Local people are supporting the wildlife of Dorset’s River Allen by following a new guide for river users. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s new River Allen Users Guide is helping the community, landowners and fishermen to look after and enjoy one of Dorset’s most important chalk streams and protect some of Britain’s rarest river wildlife.
A guide for using a river?
The new guide highlights threatened species including water voles, Atlantic salmon and white clawed crayfish and has tips for anglers, river managers and dog walkers to help prevent the spread of disease, avoid damaging vulnerable nests and burrows, help with wildlife surveys and, despite this year’s wet summer, be careful about how much water we use.
Looking after “Our” river
Thanks to the work of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s River Allen Project, the clear chalk stream is increasingly being recognised by residents and wildlife lovers in the Wimborne area for its natural environment and also for the threats that it faces.
Members of DWT’s Wimborne group have recently raised £450 towards the project and the town’s Waitrose store featured the River Allen in its Community Matters fundraising during September, thanks to the Allendale Centre’s partnership in the project. The money will be spent on enhancing and reconnecting the river’s habitats and protecting its native wildlife.
Amanda Broom, Conservation Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “The River Allen is such a precious little river. It’s wonderful to see local people really value it and do their bit to help whether it’s fundraising or following the User’s Guide.”
Get your user’s guide here!
You can download a free copy of the River Allen User’s Guide here or visit or ring Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill Lane, Corfe Mullen, tel 01202 692033.
