WED 4 VOLUNTEERS CONSERVATION TASK – LORTON MEADOWS NR(Free),10am – 3pm. Join us for a day of practical work on site, to restore the habitats important for local wildlife, with the Community Conservation Officer. Tools, gloves & drinks supplied. No experience necessary, please bring a packed lunch. For further information, please contact the Community Conservation Officer on 01305816546 .Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].
THUR 5 PASTURES NEW VOLUNTEER TASK, 10 am. Join the regular volunteering group in west Dorset. Tasks range from hedge laying to Himalayan balsam pulling in locations all over west Dorset. Please contact Nick Gray on 07824 438974 or at [email protected] for details.
THUR 5 LITTLE TERN FUNDRAISING EVENING, 7pm, £10 per head. Little Terns arrive from West Africa each year to breed on Chesil Beach. They are one of the rarest breeding sea birds in the country, & very vulnerable to predators & disturbance. Enjoy an evening to help raise money for the Little Tern Project on Chesil Beach, which provides fencing & wardens to protect these fascinating little birds. There will be talks from the Little Tern warden & other bird experts, a spot of Little Tern watching, a buffet from the delicious Taste* Cafe & other fundraising activities. BOOKING ESSENTIAL: 01305 206191. All profits will go directly to the Little Tern Project, a local partnership project supported by DWT.Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755].
SAT 7 BOURNEMOUTH NATURALLY GUIDED WALK – CLIFF TOP FLOWERS 10am – 12pm at Southbourne Overcliff. Meet by wooden shelter off Boscombe Overcliff Drive (BH5 1LN) opposite Chessel Avenue (SZ 120913). Learn how to identify a variety of flowering plants along the cliff tops at Southbourne guided by botanists from Bournemouth Natural Science Society. No need to book. Free Event. For more info. visit webpage: www.bnss.org.uk/Bournemouth-naturally. Tel: 01202 553525
SAT 7 LORTON MEADOWS OPEN DAY (Free), 10am – 4pm. The Wildlife Centre is open for visitors, come along for a walk around the reserve, then drop in for a hot drink & peruse our selection of gifts & wildlife books. Plus watchbirds nesting around the reserve on screen, & purchase nest boxes, & purchase nest boxes.Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].For further details please contact the Community Conservation Officers on 01305 816546
SAT 7 RIVER CHAR WALK in the Marshwood Vale, led by Roger Genge, Environment Agency Fisheries Technical Officer & Nick Gray, DWT West Dorset Conservation Officer. Roger & Nick will talk about the many natural features this water course retains as well as the habitat restoration projects they’ve been undertaking over the last couple of years. Please park/meet at 10.30am at Befferlands Farm (map ref. SY 384943) & bring a picnic lunch. For further information, please contact Nick Gray on 07824 438974 or at [email protected] for details
SAT 7/ LYME BAY SURVEY DIVES, For further information & booking
SUN 8, contact Nick Owen ([email protected]). Seasearch Event.
SUN 8 WORLD OCEANS DAY – GIANT SEA SCULPTURE SCAVENGE,11 am – 1 pm. Join us to celebrate World Oceans Day with a scavenger hunt along Chesil Beach, looking for washed up signs of marine wildlife and other treasures. Then take your findings back to the Chesil Beach Centre to create a spectacular sea creature. £2 per person. Marine arts & crafts activities in the Centre all day. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel: 01305 206191
SUN 8 WORLD OCEANS DAY, all day, Knoll Beach Discovery Centre, Studland. Join us & the National Trust to celebrate the wonderful marine wildlife of Studland Bay. See first hand some of the creatures that live there & make your own seahorse to take home. Free Event.Knoll Beach Discovery Centre,Studland BH19 3AQ Tel: 01929 450500
TUES 10 SEASEARCH-FRIENDLY EVENING DIVE ON ‘PEVERIL MYTH’, 6pm. For further information & booking contact Mike Markey / Poole Diving (07732 271017; [email protected]). Seasearch Event
WED 11 WILDFLOWER WALK – KING BARROW QUARRIES NR, (£1/person), 11am – 1pm. Meet at the entrance to the reserve (map ref. SY 689728), by the name stone, on Yeates Road, just off A354. Join us for a guided walk around the disused quarry to discover how wildlife, particularly wildflowers, have recolonised the site, with the Community Conservation Officer. Please wear suitable footwear. Booking essential, please contact the Community Conservation Officer: 01305 816546.
