Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT’s) Chesil Beach Centre is preparing for its biggest event of the year – the Big Wild Chesil event, which will be on Sunday 7th August from 10am – 5pm.
This year, visitors can expect to be entertained with dancing, music, food and free wildlife activities, including demonstrations from wildlife experts with moth traps, and owl pellet dissection. Oscar the barn owl from Fancies Farm will also be making an appearance.
The Taste Café will also be providing some special treats with an outside BBQ, as well as their usual menu and refreshments. The Fleet Explorer will also be sailing throughout the day (weather permitting and booking essential) for visitors to experience wildlife up-close.
DWT Centre Officer, Vicky Ashby said, “This is our biggest event of the year, and we look forward to welcoming visitors who can spend the whole day with us. Whether joining in with activities or just relaxing and enjoying the view or live entertainment, there’s something for all the family, and you also might learn a thing or two about wildlife in the wonderful setting of Chesil Beach.”
The busy Centre, which includes the delicious Taste café, has plenty of parking, an educational and exhibition area, and stunning views over the fleet Lagoon and Chesil beach, attracted 75,000 visitors in 2015. It was officially opened after refurbishment in 2013 by Lord Coe.
Activities to take part in on the day (many of which are free) include: a low tide walk, marine touch table, wildlife arts and crafts, 2 minute beach cleans and a shark and ray egg case hunt. The Fleet Explorer, which has recently been taken over by Dorset Wildlife Trust, will also be running trips to explore the Fleet nearby, weather permitting. Local entertainment includes performances from Portland choir and Dorset Wrecks.
The Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre is halfway along the causeway between Weymouth and Portland, DT4 9XE. Visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/bigwildchesil to find out more about the event and book seats for the Fleet Explorer. For more information phone 01305 206191.
