Dorset Wildlife Trust is giving kids the chance to explore nature in Dorset this half term with lots of activities, from butterfly hunts to rock-pool exploring! Our reserves are bursting with activities to get kids out and about as well as getting crafty with hands-on nature-based activities.
Wet and Wild!
Ever wondered what goes on under the sea? In clear-bottomed kayaks at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre in Kimmeridge you can experience marine life like never before on our Kayak Safari. For seashore adventures you can make your own goggle-viewer and see what wildlife is lurking in the shallows. Or, get involved in the Chesil Challenge at the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre by searching for clues to solve puzzles and learn about wildlife. You can even try your hand at nature photography with a local expert at the Chesil Beach centre – upload your photos onto a big screen for top tips to get the perfect shot!
Hunt for Minibeasts
At Weymouth’s Lorton Meadows, come and discover the marvellous minibeasts hiding in the long grass and get creative with games and art activities at our Caterpillar Kids day. Watch birds living in their natural habitat around the reserve via our fantastic web-cams and enjoy a meander through the meadows on our open day.
Over at the Kingcombe centre, Kingcombe kids club is running a Butterfly Hunt and Pond Plungers event. Victoria Vincent, Education and Engagement officer at DWT’s Kingcombe Centre said: “Join us at the Kingcombe Centre this half term where we’ll be searching for the beautiful butterflies that grace the meadows at this time of year and we’ll be looking close up to the little critters that will be lurking in the centre pond!”
Bee busy in the garden
Bees and butterflies have had a tough winter and numbers of species were down to as little as 40% of normal counts last year. This is why we are urging gardeners to select border and pot plants with lots of nectar and pollen. Enter our annual Wildlife Friendly Garden competition sponsored by the Gardens Group to show off your efforts! Every garden which enters will be visited by wildlife gardening experts and you will receive some helpful tips on how to support even more wildlife. There are a number of categories and the closing date is Friday 24th May. For more details see dorsetwildlifetrust.org/wgc
Kayak Safari at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Wareham, BH20 5PF on Tuesday 28th May and Thursday 30thMay. £25 per person per session. 12+ year olds only. Booking essential (max 6 per session) Get Active on the seashore on Wednesday 29th May 1.30 – 4pm £2 per child. Phone 01929 481044.
Chesil Challenge at the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland, DT4 9XE Thursday 30thMay 12-1.30pm. £2 per child. Wild Photography Fun Day Monday 27th May 12-3pm. Adults £5 children £3. Suitable for beginners.
Caterpillar Kids – Meadow Minibeasts at Lorton Meadows, Upwey, DT3 5QH on Wednesday 29th May 10.30am – 12.30pm, £2 per child. Lorton Meadows open day Saturday 1st June 10am-4pm.
Kingcombe kids club on Tuesday 28th May and Thursday 30th May at 10am-12pm. Butterfly hunt and Pond plungers. £3 per child. Booking essential. The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum, West Dorset DT2 0EQ.
For information about all our events, visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events
