TUE 02    WALK ON CORFE COMMON
10.00 am  .
Join with the Wimborne Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust for a walk led by the Reverend Ted Pratt, [hoping the weather will be drier than last year].  Meet at 2.30pm in the West Street car park, where you will need to pay.  From the central village square, turn left, into West Street, & thence to the car park.  Ted advises wellingtons for the wet hollows on the common.  He will have copies of his book for sale (£5) on the special plants of Purbeck.
Call  Ken Wood (Chairman) on 01202 887322 for further information  .

TUE 02    KAYAK SAFARI
The Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge, nr. Corfe Castle, BH20 5PF.   [SY 909 787].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust to experience wildlife like never before on a 2-hour session in clear bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay.  £25 per person per session.  12+ yr-olds only.  Three 2hr sessions; max. 6 people per session.  Booking essential.
Phone 01929 481044  for times and further information.

THU 04    URBAN WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY
10.00 am to 3.00 pm.    Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill Lane, Corfe Mullen,  Wimborne, BH21 3RX.   [SY 978 951].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust at the Urban Wildlife Centre for a mix of practical tasks and survey work; there will be something to meet everybody’s needs.  For details contact Andy Fale on 07970 552673 or the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033..
No experience necessary, please bring a packed lunch. Wear suitable clothing & footwear for the weather.

FRI 05  TO  SAT 13    NATURE RESERVES & HILL FORTS
4.00 pm Friday 5th to 12 noon Saturday 13th July.    The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, nr maiden Newton,  DT2 0EQ. [SY 553 990].
Join tutor Arthur Simmonds for this delightful walking holiday that will explore the wonderful wildlife of some of the very best nature reserves in Dorset, and explore the nature and history of some of west Dorset’s hill forts.  Includes a rest day.  Course fee: £460.00 ( £368.00, non-residential ).  Booking essential. 
To find out more about the course or to book a place, please call on 01300 320684 or use our online booking system (www.kingcombe.org).

Wildlife Events in Dorset

July, 2013

SAT 06    LORTON MEADOWS OPEN DAY
10.00 am to 4.00 pm.    Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH.   [SY 674 826].
Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Centre is open for visitors, come along for a walk around the reserve then drop in for a hot or cold drink, and peruse our selection of gifts & wildlife books;  Plus watch birds nesting around the reserve on screen, & purchase nest boxes.  Call the Community Conservation Officer on 01305 816546 for more information.
Free, family event. No unaccompanied children please.

SAT 06    WILDFLOWER WALK
2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.    Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH.   [SY 674 826].
Join us for a guided walk through the meadows of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve to discover wildlife large and small, from deer to dragonflies with the Community Conservation Officer. Refreshments afterwards. No unaccompanied children. Call 01305 816546 for more information.

SUN 07    THE MINIATURE WORLD OF KINGCOMBE
10.00 am to 12 noon.    The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, nr Maiden Newton,  DT2 0EQ.   [SY 553 990].
A Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre Sunday Stroll with Victoria Vincent: discover the movers and shakers that keep the rich wildlife of the meadows in business! Get up close and personal with the miniature kings and queens of Kingcombe’s serengeti. Nets and trays provided. A walk of 1 or 2 miles and includes tea and cake back at the centre. Ideal for children and families. Cost: adults£6.00; children £3.00. Please call 01300 321409 for more info or visit our website: https://www.kingcombe.org/

TUE 09    SOUTH DORSET MID-WEEK VOLUNTEERS
10.00 am to 3.00 pm. 
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust for a work day of habitat management on a local nature reserve.  Please contact DWT Warden, James Hitchin on 07436 157328 for more information.  

Wildlife Events in Dorset

July, 2013

TUE 09    KAYAK SAFARI
The Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge, nr. Corfe Castle, BH20 5PF.   [SY 909 787].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust to experience wildlife like never before on a 2-hour session in clear bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay.  £25 per person per session.  12+ yr-olds only.  Three 2hr sessions; max. 6 people per session.  Booking essential.
Phone 01929 481044 for times and further information.