THUR 12 URBAN WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERS:Meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill. Meet at 9am for a moth trap opening & 10am for recording/monitoring tasks. For details of each task contact Andy Fale on 07970552673 or the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033.
SAT 14 A GUIDE TO EVERYTHING CHESIL, 11 – 12.30pm. Join your guide to discover the secrets of Chesil Bank & the Fleet Lagoon. This whistle-stop tour covers everything from the formation of the beach to the rich wildlife & military history. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. Adults £3, children £2. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
SUN 15 NORTH DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Working on a DWT nature reserve near you. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Oliver on 07824 874273.
TUES 17 KAYAK SAFARI, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Experience wildlife like never before with our clear-bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay. 3 x 2-hr sessions. Session includes guided safari in Kimmeridge Bay. £25 per person per session. 12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044
WED 18 WALK ON MARTIN DOWN from 10am – 2pm, weather permitting, led by Neil Gartshore, to see birds, flowers, butterflies. Meet at car park on A354. Suggested donation £3. Tel. 01202 887973 for further details, to prebook & to give contact details in case of cancellation.
WED 18 VOLUNTEERS CONSERVATION TASK – LORTON MEADOWS NR (Free) 10am – 3pm. Join us for a day of practical work on site, to restore the habitats important for local wildlife, with the Community Conservation Officer. Tools, gloves & drinks supplied. No experience necessary, please bring a packed lunch. For further information, please contact the Community Conservation Officer on 01305816546 .Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].
THUR 19 A GUIDED WALK AROUND HENGISTBURY HEAD with a warden. Meet at 7pm by café at Hengistbury Head car park (map ref. SZ 164911). For further details please contact Duncan Gee on 01202 520340
THUR 19 GUIDED WALK ON CHESIL BEACH. Meet at 11am at the Chesil Beach Centre – half way along the causeway between Weymouth & Portland on the A354 (Portland Beach Road DT4 9XE). For further details please contact Tony Stables on 01258 471487
THUR 19 PASTURES NEW VOLUNTEER TASK,10 am. Join the regular volunteering group in west Dorset. Tasks range from hedge laying to Himalayan balsam pulling in locations all over west Dorset. Please contact Nick Gray on 07824 438974 or at [email protected] for details.
SAT 21/ POOLE BAY SURVEY DIVES
SUN 22 For further information & booking contact Charlotte Bolton ([email protected]). Seasearch Event.
SAT 21 WILD ABOUT SWANAGE, DWT’s extravaganza for all ages in the Purbecks.10am – 4pm In the marquee at Sandpit Field, Swanage. 15 environmental organisations are running activities for all ages in & around the big marquee with lots to do on the beach nearby. Come & make dragonflies & beautiful butterflies. Find out about Great Dorset Seafood or how to make your garden more wildlife-friendly. You will also be able to buy local food & crafts. GREAT RAFFLE PRIZES, FREE COLD DRINKS, PLANT STALL.
SAT 21 LORTON MEADOWS OPEN DAY (Free), 10am – 4pm. The Wildlife Centre is open for visitors, come along for a walk around the reserve, then drop in for a hot/cold drink, & peruse our selection of gifts and wildlife books. Plus watch birds nesting around the reserve on screen, & purchase nest boxes. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].For further details please contact the Community Conservation Officers on 01305 816546
SAT 21 WILDFLOWER WALK – LORTON MEADOWS NR (£1/person, Family Event), 2pm – 4pm. Join us for a guided walk through the meadows of Lorton, to discover a variety of wildflowers that thrive on clay soils with limestone outcrops, with the Community Conservation Officer. Refreshments afterwards. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].For further details please contact the Community Conservation Officers on 01305 816546
SAT 21 WALK ON AYLESBEARE COMMON, a varied habitat rich in wildlife, led by David Cox, wildlife enthusiast & DWT member. Meet 10.30am at free car park at Joney’s Cross (map ref. SY 057897) on south side of A3052, just beyond top of hill out of Newton Poppleford. Bring a picnic lunch. About a 2.5 mile walk with many stops. Can be a bit muddy in places. DWT coordinator on the day Stephen Baynes [email protected]
SUN 22 A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE WILDFLOWERS OF CHESIL BEACH, 2pm. Find out more about the fascinating flowers that thrive on Chesil Beach. From wild vegetables to sea pinks, this is a great introduction to local flora. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. Adults £3, children £2. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
SUN 22 BRACKETTS IN BLOOM, a morning walk exploring the wildlife of Bracketts Coppice nature reserve, led by DWT reserve warden, Steve Oliver. DWT members £1.50, non-members £3, kids free. Meet 10am at the hayfields parking area of Bracketts, opposite Ryewater Farm (map ref. 515066). Booking essential, contact Steve on 07824 874273.
