To see our volunteering opportunities, visit www.dorsetwildifetrust.org.uk/volunteering
WED 1 DORSET HEATHS PRIORITY INVERTEBRE RECORDING GROUP – BACK FROM THE BRINK. 10am – 3pm. We will be meeting every Wednesday to carry out surveys for Heath Tiger Beetle, Southern Damselfly and Purbeck Mason Wasp. Sessions will be led by the National Trust and Back from the Brink staff. Find out more information here
WED 1 CATERPILLAR KIDS AT LORTON – LUCKY LADYBIRDS, 10.30am – 12.30pm. How many spots do ladybirds have – 2, 7 or 22? Why are they bright colours, instead of camouflaged? Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Children £3, must be accompanied. Adults free. Booking essential, please phone 01305 816546. Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Please notify us of important medical information prior to the event.Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
WED 1 – SUN 2 SEPT SUMMER WILDLIFE FUN AT BROWNSEA ISLAND, 11am – 3.30pm. Go Wild about Brownsea! Come and find out more about the wonderful wildlife of Brownsea. Take part in self-led trails and visit the Villa Wildlife Centre for wildlife activities and discover some of Brownsea’s wildlife! Parental supervision required. No need to book. A small donation for materials for some activities may apply. Phone Brownsea on 01202 709445 for more information or visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/Brownsea. Boats from Poole or Sandbanks from 10am. Normal boat fares and NT landing charges apply (unless you are DWT members and only visiting the reserve; if so, you’ll need to show your DWT membership cards).
WED 1 – FRI 3 NATURE DRAWING IN DRY MEDIA (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), Explore drawing techniques of natural history illustration in the studio and out in the field. This course will explore the techniques used to draw natural objects using graphite pencil and other dry media such as charcoal pencils, tinted graphite pencils and waxy sketching pencils. Initially we will focus on line drawing, then move on to develop tonal work and depict form, detail and texture. Residential £289pp Non residential £209pp.
WED 1 ECO-CRABBING; HOW TO CATCH & HANDLE SEASHORE CRABS WITHOUT HARMING THEM, 2.30pm – 4pm. Celebrate National Marine Week!Join us for eco-crabbing on the seashore in Kimmeridge Bay. Find out how to catch seashore crabs without harming them or the other marine life that lives with them, and learn how to look after your catch. Discover the different types of crab to be found at Kimmeridge as well as lots of fun crabby facts. This is a guided event for families. Everything you need is provided and the crab line is yours to take home with you. The event is carried out at the waters’ edge and is not suitable for under 3 year olds. Meet at the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, located by the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay. Postcode BH20 5PE. Please be aware that access to Kimmeridge Bay is via a private road for which a toll of £5 per car is charged by Smedmore Estate (charges vary for other types of vehicle). Park in the main car park and follow the footpath to the east side of the bay. Costs for the event are £4 per child (accompanying adults free) and include a crab line which is yours to keep. Not suitable for under 3s. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is weather dependent – phone the Marine Centre on 01929 481044 if unsure. For health & safety reasons we cannot accept late-comers – please arrive on time. This event includes walking over uneven and sometimes slippery rocks therefore sturdy shoes or wellingtons are essential. Everything you need for crabbing is provided.
THUR 2 POOLE PARK FUN DAY, 10am – 3pm. A day of activities for all ages plus a Community Art Exhibition as part of Poole Park Life. Join DWT and many other partners at this free event, no need to book. For more information, contact [email protected]. ring 01202 261757 or visit pooleprojects.net/pooleparklife/
THUR 2 FLEET EXPLORER – MARINE PROTECTED AREAS, 11.15am – 12.15pm. Join us for a boat trip on the Fleet Explorer to find out about Marine Protected Areas in Dorset, as we explore one of the UK’s finest. Find out about the incredible wildlife of the Fleet Lagoon and how important it is to protect our seas.
Adults £8; Children £6, must be accompanied. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, 01305 206191. Weather dependent. Chesil Beach Centre, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
THUR 2 CLIFF TOP WATCH FOR DOLPHINS, 11.30am – 3.30pm. Celebrate National Marine Week! Join us on the Kimmeridge cliffs to keep a look out for dolphins and other marine animals. Learn what signs to look for, how to spot and identify them and find out more about the types of whale and dolphin that can be seen in Dorset. There will be skulls and bones from a variety of dolphins and whales to see and handle, along with information about how they feed, where they live, what threats they face and what actions we can take to protect them. You can drop in at any time during the event and stay as little or as long as you like. We will have binoculars available to borrow, but bring your own if you have them.
