Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is celebrating Dorset’s marine wildlife by hosting some special marine wildlife events to celebrate National Marine Weeks from the 26th July- 10th August.
After some of the worst weather in recent memory this year, Dorset’s coastline has been a big focus in DWT’s conservation work, with regular beach cleans to try and rid our beaches of washed up litter. As part of Marine Weeks events, DWT has organised a Chesil Beach Clean on Sunday 3rdAugust from 11am and inviting local people to the Chesil Beach Centre to help.
The Marine Giants Exhibition at the Chesil Centre from 26th July to Sunday 10th August will give visitors a chance to get a closer ‘life size’ look at some of the marine giants that inhabit our waters. Learn more about the Barrel Jellyfish, which have been spotted more frequently this summer due the storms stirring up nutrients in the sea and generating more plankton for them to feed on. Visitors will be able to find out more about jellyfish, sharks, dolphins and other marine giants with a free talk on the opening weekend at 11am and 2pm.
At Durlston Castle on the 26thJuly there will be a display of fascinating marine artefacts such as dolphin skulls and Baleen teeth. Visitors can then head outside with some binoculars and try and spot the semi-resident pod of Bottlenose Dolphins that inhabit Durlston Head as part of a survey for National Marine week.
To get more ‘hands on’ with marine wildlife, Dorset’s best rockpooling site at Kimmeridge Bay is holding a ‘rockpool ramble’ on Wednesday 30th July. Families can also use the Seashore Explorer back-packs, bursting with activity ideas, equipment and information about what to see and do along the coastline. A small hire change of £5 covers the cost of replacing the items.
DWT Marine Awareness Officer, Julie Hatcher said: “Even if the weather or tides are less than perfect on your visit to Kimmeridge Bay, there will be plenty to keep families busy for an afternoon with these brilliant Seashore Explorer back-packs. We are very grateful to Rockley Adventure for helping to get families involved with some of the amazing wildlife on our beaches.”
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous and fancy getting your feet wet, try the Kayak Safari, which runs Tuesday’s and Thursday’s throughout the summer. The clear-bottomed kayaks and goggle viewers give a truly unique way to experience Dorset’s marine wildlife in its natural habitat. Sessions are £25 per person, 12+ year olds only. For more information and to book, phone 01929 481044.
For more information on all our Marine Week events visit https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events
