Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT)’s Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve in Weymouth is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer, with a bioblitz from 8.30am – 5pm on Saturday 10th June. This event is also being hosted during the Wildlife Trusts’ 30 Days Wild challenge, asking everyone to do one wild thing for the 30 days in June.
The bioblitz at Lorton will attempt to survey and record as many of the living species within the nature reserve as possible in a day, using a variety of techniques such as pond dipping, wild flower walks, counting butterflies and dragonflies, setting up a moth trap, and teaching visitors how to use photography as a way to improve their wildlife ID skills.
DWT is inviting the public, as well as wildlife experts, to help us record the wonderful diversity of wildlife that thrives at Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve. Everyone can ‘have a go’ at being a conservation officer for the day.
Event organiser and DWT Weymouth & Portland Centres assistant, Vicky Ashby said, “This event is suitable for everyone – whether you’re a wildlife novice or an expert, there will be something to capture your interest. Lorton is a superb habitat for a variety of wildlife, so we guarantee at least one up-close wildlife encounter for everyone who visits us. We’re also looking forward to seeing exactly how many different species are living on the reserve – from mammals to bugs, I’m sure there will be a few surprises on the day!”
The Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre will be the central meeting point for the activities throughout the day, where there is a tea and coffee machine, a screen showing our barn owls nesting above the centre, and information about the wildlife in the area.
Visitors are being invited to stay the whole day, or just come for certain activities. Friday 9th June join us for a dusk walk, booking is essential on 01305 816546, limited places are limited. Saturday 10th June: 8.30am – bird survey, 9am poplar pond survey, 10am small mammal survey & I.D tips, 10.30am opening the overnight moth trap, 11am butterfly transect, 11.30am minibeast survey, 12pm wildflower walk, 12.30 barn pond survey, 12.30pm dragonfly & damselfly survey, 1pm beginners guide to photography for I.D, 2.30pm caterpillar hunt, 3pm grasshopper and cricket I.D.
The Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre and reserve is located at the end of Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT2 5QH. Please walk or cycle to the event as parking on site is extremely limited. Upwey station is a 10 minutes walk suitable for buggies. Disabled parking is available at the centre. Use Park & Ride (DT3 5HJ) for free parking and follow the trail to the centre. (15 minute walk).
For more information about the event, contact 01305 816546 or www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events.