Come to the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, located by the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay. Postcode BH20 5PE. Please be aware that access to Kimmeridge Bay is via a private road for which a toll of £5 per car is charged by Smedmore Estate (charges vary for other types of vehicle). Park in the main car park and follow the footpath to the east side of the bay. Free event but donations are welcome. Access to the lookout is up very steep and sometimes slippery steps and the cliffs are high with no fence – sturdy shoes are essential. Our look out area is set back from the cliff edge but is not suitable for young children and dogs. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is weather dependent – phone the Marine Centre on 01929 481044 if unsure. You can drop in at any time during the event and stay as little or as long as you like. We will have binoculars available to borrow, but bring your own if you have them.
FRI 3 CATERPILLAR KIDS AT LORTON – PECULIAR POND LIFE, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Have a go at pond dipping and discover the amazing underwater world of diving beetles, newts and nymphs. Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Children £3, must be accompanied. Adults free. Booking essential, please phone 01305 816546. Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Please notify us of important medical information prior to the event. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SAT 4 -SUN 5 ILLUSTRATING BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS WORKSHOP (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), This course will explore the techniques used to draw and paint butterflies and moths, including drawing to scale and accurate colour-mixing. In addition, there will be the opportunity to observe moths from the moth trap, a non-harmful method to monitor the moth species found in an area. Residential £219pp non residential £179pp. www.kingcombe.org.
SAT 4 BAT WALK, 8.30pm – 10.30pm. Another opportunity to discover bats in Blandford with expert, Chris Dieck. Meet at the Stour Meadows car park (behind Tesco/brewery) at 8.30pm. £3 per person. Maximum of 20 people per walk, so booking is essential by telephoning Roy Davies on 01258 880 699. Stour Meadows Car Park, Blandford St Mary, Blandford Forum DT11 9LS. North Dorset Group.
SUN 5 WILD ABOUT CHESIL, 10am – 5pm. Join us for Chesil’s BIGGEST wildlife event of the year. Find out about the fascinating wildlife of Chesil Beach, Portland and what Dorset Wildlife Trust is up to across the rest of the county. There will be music, dancing and an action packed programme of wildlife activities for the whole family. FREE EVENT (donations welcome). Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. No Booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191 For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
TUES 7 KNOLL GARDENS WILDLIFE SURVEY 2018, 10am – 3pm. Join DWT and other experts for a wildlife survey with our friends at Knoll Gardens. Suitable for all ages, beginners and experts alike. No need to book, but for more information and to register your interest contact Nicky Hoar on 01202 692033 or email [email protected]. More about Knoll Gardens at knollgardensfoundation.org
WED 8 DORSET HEATHS PRIORITY INVERTEBRATE RECORDING GROUP – BACK FROM THE BRINK. 10am – 3pm. We will be meeting every Wednesday to carry out surveys for Heath Tiger Beetle, Southern Damselfly and Purbeck Mason Wasp. Sessions will be led by the National Trust and Back from the Brink staff. Find out more information at www.dorsetwildifetrust.org.uk/events.
WED 8 WARDEN’S WALK – SUMMER WILDLFE ON BROWNSEA, 11am – 1pm. Join the Brownsea team for a guided walk of the spectacular DWT nature reserve, including the lagoon, summer flowers, butterflies and reptiles. Booking essential. Meet at the Lagoon hide (100m from the quay). Boats from Poole or Sandbanks at 10am; normal boat fares and landing fees apply. For further information phone 01202 709445. Please bring stout footwear as paths can be uneven or muddy. Suggested donation £2.
WED 8 CATERPILLAR KIDS AT LORTON – BUZZY BEES, 10.30am – 12.30pm. What keeps bees so busy & how many different types are there buzzing around the meadows of Lorton? Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Children £3, must be accompanied. Adults free. Booking essential, please phone 01305 816546. Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Please notify us of important medical information prior to the event. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
WED 8 ARTY OCEAN ACTIVITIES – SEAHORSE SPECTACULAR!
Celebrate National Marine Week! Did you know that Seahorses can be found in Dorset? Join us for a Seahorse spectacular at Kimmeridge with informative displays and fun Seahorse themed have-a-go arts and crafts activities for children. They can choose from a selection of items to make and decorate, letting their creative skills go wild! Held at the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, located by the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay. Postcode: BH20 5PE. Please be aware that access to Kimmeridge Bay is via a private road for which a toll of £5 per car is charged by Smedmore Estate (charges vary for other types of vehicle). Park in the main car park and follow the footpath to the east side of the bay. Entry to the Wild Seas Centre and the displays is free. The craft activities are priced at £1 per item made. Not suitable for under 3s. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in at any time and stay for as long or as little as you like. This is an indoor event. For more information please contact the Wild Seas Centre on 01929 481044.
