To see our volunteering opportunities, visit www.dorsetwildifetrust.org.uk/volunteering
JUN 15 – 21 JULY BROWNSEA ISLAND ART EXHIBITIONS, 10am – 4pm. Exhibition of work by local artist Harriet Webb at the Villa visitor centre, Brownsea Island. Visit the Villa for an exhibition by local artist Harriet Webb, inspired by her love of the outdoors and the beauty of the natural world in her home county of Dorset. Phone Brownsea on 01202 709445 for more information or visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/Brownsea. Artist’s contact details at: https://www.facebook.com/harryloves2draw. 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.
SUN 1 MAKE BUG HOUSES AT LORTON 10am – 4pm, Make a bug house to encourage beneficial bugs like ladybirds and lacewings to your patch, £2/house. Plus, the Centre is open for visitors, follow a trail, drop in for a hot drink, or watch the birds on screen. Children must be accompanied. Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy – welly boots are advisable. Toilets, parking, cycle Tea/coffee machine, nature trails, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please phone 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
MON 2 HEALTH & WELLBEING WALK AT LORTON, 10am – 10.45am. Join us for a gentle weekly walk around Lorton Meadows nature reserve – your first step to better wellbeing. You don’t need to know anything about nature, or be physically fit and you can even borrow welly boots, waterproofs and walking poles for the walk. No need to book. Adults suggested donation £3, includes free tea/coffee in the Conservation Centre afterwards. 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, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please phone 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
WED 4 WALKING WITH NATURE, KINGCOMBE MEADOWS THROUGH THE SEASONS, 2pm – 4pm. This is an opportunity to explore the many paths and trails and discover the wonderful wildlife and heritage that the Kingcombe reserve has to offer. An opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and observe the ever-changing environments at Kingcombe throughout the seasons. These sociable walks are an opportunity to get outdoors, connect with nature and meet likeminded people. You will end you walk back at the Kingcombe centre for tea and homemade cake Kingcombe centre, Lower Kingcombe, DT2 0EQ. œ8 FOR Adults and œ4 for children includes tea and cake. Free parking on site. Booking essential, phone 01300 320684 and ask for Debbie Billen to reserve your place.
Wed 4 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.dorsetwildlifetrust.
FRI 6 – SUN 8 MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), Develop your macro and close-up photography of plants and invertebrates, improve your field craft and overcome the challenges. Residential £289 per person, non-residential, £209 per person. For more information and to book visit www.kingcombe.org or phone 01300 320684.
SAT 7 & SUN 8 NATURE DETECTIES TRAIL AT LORTON – AMAZING MEADOWS, 10.30pm – 4pm. Find the bugs, hoppers & beetles hiding among Lorton’s wildflowers & celebrate National Meadows Day. œ1/child. Pick up a trail guide from the Conservation Centre and become a nature detective, follow the trail & find the clues. Approximately 30 – 45 minutes. No need to book, available all day. Children œ1, must be accompanied. Start at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please phone 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SAT 7 LORTON MEADOWS WILDFLOWER WALK, 2pm – 4pm. Discover black knapweed, bird’s-foot trefoil, grass vetchling on National Meadows Day. Join us for a fabulous guided walk around Lorton Meadows nature reserve. Booking essential £3/adult, £2/child, please phone 01305 816546. No unaccompanied children. 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
SUN 8 NATURE DETECTIVES TRAIL AT LORTON – AMAZING MEADOWS, 10.30 – 4pm, Find the bugs, bees & beetles hiding among Lorton’s wildflowers & celebrate National Meadows Day. Pick up a trail guide from the Conservation Centre and become a nature detective, follow the trail & find the clues. Approximately 30 – 45 minutes. No need to book, available all day. Children £1, must be accompanied.
Start at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please phone 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SUN 8 CHESIL ROCKS!, 2pm – 3.30pm. This whistle-stop tour covers everything from the formation of the beach to the rich wildlife and history. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. Adults œ3, Children œ2, must be accompanied. No Booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191 For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
MON 9 – FRI 13 DORSET’S BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), Discover the diversity of summer butterflies and moths across Dorset’s famed landscape of chalk downlands, pastures, woodlands and coast. Led by David Brown, Warwick University lecturer. Residential £495pp, Non-residential £335. www.kingcombe.org.