TUES 24 KAYAK SAFARI, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Experience wildlife like never before with our clear-bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay. 3 x 2-hr sessions. Session includes guided safari in Kimmeridge Bay. £25 per person per session. 12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
TUES 24 ISLE OF PURBECK MID-WEEK VOLUNTEERS: Habitat management on a DWT nature reserve near you. Please contact DWT warden James Hitchen on 07436 157328 for further details or to book your place.
THUR 26 AN AFTERNOON WALK ON WAREHAM COMMON, an SSSI & an example of river flood meadows. Although agriculturally improved it has interesting flora & fauna. Meet at 2.30pm just beyond the hospital at the end of Streche Road, Wareham (SY 917875). Tel. 01929 551708 for more information.
FRI 27 THE HEATH AT DUSK. As night descends on Upton Heath, experience the sights & sounds of the emerging nocturnal wildlife. With luck nightjars & bats will be out & about. Meet 9pm at the end of Beacon Road (BH17 7BQ) off Pinespring Drive/Roman Road, Corfe Mullen. For more information please contact [email protected]
SAT 28 A GUIDED WALK AROUND DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK, led by warden Simon Breeze. Meet at 2pm at the car park (map ref. SZ 032773). For further details please contact Duncan Gee on 01202 520340
SUN 29 URBAN WEEKENDERS: 9– 10am moth trap session, 10am – 12 noon wildlife survey on Upton Heath. Meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre (BH21 3RX) to help discover the wildlife of the heath. Families welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Please check website, contact Nicky Hoar on 01202 692033 or email [email protected] for more information.
SUN 29 LITTLE TERN TALK & OPTICS DAY, 10 – 4pm. Join us to learn about the rare little terns’ plight at Chesil. Try out a large range of binoculars & scopes whilst viewing these charismatic little creatures. Rob Laughton from Opticron will be on hand to give expert optics advice. Talks at 11am & 2pm. FREE Event at the Chesil Beach Centre. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
Wildlife events in Dorset
July 2014
TUES 1 SEASEARCH-FRIENDLY EVENING DIVE ON ‘PEVERIL MYTH’, 6pm. For further information & booking contact Mike Markey / Poole Diving (07732 271017; [email protected]). Seasearch Event.
TUES 1 KAYAK SAFARI, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Experience wildlife like never before with our clear-bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay. 3 x 2-hr sessions. Session includes guided safari in Kimmeridge Bay. £25 per person per session. 12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044
WED 2 VOLUNTEERS CONSERVATION TASK – LORTON MEADOWS NR (Free), 10am – 3pm. Join us for a day of practical work on site, to restore the habitats important for local wildlife, with the Community Conservation Officer. Tools, gloves & drinks supplied. No experience necessary, please bring a packed lunch. No unaccompanied children.Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].For further details please contact the Community Conservation Officers on 01305 816546.
THUR 3 PASTURES NEW VOLUNTEER TASK, 10 am. Join the regular volunteering group in west Dorset. Tasks can range from hedge laying to Himalayan balsam pulling in locations all over west Dorset. Please contact Nick Gray on 07824 438974 or at [email protected] for details.