THUR 9 MOTH TRAP AND WALK, BEACON HILL, 9am – 12.pm. Identify the moths caught overnight followed by an optional guided walk around the heath.
Meet at The Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill, Corfe Mullen. Book 01202692033. Wimborne Group.
THUR 9 BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS AT CHESIL, 11am – 12.30pm. Join us for a butterfly beach hunt and look for surprises in our overnight moth trap.
Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. Adults £3, Children £2, must be accompanied. No Booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191 For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
THUR 9 FLEET EXPLORER ‘SUNDOWN CRUISE’, 7.50pm – 8.50pm. Join us for an evening boat trip on the Fleet Explorer to watch the sun go down. Find out about the fascinating wildlife of the Fleet Lagoon, the famous Chesil Beach and the rich local history. The perfect time of day to relax; and you might even spot the Chesil hares. Adults £10; Children £8, must be accompanied. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, 01305 206191. Weather dependant. Chesil Beach Centre, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
FRI 10 CATERPILLAR KIDS AT LORTON – GRASSHOPPERS & CRICKETS, 10.30 – 12.30 Can you tell the difference between the grasshoppers and crickets hopping around Lorton’s meadows? Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Children £3, must be accompanied. Adults free. Booking essential, please phone 01305 816546. Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Please notify us of important medical information prior to the event. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
FRI 10 – SUN 12 SHIBORI WITH INDIGO AND MADDER WEEKEND WORKSHOP (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE, Explore dyeing with indigo and madder, the king and queen of dyes, while discovering how to stitch and shape the fabric to resist the dye (called shibori) creating beautiful patterns. Residential £289pp, non residential £209pp. with Indigo and Madder Weekend Workshop (Kingcombe Centre Course)
SAT 11 SUPER SEALS! 11am – 4pm. Celebrate National Marine Week! Join us for an exciting day all about the charismatic marine mammals that are seals. The morning session (11am to 12.30pm) will feature a talk from our resident seal expert all about seals in Dorset, how to identify them and how you can help by recording them. In the afternoon (2pm to 4pm), join our seal rescue squad and learn how to save them from dangers in the sea. Find out how to tell if a seal is in trouble and what to do if you spot a real life seal. Learn about the threats of marine litter and entanglement in fishing nets and rope. Use binoculars to look out for seals in the sea and put your new rescue skills into practise with our cuddly resident seal. Seals can be identified from the unique pattern of spots on their fur and are often named after them. With this in mind, you can make and name your own seal to take home. Meet at the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, located by the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay. Postcode: BH20 5PE. Please be aware that access to Kimmeridge Bay is via a private road for which a toll of £5 per car is charged by Smedmore Estate (charges vary for other types of vehicle). Park in the main car park and follow the footpath to the east side of the bay. Costs for each session are £3 per adult and £2 per child. Adults accompanying children in the afternoon session go free. Not suitable for young children. All children must be accompanied by an adult. We cannot accept late-comers – please arrive on time. Some of the activities in this event are held outside so footwear and clothing suitable for the weather should be worn. Booking is essential. For more information please contact the Wild Seas Centre on 01929 481044.
SAT 11 WILDLIFE FRIENDLY GARDENING AT THE DOLPHIN CENTRE, POOLE, 10am – 2pm.
Find us at the Dolphin Shopping Centre’s exciting new Eco-Hub for wildlife friendly gardening advice and activities for all. For more information, ring 01202 692033 or email [email protected].
SUN 12 SEASHORE SAFARI – FLEET LAGOON, 1pm – 2.30pm. Join us at low tide to explore the amazing underwater world of the Fleet Lagoon. Hunt for the marine wildlife which calls our shores their home, as well as looking for the tell-tale tracks and signs of hidden species. Wellies advised. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. Adults £3, Children £2, must be accompanied. No Booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191 For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
MON 13 GUIDED ROCKPOOL RAMBLE IN KIMMERIDGE BAY, 2pm – 3.30pm. A guided rockpool ramble in Kimmeridge Bay to discover wildlife on the seashore. For adults and families. Join a warden as we wander along the beach to discover what fascinating seashore wildlife can be spotted in Kimmeridge Bay, the best rockpooling site in Dorset. Learn about their bizarre lives, from sex-changing sea snails to crafty crabs. We will follow the Seashore Code to avoid causing any harm and find out what we can all do to help marine wildlife. Meet at the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, located by the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay. Postcode: BH20 5PE. Please be aware that access to Kimmeridge Bay is via a private road for which a toll of £5 per car is charged by Smedmore Estate (charges vary for other types of vehicle). Park in the main car park and follow the footpath to the east side of the bay. Costs for the event are £3.00 per adult and £2.00 per child. Under 3yrs are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is weather dependent – phone the Marine Centre on 01929 481044 if unsure. For health & safety reasons we cannot accept late-comers – please arrive on time. This event includes walking over wet, uneven and sometimes slippery rocks therefore sturdy shoes or wellingtons are essential.
