Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is giving children in Dorset an opportunity to be wild this summer, with a host of wildlife themed activities and events in its visitor Centres and nature reserves across the county.
Over at the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, discover the ‘Peculiar Plankton of the Fleet’ on Saturday 5th August from 1-2.30pm, where some of the smallest creatures in the sea are some of the strangest! Join us to hunt for these peculiar beasts and use our microscopes to view these creatures and turn them into giants on our big TV screens. Children £2. No booking required.
At the Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre and nature reserve on Friday 18th August from 10.30-12.30 join DWT’s community conservation officer to learn about the Dazzling Dragonflies at Lorton, make a wildlife inspired piece of artwork and play games. Children £3, booking is essential on 01305 816546. Why not make a day of it and bring along a picnic?
On Tuesday 22ndAugust from 10am- 12pm children can go wild for bees at the Happy Bottom nature reserve near Corfe Mullen with bee-themed activities and a bumble around the meadow to see which bees are visiting! £3 per child. Meet at the entrance to the Happy Bottom nature reserve, Higher Merley Lane, (map ref SY995979). Phone 01202 692033 for more info.
Join us at Kimmeridge Bay, one of the best rockpooling sites in Dorset, for a Guided Rockpool Ramble on Thursday 24th August from 2.30pm – 4pm. Learn about the amazing lives of marine wildlife whilst we follow the seashore code to avoid causing any harm to wildlife. £3 per adult, £2 per child. Weather dependant. Phone 01929 481044 for more information.
At the Kingcombe Centre in west Dorset, children can take part in the Artsreach PaddleBoat theatre workshop on Thursday 24th August from 1.30pm – 2.30pm. Learn puppetry skills, and learn to use your body and voice to tell your own campfire stories. Suitable for ages 6-9 years, £3 per child. Followed by an outdoor performance. Book at www.kingcombe.org/family-events.
For a real wildlife adventure this summer, visit the DWT nature reserve on Brownsea Island from 22nd July – 3rd September, for a series of daily events where families can enjoy discovering Brownsea’s wildlife, take part in self-led trails and fun activities at the Villa Wildlife Centre. Phone Chloe on 01202 709445 for more information.
