The Great Heath Living Landscape project is looking for new people to join a wildlife survey group, giving local people a chance to learn more about wildlife, and help Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) monitor wildlife in east Dorset.
The Great Heath project, which is funded by the HLF, aims to bring people and wildlife together and helps local communities to recognise the benefits of spending time with nature. It also gives people the tools to be able to help protect wildlife, and make a difference on a practical level. The £4.7 million pound project allowed Dorset Wildlife Trust and partners to purchase 1500 acres of land in east Dorset to secure nature reserves for the benefit of wildlife and enjoyment of people.
The Great Heath Community Conservation Officer, Katie Wilkinson explains more, “Some people may feel daunted by going to a nature reserve, or learning about wildlife from a guide book. By joining the group, people with all levels of wildlife knowledge can learn in a friendly and relaxed way from DWT staff and local experts. There’s no pressure, we just want people to come along and see what they can learn!”
Each week there will be a different wildlife theme, such as moths, small mammals, or butterflies, so those taking part will develop knowledge gradually about their local wild spaces. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and learn from the experts about other wildlife you encounter on the walks.
There is also the opportunity to simply join a walk around an open space and learn more about the wildlife and habitat that can be found there, rather than take part with the survey.
The survey group will run fortnightly from Wednesday 6th April until 21st September 2016. Meeting points and times also vary, so please check www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events for more information.
Alternatively please contact Katie Wilkinson on 01202 692033 for more information about this project.