TUES 14 SEASHORE SAFARI – FLEET LAGOON, 2.30pm – 4pm.
Join us at low tide to explore the amazing underwater world of the Fleet Lagoon. Hunt for the marine wildlife which calls our shores their home, as well as looking for the tell-tale tracks and signs of hidden species. Wellies advised.
Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. Adults £3, Children £2, must be accompanied. No Booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191 For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
WED 15 ARCHEOLOGY OF WEST DORSET (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE) 9.45am – 4pm. This day course is about the places, landscape and archeology of west Dorset, describing the main sites dating froma round 4000BC to the Romanisation of Britain. £65pp.
WED 15 DORSET HEATHS PRIORITY INVEREBRATE RECORDING GROUP – BACK FROM THE BRINK. 10am – 3pm.
We will be meeting every Wednesday to carry out surveys for Heath Tiger Beetle, Southern Damselfly and Purbeck Mason Wasp. Sessions will be led by the National Trust and Back from the Brink staff. Find out more information www.dorsetwidlifetrust.org.uk/events.
FRI 17 CATERPILLAR KIDS AT LORTON – TREE-MENDOUS TREES, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Do you know an Oak from a Hawthorn and which trees provide the most homes and food for animals? Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Children £3, must be accompanied. Adults free. Booking essential, please phone 01305 816546.
Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Please notify us of important medical information prior to the event. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
Join us for an evening boat trip on the Fleet Explorer to watch the sun go down. Find out about the fascinating wildlife of the Fleet Lagoon, the famous Chesil Beach and the rich local history. The perfect time of day to relax; and you might even spot the Chesil hares. Adults £10; Children £8, must be accompanied. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, 01305 206191. Weather dependant. Chesil Beach Centre, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
MON 20 SEASHORE SUPERHEROES, 11am – 12.30pm.
Love the outdoors? Become a seashore superhero and learn how to protect our local wildlife by completing a series of challenges to become your own masked hero! Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. Children £2, must be accompanied. No Booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191 For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
WED 22 DORSET HEATHS PRIORITY INVEREBRATE RECORDING GROUP – BACK FROM THE BRINK. 10am – 3pm.
We will be meeting every Wednesday to carry out surveys for Heath Tiger Beetle, Southern Damselfly and Purbeck Mason Wasp. Sessions will be led by the National Trust and Back from the Brink staff. Find out more information www.dorsetwidlifetrust.org.uk/events.
WED 22 CATERPILLAR KIDS AT LORTON – SPECTACULAR SPIDERS, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Discover the amazing webs, traps & subterfuge that Lorton’s spiders use to catch their prey. Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Children £3, must be accompanied. Adults free. Booking essential, please phone 01305 816546. Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Please notify us of important medical information prior to the event. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
Get slimy with seaweed! Did you know that you put seaweed in your mouth every day? Learn fascinating facts, how to identify seaweeds and have fun pressing them.
Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. Children £2, must be accompanied. For more information, phone 01305 206191. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
THUR 23 DISCOVER THE ALIENT WORLD OF PLANKTON, 11am – 4pm.
Join us to learn about the micro-world of plankton also with fun plankton themed crafts and activities. Use our microscopes to learn all about the bizarre and fascinating micro-world of plankton. We’ll be running plankton themed craft activities throughout the day and there will also be informative displays, lots of fun facts and a quiz to test your knowledge. Meet at the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, located by the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay. Postcode: BH20 5PE. Please be aware that access to Kimmeridge Bay is via a private road for which a toll of £5 per car is charged by Smedmore Estate (charges vary for other types of vehicle). Park in the main car park and follow the footpath to the east side of the bay. Entry to the Wild Seas Centre and displays is free, but there is a cost of £1 per craft item made. All children must be accompanied by an adult. You can drop in at any time during the event and stay as little or as long as you like. No booking required. For more information call 01929 481044.