FRI 4 DINNER PLATE DESTINATIONS: UNDER THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA, 7pm. Join Simon Cripps, Chief Executive of DW T, to discover the fascinating underwater world of the Mediterranean in a talk at the Chesil Beach Centre. This will be followed by Mediterranean-influenced tapas at the Taste* Café, including 6 tapas & dessert. £25 per head (includes a £5 donation to DWT). Booking essential: please phone Taste* on 01305 206196. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
SAT 5 LORTON MEADOWS OPEN DAY (Free), 10am – 4pm. The Wildlife Centre is open for visitors, come along for a walk around the reserve, then drop in for a hot/cold drink, & peruse our selection of gifts & wildlife books. Plus watch birds nesting around the reserve on screen, & purchase nest boxes. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].For further details please contact the Community Conservation Officers on 01305 816546.
SAT 5 WILDLIFE WALK – LORTON MEADOWS NR (£1/person, Family Event), 2 – 4pm. Explore the nature reserve & discover wildlife large & small, from deer to dragonflies, on a guided walk with the Community Conservation Officer. Refreshments afterwards. No unaccompanied children. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].For further details please contact the Community Conservation Officers on 01305 816546.
SUN 6 PORTLAND SURVEY DIVES. For further information & booking contact Charlotte Bolton ([email protected]). Seasearch Event.
TUES 8 SOUTH-DORSET MID-WEEK VOLUNTEERS: Habitat management on a DWT nature reserve near you. Please contact DWT warden James Hitchen on 07436 157328 for further details or to book a place.
TUES 8 KAYAK SAFARI, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Experience wildlife like never before with our clear-bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay. 3 x 2-hr sessions. Session includes guided safari in Kimmeridge Bay. £25 per person per session. 12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044
WED 9 BUTTERFLY WALK – KING BARROW QUARRIES NR (£1/person), 11am – 1pm. Meet at the entrance to the reserve (Grid reference SY 689728) , by the name stone, on Yeates Road, just off A354. Join us for a guided walk around the disused quarry to discover how wildlife, including butterflies, have reclaimed the site, with the Community Conservation Officer. Please wear suitable footwear. Booking essential. Please contact the Community Conservation Officer: 01305 816546.
THUR 10 A GUIDE TO EVERYTHING CHESIL 2 – 3.30pm. Join your guide to discover the secrets of Chesil Bank & the Fleet Lagoon. This whistle-stop tour covers everything from the formation of the beach to the rich wildlife & military history. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. Adults £3, children £2. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
THUR 10 URBAN WILDLIFE VOLUNTEERS: meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill. Meet at 9am for a moth trap opening and 10am for recording/monitoring tasks. For details of each task contact Andy Fale on 07970 552673 or the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033.
FRI 11 SHORE THING SURVEY, 10.30am – 1pm, Portland Bill. What changes are happening on the seashore? Help us discover what’s new & what’s not on our annual survey. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Free PANACHE Event.Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044
SAT 12 THE RIVER AXE – FLORA & FAUNA: join Marjorie Waters, Steve Kourik & Paul Burkhardt on a guided walk. Sample the Axe at a number of locations from source to mouth with all flora & fauna in mind. Starts 9.30am in Broadwindsor with a picnic lunch near Forde Abbey & will end near Seaton by 5pm. Total walking about 8km. Booking essential: email [email protected] or phone Mike on 01308 867228.
SAT 12/ ASCIDIAN WORKSHOP,
SUN 13 PORTLAND. For further information & booking contact Charlotte Bolton ([email protected]). Seasearch Event.
SAT 12/ GREAT DORSET SEAFOOD
SUN 13 FESTIVAL, 11am – 5pm, Weymouth Harbour. The Living Seas Team will be demonstrating how to make the right choices in seafood at one of the biggest seafood festivals in the country.
TUES 15 KAYAK SAFARI, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Experience wildlife like never before with our clear-bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay. 3 x 2-hr sessions. Session includes guided safari in Kimmeridge Bay. £25 per person per session. 12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session) Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044
WED 16 VOLUNTEERS CONSERVATION TASK – LORTON MEADOWS NR (Free), 10am – 3pm. Join us for a day of practical work on site, to restore the habitats important for local Wildlife, with the Community Conservation Officer. Tools, gloves & drinks supplied. No experience necessary, please bring a packed lunch. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].For further details please contact the Community Conservation Officers on 01305 816546.
