Dorset Wildlife Trust is launching a series of Sunday Strolls in west Dorset this spring. Starting in April and running through until the end of September, the walks will be based around the Kingcombe Centre and surrounding Kingcombe Meadows Reserve, a beautiful ancient landscape spanning the full width of the River Hooke valley.
The Sunday Strolls, suitable for the whole family, will be led by Dorset Wildlife Trust staff and local naturalists, to showcase the diverse wildlife of West Dorset. Kicking off with ‘Welcome to Kingcombe’, led by Nick Tomlinson, the walks will span a wide breadth of subjects, including ‘Down on the Farm’ which will give an insight into the daily running of the Trust’s busy organic farm, a ‘Badger Quest’ which will look at the ecology of this iconic mammal, ‘Dawn Chorus’ which will celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day and ‘Marsh Fritillary at Powerstock’ leading people through a stronghold of one of Europe’s most endangered butterflies and many, many more.
Victoria Vincent, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Engagement and Education Officer, said: “Following popular demand, we have launched these Sunday Strolls so that more people could enjoy our themed walks. We hope to welcome nature lovers of all ages to explore these wonderful reserves – there really is something for everyone!”
The 185 hectares of unspoilt countryside that makes up the Kingcombe Meadows Reserve and equally notable 115 hectares of Powerstock Common are the ideal places to learn about wildlife. Both reserves have been managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust using traditional methods, meaning that no artificial fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides have been used. The result is an array of fields, hedgerows, streams, ponds and wooded areas bursting with wildlife and superb views.
The Sunday Strolls will begin on 7th April with ‘Welcome to Kingcombe’ and cost £6.00 for adults and £3.00 for children. Unless stated, walks start at the Kingcombe Centre at 10am. They will be led at a leisurely pace and cover up to 2 miles and include tea and cake back at the centre cafe. For more information, call The Kingcombe Centre on: 01300 321409 or visit kingcombe.org.
