Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) has teamed-up with local wildlife photographers to produce stunning images for DWT’s 2013 Christmas card collection, and 2014 calendar.
The new DWT Christmas card collection features a thrush feeding on berries by wildlife enthusiast, Martin Baldwin, a snowy scene of Milton Abbey and Black Hill by DWT Trustees Les Bunce and Tony Bates, and an original photograph of a Kingfisher by BBC camera assistant and local photographer, Sam Stewart.
Sam has worked on many wildlife-filming projects, including BBC Springwatch and is a camera assistant for wildlife cameraman and broadcaster, Simon King, OBE. Sam said, “I love exploring the countryside in Dorset and every now and then I find a spot I love to work on time and time again. This colourful jewel was taken just near Blandford. I had wanted to get this image for ages and spent a long time working towards it. The kingfisher, although relatively common in Dorset, can be a hard bird to spot, never mind photograph!”
In addition to a wonderful collection of Christmas cards, Dorset Wildlife Trust has also asked a selection of well-known Dorset celebrities to tell us about the places and wildlife in Dorset they love and cherish. Local Oscar-winning writer, Lord Julian Fellowes, selected the wildlife around the three rivers the Frome, the Mead and one of the Winterbournes as his favourite place in Dorset. He said, “The trio of rivers boasts really wonderful wildlife. We have deer and foxes and herons and egrets and badgers and owls and kingfishers with their piercing pipe.”
The stunning photographs for the 2014 calendar were taken by long standing member and supporter of the Dorset Wildlife Trust, Colin Varndell, who has won a few awards himself, including the Wildlife photographer of the year competition. Colin said, “I never fail to be inspired by Dorset’s wildlife and wild places. I can seldom travel out of the county, as there is so much to photograph and enjoy in Dorset. Dorset Wildlife Trust is very dear to me, and I am keen to support the Trust with my photography.”
To give the gift of nature to a loved one this Christmas, gift membership of DWT is the perfect way to support wildlife in Dorset for a truly unique Christmas present. Membership is our only reliable source of income and this year, we have an exclusive offer, starting from just £32. All gift membership recipients receive our special welcome pack, including a free 2014 calendar, latest DWT magazine, events guide, reserve guide and car sticker.
Gift membership can be ordered online at: https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/giftmembership.html or by phoning membership administrator, Debra Keen on 0130501305 264620.
Christmas cards come in packs of 10 and cost £4.00 per pack plus 50p p&p. The calendar costs £7 including p&p. All the profits will help to support the work of Dorset Wildlife Trust. To see the 2014 calendar, full range of cards and to order, please visit: https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop_online.html or ring 01305 264620. You can also buy them from DWT Brooklands Farm, Forston near Dorchester DT2 7AA or the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, A354 Portland Road, Weymouth DT4 9XE.