WED 10    BUTTERFLY WALK AT KING BARROW QUARRIES
11.00 am to 1.00 pm.     King Barrow Quarries Nature Reserve, Yeates Road, Isle of Portland.   [SY 689 728].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Community Conservation Officer for a guided walk around the disused quarry to discover how wildlife, including butterflies, have recolonised this site.  Booking essential, please contact the Community Conservation Officer 01305 816546.. Cost: £1.00.
Please wear suitable footwear . Meet at the entrance to the reserve, by the name stone on Yeates Rd, just off the A354.

WED 10    BOURNEMOUTH NATURALLY DROP IN
2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.    Bournemouth Natural Science Society, 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3NS.
A chance to come along & find out more about the Bournemouth Naturally project, get help species ID or hear about any forthcoming events.  Please see the website for more details of activities: www.bnss.org.uk/bournemouth-naturally.html. Free event.

THU 11    PASTURES NEW VOLUNTEER TASK
10.00 am to 3.00 pm
Join with the Dorset Wildlife Trust regular volunteering group in West Dorset to help with countryside managements tasks.  Please contact Nick Gray on 07824 438974 for details.
No experience necessary, please bring a packed lunch. Wear suitable clothing & footwear for the weather.

Wildlife Events in Dorset

July, 2013

SAT 13    THE RIVER AXE
Join with the West Dorset group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust for a guided walk along the River Axe with Mike Lowing & Marjorie Waters. Booking essential – contact Margaret Dannatt [email protected] or 01297 445659 for further details.

SAT 13  TO  SUN 14    SEASEARCH OBSERVER COURSE
run by Scimitar Divers at Portland contact [email protected] for details & to book a place. Booking essential.

SAT 13  TO  SUN 14    DORSET SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Weymouth Harbour. 
Meet the Dorset Wildlife Trust Living Seas team & lovable lobster at their stand at the Dorset Seafood Festival. Understand, watch & taste the delights of responsibly sourced & recommended Great Dorset Seafood, creatively prepared by a supporting chef. Free event

SUN 14    HABITATS OF KINGCOMBE MEADOWS
10.00 am to 12 noon.    The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, nr Maiden Newton, DT2 0EQ.   [SY 553 990].
A Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre Sunday Stroll with Emily Newton. Kingcome Meadows Nature Reserve has a diverse mix of habitat types. This walk will focus on three of these special habitats and discuss what they each provide for wildlife in the area. A walk of 1 or 2 miles and includes tea and cake back at the centre. Cost: adults£6.00; children £3.00. Please call 01300 321409 for more info or visit our website: https://www.kingcombe.org/

TUE 16    KAYAK SAFARI
The Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge, nr. Corfe Castle, BH20 5PF. [SY 909 787].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust to experience wildlife like never before on a 2-hour session in clear bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay.  £25 per person per session.  12+ yr-olds only.  Three 2hr sessions; max. 6 people per session.  Booking essential.
Phone 01929 481044 for times and further information.

 

WED 17    LORTON MEADOWS VOLUNTEERS CONSERVATION TASK
10.00 am to 3.00 pm.    Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, 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. No experience necessary, please bring a packed lunch. Wear suitable clothing & footwear for the weather. No unaccompanied children. For further information contact the Community Conservation Officer on 01305 816546 or [email protected]. Free of charge.

WED 17    URBAN WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY
10.00 am to 3.00 pm.    Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill Lane, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, BH21 3R.   [SY 978 951].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust at the Urban Wildlife Centre for a mix of practical tasks and survey work; there will be something to meet everybody’s needs.  For details contact  Andy Fale on 07970 552673 or the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033.  No experience necessary, please bring a packed lunch. Wear suitable clothing & footwear for the weather.  Free of charge.  Y No unaccompanied children.  .