MON 9 HEALTH & WELLBEING WALK AT LORTON, 10:00 – 10:45, Join us for a gentle weekly walk around Lorton Meadows nature reserve – your first step to better wellbeing. Join us for a gentle weekly walk around Lorton Meadows nature reserve – your first step to better wellbeing. You don’t need to know anything about nature, or be physically fit and you can even borrow welly boots, waterproofs and walking poles for the walk. No need to book. Adults suggested donation £3, includes free tea/coffee in the Conservation Centre afterwards. Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the Please notify us of important medical information prior to the event. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please phone 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
WED 11 GUIDED WALK – BUTTERFLIES ON PORTLAND, 10am – 12pm. am
Join the Portland Project Officer for a guided walk around the disused quarry. Join the Portland Project Officer for a guided walk around the disused quarry to discover how wildlife, particularly butterflies, have recolonised the site. With stunning views across Chesil beach, hidden sculpted surprises around every corner and butterflies galore, this is a walk not to be missed. Coming from Weymouth direction on the A354, turn onto the 3rd exit at the Portland Heights Hotel roundabout onto Wide Street towards Weston. Take the first right into Trade Croft industrial estate onto Trade Croft road and turn right at the end by Portland Skips into Tout car park. Please wear suitable footwear. Booking essential, please contact the Chesil Centre on 01305 20619. Adults £3, Children £2.
WED 11 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.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events
FRI 13 THE HEATH AT DUSK, 9pm – 11pm. Upton Heath and Nightjars meet at end of Beacon Road Broadstone. As night descends on Upton Heath, experience the sights and sounds of the emerging nocturnal wildlife. With luck nightjars and bats will be out and about. Meet at the end of Beacon Road, Broadstone.BH18 9JN off Pinespring Drive / Roman Road. Corfe Mullen Contact [email protected] or on the day 07947 141539. Use insect repellents and wear warm clothing. Suggest £2 donation. Sorry Canine friends to stay at home. Poole Group.
SAT 14 NATURE DETECTIVES TRAIL AT LORTON – DAZZLING DRAGONFLIES, 10.30am – 4pm. Find the dazzling dragonflies and delicate damselflies waiting to be discovered at Lorton Meadows. £1 per child. Find the dazzling dragonflies and delicate damselflies waiting to be discovered at Lorton Meadows. Pick up a trail guide from the Conservation Centre and become a nature detective, follow the trail & find the clues. Approximately 30 – 45 minutes. No need to book, available all day. Children œ1, must be accompanied. Start at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please phone 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SAT 14 BEE DAY AT KNOLL GARDENS, 11am – 4pm. Open your eyes to the wonderful world of bees!. Learn from experts on guided walks and discover the best plants to attract bees to your garden. Normal garden admission prices. For further information on Knoll Gardens please use this link www.knollgardens.co.uk or ring 01202 873931.
SAT 14 SEASHORE SAFARI ON THE FLEET LAGOON, 1.15pm – 2.45pm.
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. 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, Wellies advised. Contact us on 01305 20619. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
SUN 15 NATURE DETECTIVES TRAIL AT LORTON – DAZZLING DRAGONFLIES, 10.30am – 4pm. Find the dazzling dragonflies and delicate damselflies waiting to be discovered at Lorton Meadows. Pick up a trail guide from the Conservation Centre and become a nature detective, follow the trail & find the clues. Approximately 30 – 45 minutes. No need to book, available all day. Children £1, must be accompanied. Start at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please phone 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SUN 15 OPEN GARDEN, 2pm – 5pm. Michael Evans is again opening his wildlife friendly garden. Tea and cake will be available. There will also be the results of the previous night moth trap. Garden at Farrs Coach House with ample parking next door at Farrs House with walk through. Map ref ST998003. (on road from Wimborne to Cowgrove) Suggested donation £3 per adult. Wimborne Group.
SUN 15 GUIDED ROCKPOOL RAMBLE IN KIMMERIDGE BAY, 2pm – 3.30pm. 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 per adult and £2 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.
MON 16 – FRI 20 HANDS-ON WIDLIFE CONSERVATION & RESEARCH HOLIDAY (KINGCOMBE CENTRE), Join us for wildlife surveys, practical conservation, fine food and great company on this five day holiday with partners, Wild Days Conservation. Based around the Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve and surrounding countryside. Residential £690pp. www.kingcombe.org.
MON 16 HEALTH & WELLBEING WALK AT LORTON, 10am – 10.45am. Join us for a gentle weekly walk around Lorton Meadows nature reserve – your first step to better wellbeing. You don’t need to know anything about nature, or be physically fit and you can even borrow welly boots, waterproofs and walking poles for the walk. No need to book. Adults suggested donation £3, includes free tea/coffee in the Conservation Centre afterwards. 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, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please phone 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
WED 18 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 www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events.
