Dorset Wildlife Trust is calling for more volunteers to help run the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre. The wildlife and visitor centre reopened last year after extensive rebuilding and aims to help local people and visitors alike discover the extraordinary natural heritage of its unique Jurassic Coast location.
The Centre has an exhibition space, classroom and shop, as well as a separately run café area and new displays are to be installed this spring ahead of a formal opening. Volunteers act as ‘front of house’ for the Centre, meeting and greeting visitors, running the shop and helping keep an eye on the local wildlife. 2013 is expected to be a busy year for the expanded Centre, with several major events, increasing numbers of schools visits and growing numbers of visitors learning about Chesil, the Fleet Lagoon and the surrounding area.
Emily Brown, Discover Chesil Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “Chesil Beach and its lagoon are very special places for wildlife and geology, and we try to communicate this to our huge range of visitors. No experience is necessary – all training is provided. All you need is an appreciation and enthusiasm for the local area, and to like talking to people. Come and join us!”
Long term volunteer Jenny Harris, from Weymouth, added: “It is a lovely place to come and enjoy the peace and wonderful views and to meet interesting people”.
TheFine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre is a partnership between Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Dorset Wildlife Trust. The Centre is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Fine Family Foundation, Chesil Bank and the Fleet Nature Reserve, Jurassic Coast Team and Trust, Crown Estate, CourtLeet of the Island and Royal Manor of Portland, Dorset County Council, Garfield Weston Foundation, Chalk and Cheese and an army of volunteers from the local community.
The next volunteer training session is on Thursday 28th February from 3.30 until 6 pm. To find out more, please contact Emily Brown on ebrown dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or phone 01305 206191. The Centre is open from 10am to 4pm every day and the new taste*café@chesilbeach opens on 18th March 2013.
Dorset Wildlife Trust is part of the Natural Weymouth and Portland Partnership; connecting people with nature.