THU 18  TO  SUN 21    INTRODUCTION TO BEE KEEPING
10.00 am Thurday 18th to 4.30 pm. Sunday 21st July.    The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Maiden Newton, DT2 0EQ.   [SY 553 990].
Join tutors Ruth & Ian Homer at the Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre and learn about beekeeping.  You will learn about its importance, its history, handling bees, equipment, swarm prevention & control, pests & disease and products of the hive.  Includes practical study in the apiary (weather permitting).
Course fee: £325.00 ( £260.00, non-residential ).  Booking essential.  To find out more about the course or to book a place, please call on 01300 320684 or use our online booking system (www.kingcombe.org).

THU 20    A WALK AROUND MUDEFORD
7.00 pm 
A guided walk around Mudeford led by Mike Andrews, for the Bournemouth & Christchurch Group of DWT.  Non-members welcome.
Meet at All Saint’s Church, Mudeford, opposite the Christchurch Harbour Hotel (map ref. SZ 181921).
Call Duncan Gee (Chairman) on 01202 520340 for further information.

 

SAT 20    LORTON MEADOWS OPEN DAY
10.00 am to 4.00 pm.    Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH.   [SY 674 826].
Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Centre is open for visitors, come along for a walk around the reserve then drop in for a hot or cold drink, and peruse our selection of gifts & wildlife books.  Plus watch birds nesting around the reserve on screen, & purchase nest boxes.  Call the Community Conservation Officer on 01305 816546 for more information.
Free of charge, family event: no unaccompanied children please.

SAT 20    BUTTERFLY WALK
2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.    Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH.   [SY 674 826].
Join us for a guided walk through the meadows & woodland of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve discovering butterflies on the wing,  hopefully including marbled whites & skippers with the Community  Conservation Officer.
Cost: £1 per person.  Refreshments afterwards.  Family event, no unaccompanied children please.  Call the Community Conservation Officer on 01305 816546 for more information..

 SAT 20    WILD ABOUT BOSCOMBE!
10.30 am to 3.30 pm.    Boscombe Chine Gardens. 
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust in partnership with Bournemouth Naturally for a day of exciting wildlife adventure at Boscombe Chine Gardens.  Discover the bugs & beasts of Bournemouth with the Wild Trek Hi-Tech Trailer, minibeast hunts, wildlife displays, crafts & activities.  Also story telling, sales stalls & much much more..A free, family event.
For more details call the the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033.

SUN 21    LANES & HEDGEROWS
10.00 am to 12 noon.    The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, nr Maiden Newton, DT2 0EQ.   [SY 553 990].
A Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre Sunday Stroll with Jim White. The ancient lanes and hedgerows of Kingcombe are full of character and rich in widllife. Join this summer stroll where we’ll be looking at their specialised features, from the archaic trees to unique and rare lichens. A walk of 1 or 2 miles and includes tea and cake back at the centre. Cost: adults£6.00; children £3.00. Please call 01300 321409 for more info or visit our website: https://www.kingcombe.org/

SUN 21    NORTH DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY
10.00 am to 3.00 pm.     
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust for a day of Ragwort pulling & butterfly ID at Fontmell Down.
Please contact DWT Warden, Steve Oliver, for more information 07824 874273.

SUN 21    THE STORY OF THE PEBBLES
2.00 pm    Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth,  DT4 9XE.   [SY 668 755].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust for a guided walk on Chesil Beach with Adrian Brokenshire, local geology expert.  Find out how Chesil Beach was formed, where the pebbles come from & the wonderful wildlife that makes Chesil its home.  Meet at Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road,.
 Cost: adults £3.00, children £2.00.  Call  on 01305 206191  for further information.

