Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is launching a brand new volunteering programme, giving local people the opportunity to make a difference for wildlife on some of the newly acquired Great Heath Living Landscape sites in East Dorset.
From May to August 2014, 124 people volunteered an impressive 1,332 hours of their time to conservation in East Dorset, but now the new Great Heath sites are under DWT and partners management, even more help is needed.
DWT’s Great Heath Conservation Officer, Sally Wright said, “We are really excited to start working on the new DWT reserves which are now part of The Great Heath, including Happy Bottom and Arrowsmith Coppice. It’s all hands on deck to get started on the conservation work during the winter, and there’s always something to do! This is a chance for local people to play an active role in wildlife conservation for the area, meet like-minded people and get some exercise at the same time. Tasks will include helping with removal of invasive plants such as rhododendron from woodland habitats, and scrub removal from heathland habitats.”
Vital conservation work such as removing invasive species will make room for native species to grow and increase the bio diversity of an area, and allow more birds, mammals and insects to thrive and prosper.
Volunteering activities in East Dorset will take place every Wednesday, starting on Wednesday 1stOctober from 10am – 4pm. Volunteers of all abilities and ages are very welcome, for just an hour, or the whole day. Meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre in Corfe Mullen, (BH21 3RX)
For more information about taking part in this programme, please contact Sally Wright on 01202 692033 and visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/volunteering to view a programme of activities over the coming months.