WED 16 WALK ON STUDLAND led by Rees Cox, 2pm, weather permitting, to see birds, flowers, reptiles. Tel. 01202 887973 for further details, to prebook & to give contact details in case of cancellation.
THUR 17 A WALK AROUND NEA MEADOWS with Robin Harley. Meet at 7pm at Nea Meadows car park off Smuggler’s Lane South ( map ref. SZ 201937). For further details please contact Duncan Gee on 01202 520340
THUR 17 PASTURES NEW VOLUNTEER TASK, 10 am. Join the regular volunteering group in west Dorset. Tasks range from hedge laying to Himalayan balsam pulling in locations all over west Dorset. Please contact Nick Gray on 07824 438974 or at [email protected] for details.
THUR 17 ACCESS CHESIL, 11am – 12 noon. A ‘short gentle’ walk around Chesil Bank & the Fleet Lagoon to discover its secrets. This easy access walk, along flat surfaces, is suitable for mobility scooters & wheelchairs. Find out about everything from the formation of the Chesil beach to the rich wildlife & military history. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. FREE Event. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
SAT 19 ALNERS GORSE BUTTERFLY RESERVE, HAZELBURY BRYAN, a walk with Nigel Spring of Butterfly Conservation. Meet at the reserve entrance at 1.30pm (see https://www.dorsetbutterflies.com/places/reserves/reserve-alners.html for directions, advice about footwear etc.). Anyone who would like to bring a picnic lunch is very welcome to arrive early. Tea will be available after the walk – around 4pm. No charge for this event but contributions towards the work of the Dorset branch of Butterfly Conservation very welcome. DWT coordinator on the day Anne Wheatcroft. For further details please contact Anne Wheatcroft on 01300 320168
SAT 19 LORTON MEADOWS OPEN DAY (Free), 10am – 4pm. The Wildlife Centre is open for visitors, come along for a walk around the reserve, then drop in for a hot/cold drink, & peruse our selection of gifts & wildlife books. Plus watch birds nesting around the reserve on screen, & purchase nest boxes. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].For further details please contact the Community Conservation Officers on 01305 816546.
SAT 19 BUTTERFLY WALK – LORTON MEADOWS NR, (£1/person, Family Event), 2 – 4pm. Join us for a guided walk through the meadows & woodland of Lorton, discovering butterflies on the wing, hopefully including marbled whites & skippers, with the Community Conservation Officer. Refreshments afterwards. No unaccompanied children.Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].For further details please contact the Community Conservation Officers on 01305 816546.
SUN 20 NORTH DORSET VOLUNTEERS: Working on a DWT nature reserve near you. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Oliver on 07824 874273.
TUES 22 KAYAK SAFARI, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Experience wildlife like never before with our clear-bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay. 3 x 2-hr sessions. Session includes guided safari in Kimmeridge Bay. £25 per person per session. 12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
TUES 22 SEASEARCH-FRIENDLY EVENING DIVE ON ‘PEVERIL MYTH’, 6pm. For further information & booking contact Mike Markey / Poole Diving (07732 271017; [email protected]). Seasearch Event.
THUR 24 A GUIDE TO EVERYTHING CHESIL, 2 – 3.30pm. Join your guide to discover the secrets of Chesil Bank & the Fleet Lagoon. This whistle-stop tour covers everything from the formation of the beach to the rich wildlife & military history. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. Adults £3, children £2. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191.
THUR 24 FOREST SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMME, 10 – 12pm, £5 per child. Our forest school is set in beautiful ancient woodland at our Powerstock reserve, where children can expect to be building dens, learning how to identify wildlife, making natural crafts, looking at different habitats, learning knots, tool use, & much more! Meet 10am at Powerstock car park (map ref. SY 547974). Situated about 3 miles W. of Maiden Newton, the reserve entrance & parking area lies adjacent to a disused railway bridge. Book your place on: 01300 321409 or visit www.kingcombe.org/forest-schools for more information. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ
SAT 26 GUIDED WALK AROUND IFORD MEADOWS with Richard Hesketh, 2.30pm. Park in Iford Lane playing field car park opposite Seafield Road (map ref. SZ 144926). For further details please contact Duncan Gee on 01202 520340
SAT 26 BUTTERFLY WALK WITH NIGEL SPRING, Alners Gorse Reserve north of Hazelbury Bryan (map ref. OS ST 737 103). Meet at 3pm for walk & moth trap analysis, followed by a BBQ (bring own food). Numbers are restricted, so please phone Roy Davies on 01258 880699 to book. Joint Event with Butterfly Conservation.