THUR 19 TWILIGHT ON THE HEATH, 8.45pm. Join Nicky Hoar to look for nightjars and other wildlife in the Corfe Barrows Nature Park, Corfe Mulen. Parking and meet at Rushcombe Bottom (on the Roman Road just off Higher Blandford Road), map ref. SY993973. Stout footwear and a torch recommended. Please share lifts where possible. Suggested donation £5. Event in partnership with Borough of Poole. For more information, ring 01202 692033 or email [email protected].
FRI 20 IMPROVING MEADOWS AND GRASSLANDS (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), 9.45 – 4pm. You’ll head out into Dorset Wildlife Trust’s glorious wildflower meadows on Kingcombe Meadows (a short stroll from the Centre), to look at characteristic species like common knapweed, yellow rattle and local favourite corky-fruited water dropwort, and to talk about harvesting seed. £65 pp www.kingcombe.org
SAT 21 NATURE DETECTIVES TRAIL AT LORTON – BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES, 10.30am – 4pm. Discover the butterflies of the meadows, hiding at Lorton and join us on the Big Butterfly Count. £1 per child. Discover the butterflies of the meadows, hiding at Lorton and join us on the Big Butterfly Count. Pick up a trail guide from the Conservation Centre and become a nature detective, follow the trail & find the clues. Approximately 30 – 45 minutes. No need to book, available all day. Children œ1, must be accompanied. Start at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please phone 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SAT 21 LORTON MEADOWS BUTTERFLY WALK, 2pm – 4pm. Wander the meadows & identify butterflies, so you can record which visit your local area. Adult £3, Child £2 Wander the meadows & identify butterflies, so you can record which visit your local patch for the Big Butterfly Count. Join us for a fabulous guided walk around Lorton Meadows nature reserve. Booking essential £3/adult, £2/child, please phone 01305 816546. No unaccompanied children.
SAT 21 SCYTHING WORKSHOP (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), 9.45am – 4pm. The scythe is enjoying a resurgence in the UK thanks to imported lightweight continental scythes. Such tools are surprisingly effective and enjoyable to use, and a low tech, low carbon alternative. With the right knowhow, you can tackle small meadows, weeds such as nettles, grassy verges and even lawns. Having steadily evolved for at least 2,000 years, this really is a tool of the future! £85pp.
SAT 21 BARN DANCE & HOG ROAST (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), 7pm – 11pm. Join us for the return of our hugely popular barn dance with local bank Jeroka. Tickets must be pre-booked and you can get them by calling us on 01300 320684. £10 per adult ticket, £5 children.
SAT 21 LORTON MEADOWS BUTTERFLY WALK, 2pm – 4pm. Wander the meadows & identify butterflies, so you can record which visit your local patch for the Big Butterfly Count. Join us for a fabulous guided walk around Lorton Meadows nature reserve. Booking essential £3/adult, £2/child, please phone 01305 816546. No unaccompanied children. 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
21 – 19 AUG BROWNSEA ISLAND ART EXHIBITIONS, 10am – 4pm.Exhibition by Brownsea Artist in Residence, Lauren Hayes Bissell, at the Villa visitor centre, Brownsea Island. Visit the Villa visitor centre for an exhibition of work by local artist Lauren Hayes Bissell. Inspired by nature and the wildlife of Brownsea. Lauren is a signature member of the Hilliard Miniaturist’s Society and Art for Conservation; Member of the Fine Art Trade Guild; and Artist in Residence at DWT Brownsea Island. Phone Brownsea on 01202 709445 for more information or visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/Brownsea. Visit Lauren’s web page at: http://lhbissell.com/index.html. 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).
SUN 22 DORSET DOGS DAY, A wonderful celebration of dogs, countryside and wild creatures at Upton Country Park, Poole. Have-a-go-agility and more activities for dogs, fun dog show, doggy displays fascinatins stalls, scrumptous refreshments, children’s activities, guided walkies, huge marquee and so much more! More information at dorsetdogs.org.uk.
SUN 22 NATURE DETECTIVES TRAIL AT LORTON – BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES, 10.30am – 4pm. Discover the butterflies of the meadows, hiding at Lorton and join us on the Big Butterfly Count. £1/child. Discover the butterflies of the meadows, hiding at Lorton and join us on the Big Butterfly Count. Pick up a trail guide from the Conservation Centre and become a nature detective, follow the trail & find the clues. Approximately 30 – 45 minutes. No need to book, available all day. Children £1, must be accompanied. Start at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please phone 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SUN 22 A GOOD TERN! LITTLE TERN WALK, 1.30 – 3pm. Join us for a walk to see the little terns, one of the UK’s rarest seabirds and help raise money to protect the colony at Chesil. Learn about the plight of this charismatic little bird, find out about the breeding success and get an insight into their fascinating behaviour. £5 p.p. All money raised will go directly into protecting the colony (additional 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.
