Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) has a series of events organised to get children outside and making the most of Dorset’s stunning nature reserves and outside spaces this Easter holiday.
On Thursday 13th April, The Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre is holding its Fleet Lagoon Seashore Safari from 1.30 – 3pm. Children and adults are invited to hunt for marine wildlife which calls our shores their home, as well as looking for the tell-tale tracks and signs of hidden species. £3 adults, £2 children, bring wellies! On Friday 14th April, take part in the Great Chesil Beach Eggcase Hunt of the marine kind, and search for shark and ray eggcases – children might find some of the chocolate variety! £2 per child, no booking required for either events.
The Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre in Weymouth is holding its bird’s nests and eggs (Caterpillar kids event) on Wednesday 12th April where children can learn just how tricky it is so build a nest. 10.30am-12.30pm, plus games with the community conservation officer. Booking essential on 01305 816546. On the Easter weekend join the Lorton eggsplorers trail from Friday 14th– Monday 17th April 10.30am – 4.00pm. Collect a trail guide and hunt for clues around the nature reserve to solve a mystery. Return to the centre to collect an edible prize!
Over in east Dorset, join a reptile ramble on Upton Heath on Friday 21st April from 10am – 1pm to discover reptiles waking up for Spring on Upton Heath. There’s also snake and lizard activities plus a ramble to find real reptiles in the wild. £3 per child, meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre, BH21 3RX. Phone 01202 692033 for more information. On Sunday 23rdApril, come along to Upton Country Park in Poole to join us for our Wild About the Great Heath event, 10am – 4pm for a free wildlife family fun day. There will be wildlife activities for all ages.
At the Kimmeridge Fine Foundation Marine Centre, take part in the seashore discovery on Thursday 13th April from 2pm – 3.30pm. Join a warden to explore the seashore and learn about the animals living there. £3 per adult, £2 per child. On Wednesday 19th April, get arty with one of our two hour sessions making ocean-themed items. 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm. £2.50 per child, booking essential on 01929 481044.
The Kingcombe Centre in west Dorset, is celebrating its spring weekend with a guided walk with Jim White in the Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve on Monday 17th April, discovering the stunning spring flowers and plants of Kingcombe Meadows, 10.30am – 12.30pm for £8pp. Booking essential. There will also be a free art exhibition in the centre from Friday 14th– Sunday 23rd April, by botanical artist and illustrator, Christina Hart Davies from 11am – 4pm. Displaying her lavishly illustrated botanical watercolours, taken from her book, A Wild Plant Year. To book and for for more information visit www.kingcombe.org or phone 01300 320684.
For all DWT events, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events.