MON 22  TO  WED 24    LEARNING THE BASICS OF GRASSES & FERNS
10.00 am Monday 22nd to 2.00 pm Wednesday 24th July.    The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, Maiden Newton, DT2 0EQ.   [SY 553 990].
Join tutor Dominic Price at the Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre for a mixture of classroom ID and field work, learn the key features for identifying grasses, sedges, rushes and ferns and make your own herbarium of specimens to take home.
Course fee: £240.00 ( £192.00, non-residential ).  Booking essential.  To find out more about the course or to book a place, please call on 01300 320684 or use our online booking system (www.kingcombe.org).
 

TUE 23    KAYAK SAFARI
The Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge, nr. Corfe Castle, BH20 5PF. [SY 909 787].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust to experience wildlife like never before on a 2-hour session in clear bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay.  £25 per person per session.  12+ yr-olds only.  Three 2hr sessions; max. 6 people per session.  Booking essential.
Phone 01929 481044 for times and further information.

 

WED 24  TO  FRI 26    LEARNING THE BASICS OF WILD FLOWERS
1.00 pm Wednesday 24th to 3.00 pm Friday 26th July.    The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ.   [SY 553 990].
Join tutor Dominic Price at the Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre and be introduced to over 100 common wildflower species.  You will learn about the 10 main families allowing you to leave the course confident with at least 50 common plants and the skills to identify the remaining 1,950!  .
Course fee: £240.00 ( £192.00, non-residential ).  Booking essential.  To find out more about the course or to book a place, please call on 01300 320684 or use our online booking system (www.kingcombe.org).

THU 25    KAYAK SAFARI
The Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge, nr. Corfe Castle, BH20 5PF. [SY 909 787].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust to experience wildlife like never before on a 2-hour session in clear bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay.  £25 per person per session.  12+ yr-olds only.  Three 2hr sessions; max. 6 people per session.  Booking essential.
Phone 01929 481044 for times and further information.

THU 25    PASTURES NEW VOLUNTEER TASK
10.00 am to 3.00 pm.    
Join with the Dorset Wildlife Trust regular volunteering group in West Dorset to help with countryside managements tasks. Please contact Nick Gray on 07824 438974 for details. No experience necessary, please bring a packed lunch. Wear suitable clothing & footwear for the weather.

THU 25    AN AFTERNOON WALK ON STOBOROUGH HEATH
2.30 pm 
A guided walk led by John Wright (01929 556816) for the Isle of Purbeck Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Meet at 2.30pm in the Natural England car park at Sunnyside (map reference SY 938863). Stout footwear recommended.

 

FRI 26    WELLY ZONE SHORE THING SURVEY
1.30 pm to 5.00 pm    Portland Bill   [SY 677684].
A free of charge, Welly Zone Event with Dorset Wildlife Trust: join our Welly Zone volunteers at Portland Bill for a seashore survey to monitor climate-change  .
Equipment and instruction provided. Wear suitable sturdy shoes, the event may require walking on uneven rocks & boulders. Meet at the Pay & Display car park, Portland Bill.

 

SAT 27    ECO-FRIENDLY CRABBING
2.00 pm to 3.30 pm.    The Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge, nr. Corfe Castle, BH20 5PF.   [SY 909 787].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust to celebrate Marine Week.  Learn how to catch and care for crabs without harm to other rockpool animals.  £3 per person, cost includes crab kit, bait and equipment.  .
Wear sensible sturdy footwear for walking on uneven rocks and boulders.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Call the People and Wildlife Officer on 01929 481044  for further information  .
 

SAT 27    BUMBLEBEES
10.00 am to 4.30 pm.    The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, nr Maiden Newton, DT2 0EQ.   [SY 553 990].
This hands-on course with tutor Bryan Pinchen at the Dorset Wildlife Trust  Kingcombe Centre will introduce you to the 22 species of bumblebee resident in Britain & Ireland, their identification and ecology, before you try out your new found identification skills in the meadows..
Course fee: £55.00.  Booking essential.  To find out more about the course or to book a place, please call on 01300 320684 or use our online booking system (www.kingcombe.org).