MON 23 HEALTH & WELLBEING WALK AT LORTON, 10am – 10.45am. Join us for a gentle weekly walk around Lorton Meadows nature reserve – your first step to better wellbeing. You don’t need to know anything about nature, or be physically fit and you can even borrow welly boots, waterproofs and walking poles for the walk. No need to book. Adults suggested donation £3, includes free tea/coffee in the Conservation Centre afterwards. 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, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please phone 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
TUES 24 WALK AT CORFE BARROWS NATURE PARK, 10am – 12pm. A walk guided by Nicky Hoar, DWT Learning and Interpretation Officer. Meet at Happy Bottom Nature Reserve on Northside of Higher Merley Lane, Corfe Mullen. Map Ref SY 995979. Suggested donation £4. Booking not necessary. Contact no. 01202 697325. Wimborne Group.
TUES 24 AN INTRODUCTION TO BATS (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE). 9.45am – 5pm. Would you like to begin the journey into the cryptic world of bats? Aimed at the beginner/novice who wants to start their learning on the subject, this workshop will introduce you to the world of bats and their ecology, including an evening session bat watching (weather permitting) and dinner. £65pp.
WED 25 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.
THURS 26 – 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).
FRI 27 CATERPILLAR KIDS AT LORTON – BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Search for butterflies in our wildflower meadows, how many different ones will you see? 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 27-SUN 29 MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE). Finding suitable subjects and approaching them carefully (especially where insects and spiders are concerned) are essential skills in field close-up macro photography. Learn about this, subject matter, viewpoint, choice of shooting and metering modes, aperture and shutter speed. Residential £289pp Non residential £209pp.
SAT 28 GUIDED ROCKPOOL RAMBLE IN KIMMERIDGE BAY, 2pm – 3.30pm. 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.Celebrate National Marine Week! Meet at the Fine Fou ndation 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 per adult and £2 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 heatherefore sturdy shoes or wellingtons are essential.
SAT 28 BAT WALK, 8.30pm – 10.30pm. Discover bats 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.
SAT 28 FARM WALK AT PORTESHAM, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Farm walk at Portesham on diverse downland A farm walk on a diverse downland holding with atmospheric echoes of Hardy’s Wessex. Accompanied by stockman Adam Fooks. Waddon Farm, Grid ref. SY 620 857 (near DT3 4ER), For more details and booking, please phone Nick Gray 07824 438974. Suggested donation of £2.00 (£3 for non-members). (WD)
SUN 29 DAMSELFLIES AND DRAGONFLIES ON THE HEATH, 10.30am – 2.00pm. Meet Upton Heath summer residents, at the end of Longmeadow Lane BH17 Survey Upton Heath for the order of insects call Odonata (Damselflies &Dragonflies) who are the essence of summer. Meet at Longmeadow Lane / Beechbank Avenue, BH17, Creekmoor Poole. Contact [email protected] or on the day: 07947 141539 Suggest donation £2, bring packed lunch and wear suitable footwear. Poole Group.
MON 30 SHARK SCHOOL! 11am – 12.30pm. Find out about UK Sharks! Some of the biggest and most exciting sharks are found just off Chesil Beach. Learn how to identify them, about their fascinating behaviour and how important sharks are as top predators in our seas. Then hunt for shark and ray eggcases along Chesil Beach. 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 30 MARINE LITTER AWARENESS DAY, 11am – 4pm. Celebrate National Marine Week! Marine litter is a growing problem and affects all marine wildlife from microscopic plankton to the largest whales. Come along and learn more about the issues associated with marine litter, where it comes from and discover ways in which we can all help. At 2pm we’ll head out onto the beach for a nurdle hunt and carry out a microplastic beach clean at Kimmeridge. If you’re wondering what a nurdle is… come along and find out! 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. This is a free event and all are welcome to drop in to view the displays and chat with wardens throughout the day. If you are joining us for the nurdle hunt and beach clean you will need to arrive at the centre promptly for a 2pm start. For health & safety reasons we cannot accept late-comers. This event includes walking over uneven and sometimes slippery rocks therefore sturdy shoes or wellingtons are essential. The nurdle hunt is weather dependent – phone the Marine Centre on 01929 481044 if unsure.
TUES 31 WILD SEAS AT THE DOLPHIN CENTRE, 10am – 2pm. Find out what you can do to help save our Wild Seas for all it’s creatures, including dolphins! Find us at the Dolphin Shopping Centre’s exciting new Eco-Hub. For more information, ring 01202 692033.lth & safety reasons we cannot accept late-comers – please arrive on time. This event includes walking over wet, uneven and sometimes slippery rocks
