELLY ZONE BEACH-COMBING
10.30 am to 1.00 pm. Hengistbury Head, nr. Christchurch.
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust to comb the beach for items washed up by autumn storms. Free Event. Free Welly Zone survey packs available. For more information, ring 01929 481044.
THURS 29 POOLE HARBOUR AND ITS BIRDS
7.30 pm. Methodist Church, North Street, Wareham. An illustrated talk by Neil Gartshore for the Isle of Purbeck Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Visitors welcome. Call John Wright (Chairman) on 01929 556816 for further information.
About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Working for a secure future for Dorset’s wildlife enriching the quality of life
Dorset Wildlife Trust is part of the Natural Weymouth and Portland Partnership; connecting people with nature
Dorset Wildlife Trust works to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living. Founded in 1961, DWT is now the largest voluntary nature conservation organisation inDorset, with over 25,000 members and over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve. DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues and leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.
Blog https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-matters-blog.html