SAT 27    BATS AT KINGCOMBE
7.00 pm to 9.00 pm.    The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, nr Maiden Newton, DT2 0EQ..   [SY 553 990].
A Dorset Wildlife Trust Kingcombe Centre event with Nick Tomlinson: a supper, talk & walk to watch and count bats emerging from their roost.  Much misunderstood, these creatures are a vital part of  our countryside, eating thousands of biting insects every night.  The evening will include of a short slide show before heading out with bat detectors.
Cost: Adults £6.00, children£3.00. Call 01300 320684 for further information or visit our web site:https://www.kingcombe.org/

SUN 28    UPTON HEATH MOTH TRAP
9.00 am to 10.00 am.    Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill Lane, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, BH21 3RX.   [SY 978 951].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust Wardens at the Urban Wildlife Centre for the opening of the moth trap from Upton Heath. Whether you are a beginner or expert come along to help us ID these beautiful night time creatures. Often followed by an optional seasonal conservation task. For more details call the wardens on 01202 692033.

SUN 28    HOW TO DOLPHIN WATCH
10.30 am to 12.00 noon.    Durlston Castle, Swanage
Celebrate Marine Week with Dorset Wildlife Trust as they team up with Durlston Country Park and learn to record and report dolphins as part of the National Whale & Dolphin Watch. Bring binoculars if you have them.

SUN 28    WILD ABOUT CHESIL EVENT
10.00 am to 5.00 pm.    Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth,  DT4 9X.   [SY 668 755].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust for a fun day out for all the family – come & find out all about the fascinating wildlife of Chesil Beach & beyond.  Get up close to our marine creatures, try a spot of bird watching & join in our wildlife inspired activities for all the family. Everybody welcome.  .
Free of charge.  Call  on 01305 206191  for further information  .

SUN 28    DRAGONFLY HABITAT SAFARI
10.30 am to 2.00 pm.    
Join Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Poole Group; starting on Upton Heath and moving onto various sites in Poole to explore habitats & their associated species of dragonflies.  Bring a packed lunch, contact 07947 141539 for transport arrangements.  .
Meet at Meet at Longmeadow Lane / Beechbank Avenue (BH18 9JL)

SUN 28    A GUIDED WALK THROUGH WICK MEADOWS
2.00 pm    Wick Lane [ SZ152 921].
A guided walk through Wick Meadows with the Bournemouth & Christchurch Group of DWT.  Non-members welcome..
Meet at Wick Lane car park (map ref. SZ152921).
Call Duncan Gee (Chairman) on 01202 520340 for further information.

TUE 30    KAYAK SAFARI
The Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge, nr. Corfe Castle, BH20 5PF. [SY 909 787].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust to experience wildlife like never before on a 2-hour session in clear bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay.  £25 per person per session.  12+ yr-olds only.  Three 2hr sessions; max. 6 people per session.  Booking essential.  .
Phone 01929 481044 for times and further information.

TUE 30    DISCOVER CHESIL WALK
11.00 am to 12.30 pm.    Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth,  DT4 9XE.   [SY 668 755].
Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust for a guided walk along Chesil Beach & the Fleet Lagoon, looking at WW1 rifle ranges & lucky pebbles to specialist plants & bird.
Cost: Adults£3.00, children £2.00. Call 01305 206191 for further information.

TUE 30    POO, PRINTS, FUR & FEATHERS
10.00 am to 12.00 noon.    The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, nr Maiden Newton, DT2 0EQ.   [SY 553 990].
KINGCOMBE KID’S CLUB:  Ever wondered who left that poo?  Ever wondered who left that print?  Ever wondered who left a feather behind?  Join with Dorset Wildlife Trust for a morning identifying the tracks & signs of the animals that live on the nature reserve at Kingcombe.  Cost: children £3.00, . accompanying adults free
To become a skilled nature detective book your place on 01300 321409.  Visit our website: https://www.kingcombe.org/ for more information.

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