FRI 24 CATERPILLAR KIDS AT LORTON – DAZZLING DRAGONFLIES, 1.30pm – 3.30pm. Discover how dragonflies develop from underwater nymphs into foraging flyers travelling 1km a day! Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Children £3, must be accompanied. Adults free. Booking essential, please phone 01305 816546. Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Please notify us of important medical information prior to the event. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
Join us for an evening boat trip on the Fleet Explorer to watch the sun go down. Find out about the fascinating wildlife of the Fleet Lagoon, the famous Chesil Beach and the rich local history. The perfect time of day to relax; and you might even spot the Chesil hares. Adults £10; Children £8, must be accompanied. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, 01305 206191. Weather dependant. Chesil Beach Centre, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
MON 27 THE CHESIL CHALLENGE 11am – 12.30pm. Can you complete the Chesil Challenge? A children’s treasure trail inside and outside the Centre looking for clues to solve puzzles about Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon. Suitable for 5+.
Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. Children £2, must be accompanied. No Booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191 For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
TUES 28 GUIDED ROCKPOOL RAMBLE IN KIMMERIDE BAY 2.30pm – 4pm. A guided rockpool ramble in Kimmeridge Bay to discover wildlife on the seashore. For adults and families. Join a warden as we wander along the beach to discover what fascinating seashore wildlife can be spotted in Kimmeridge Bay, the best rockpooling site in Dorset. Learn about their bizarre lives, from sex-changing sea snails to crafty crabs. We will follow the Seashore Code to avoid causing any harm and find out what we can all do to help marine wildlife. Meet at the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, located by the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay. Postcode: BH20 5PE. Please be aware that access to Kimmeridge Bay is via a private road for which a toll of £5 per car is charged by Smedmore Estate (charges vary for other types of vehicle). Park in the main car park and follow the footpath to the east side of the bay. Costs for the event are £3.00 per adult and £2.00 per child. Under 3yrs are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is weather dependent – phone the Marine Centre on 01929 481044 if unsure. For health & safety reasons we cannot accept late-comers – please arrive on time. This event includes walking over wet, uneven and sometimes slippery rocks therefore sturdy shoes or wellingtons are essential.
WED 29 DORSET HEATHS PRIORITY INVEREBRATE RECORDING GROUP – BACK FROM THE BRINK. 10am – 3pm.
We will be meeting every Wednesday to carry out surveys for Heath Tiger Beetle, Southern Damselfly and Purbeck Mason Wasp. Sessions will be led by the National Trust and Back from the Brink staff. Find out more information www.dorsetwidlifetrust.org.uk/events.
WED 29 ECO-CRABBING 2.30pm – 4pm.
Join us for eco-crabbing on the seashore in Kimmeridge Bay. Find out how to catch seashore crabs without harming them or the other marine life that lives with them, and learn how to look after your catch. Discover the different types of crab to be found at Kimmeridge as well as lots of fun crabby facts. This is a guided event for families. Everything you need is provided and the crab line is yours to take home with you. The event is carried out at the waters’ edge and is not suitable for under 3 year olds. Meet at the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, located by the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay. Postcode: BH20 5PE. Please be aware that access to Kimmeridge Bay is via a private road for which a toll of £5 per car is charged by Smedmore Estate (charges vary for other types of vehicle). Park in the main car park and follow the footpath to the east side of the bay. Costs for the event are £4 per child (accompanying adults free) and include a crab line which is yours to keep. Not suitable for under 3s. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is weather dependent – phone the Marine Centre on 01929 481044 if unsure. For health & safety reasons we cannot accept late-comers – please arrive on time. This event includes walking over uneven and sometimes slippery rocks therefore sturdy shoes or wellingtons are essential. Everything you need for crabbing is provided.
WED 29 CATERPILLAR KIDS AT LORTON – PRECARIOUS POND LIFE, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Have a go at pond dipping & discover how tricky it is to survive in a pond full of hungry creatures! Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Children £3, must be accompanied. Adults free. Booking essential, please phone 01305 816546. Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Please notify us of important medical information prior to the event. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
Wildlife garden themed activities with DWT at Wimborne Model Town, King Street, Wimborne BH21 1DY. No booking required. Normal admission fees apply. For more information, visit www.wimborne-modeltown.com or ring 01202 881924.
FRI 31 CATERPILLAR KIDS AT LORTON – WHO’S HIDING IN THE HEDGEROW? 10.30am – 12.30pm. Join us for a hedgerow hunt to discover shiny shieldbugs, wonderful webs & secret mammal paths. Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Children £3, must be accompanied. Adults free. Booking essential, please phone 01305 816546.
Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Please notify us of important medical information prior to the event. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
