Following the 30th anniversary of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT) Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve and Kingcombe Centre this May, an urgent appeal to raise £45,000 has been launched, to ensure this internationally important wildlife haven and educational facility can thrive for the next 30 years.
Last week HRH Prince of Wales visited the 180-ha nature reserve. He spent some time at the Lady’s Mead meadow where its seed-rich green hay is being used to restore and create other meadows in Dorset and the UK, as part of the Coronation Meadows initiative* launched in 2013.
The nature reserve urgently needs to replace several kilometres of fencing, re-lay a number of hedges and replace old field gates and water troughs to support its grazing programme for the outstanding flower-rich grassland. Dorset Wildlife Trust are also looking to secure funds to create an innovative outdoor educational space, wildlife exploration zone for families and a boardwalk pavilion by the River Hooke.
DWT Stockperson and farm manager, Ashlea Kirk said, “To keep the nature reserve and farm running, a large infrastructure needs to be maintained, and with many environmental funding streams under threat or disappearing it is ever more challenging to secure the income needed to maintain our conservation work. Raising money through this appeal is vital so that we can maintain the unspoilt grassland meadows at Kingcombe, but where possible strive to achieve even more gains for wildlife.”
DWT’s West Dorset Living Landscapes Manager, Sam Hamer said, “With the money raised we also need to make improvements to public access and interpretation to bolster our engagement and educational activities at the Kingcombe Centre. The new facilities will create a special place for the public and in particular families to enjoy and learn about nature. Sadly, we can’t continue do this without the generous help of our members and supporters.”
Visit the Kingcombe Centre and pick up a guided trail to see the wildflower meadows at their very best this time of year. Visit www.kingcombe.org to find out how to get there. The Centre is in Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ.
Over the May bank holiday weekend the Kingcombe Centre will welcome 9 members of the Society of Wildlife Artists as part of a new project to create art work inspired by Kingcombe Meadows. Some of the artists are exhibiting their work at the centre, which is for sale from Saturday 27th– Monday 29th May.
To donate to the Kingcombe Appeal, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/helpkingcombe, or phone 01305 264620.