SAT 26/ MARINE GIANTS EXHIBITION
SUN 10 10am – 5pm. Learn about the whales, sharks, dolphins
AUG & giant jellyfish that we have in Dorset. You will be surprised & amazed by the giants that can be found along our coast. Opening weekend of exhibition: FREE talk on these marine giants at 11am & 2pm. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191.
SAT 26 DOLPHIN WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS, 2.30pm, Durlston Castle, Durlston Country Park, Swanage, £3/person. National Whale & Dolphin Watch: join a Durlston Ranger, DWT Marine Warden & Dolphin Watch volunteers to discover how our local dolphin population are recorded & conserved. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at Learning Centre. Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
Tel (01929) 424443 Email: [email protected]
SUN 27 DRAGONFLY HEATH TO RIVER, 10.30am – 2pm. Starting on Upton Heath we move onto the River Stour to explore the various habitats & associated species of dragonflies that are encountered. Bring packed lunch, contact 07947 141539 for transport arrangements. Meet at Longmeadow Lane / Beechbank Avenue (BH18 9JL).
SUN 27 THE BIG WILD CHESIL EVENT, 10am – 5pm. Join us for Chesil’s BIGGEST wildlife event of the year. Find out all about the fascinating wildlife of Chesil Beach, Portland & what Dorset Wildlife Trust is up to across the rest of the county. Get up close & personal with marine creatures, hunt for shark eggcases, try a spot of bird watching or have a go at whose poo! There will be music, dancing, a barbecue & an action packed programme of wildlife activities for the whole family. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
SUN 27 URBAN WEEKENDERS: 9 – 10am a moth trap session, 10am – 12 noon a wildlife survey on Upton Heath. Meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre (BH21 3RX) to help discover the wildlife of the heath. Families welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Please check website, contact Nicky Hoar on 01202 692033 or email [email protected] for more information.
MON 28 A GUIDE TO EVERYTHING CHESIL, 11am – 12.30pm. Join your guide to discover the secrets of Chesil Bank & the Fleet Lagoon. This whistle-stop tour covers everything from the formation of the beach to the rich wildlife & military history. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. Adults £3, children £2. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191.
TUES 29 KAYAK SAFARI, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Celebrate Marine Week. Experience wildlife like never before with our clear-bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay. 3 x 2-hr sessions. Session includes guided safari in Kimmeridge Bay. £25 per person per session. 12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
TUES 29 SEASHORE DETECTIVES, 2 – 3.30pm Explore the amazing underwater world of the Fleet Lagoon – spy anemones, sea squirts , crabs, seaweeds, & much more. Search for signs of creatures from the deep along the seashore. Meet at Chesil Beach Centre. £2 per person. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
TUES 29 CLAY ANIMAL MASKS, 10am – 12pm, £3 per child. Take inspiration from the nature reserve’s wildlife & make an animal mask. If you fancy getting creative & a bit mucky, book your place on: 01300 321409 or visit www.kingcombe.org/event KKC Event. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ
WED 30 ROCKPOOL RAMBLE, 2 – 3.30pm. Celebrate Marine Week, join us at the best rockpooling site in Dorset. Short walk involved. Weather dependent. Adults £3, children £1.50. Meet at WW2 Pillbox, Kimmeridge Bay (map ref. SY 907792). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
THUR 31 AFTERNOON WALK AT TYNEHAM. When the MOD gunnery school closes for its summer holidays the range walks are opened for us all to enjoy, not only the lovely views, but also the interesting nature of this part of the Purbeck coast. Meet at 2.30pm in the car park at Tyneham village (SY 882802). Tel. 01929 551708 for more information.
THUR 31 PASTURES NEW VOLUNTEER TASK, 10 am. Join the regular volunteering group in west Dorset. Tasks can range from hedge laying to Himalayan balsam pulling in west Dorset locations all over West Dorset. Please contact Nick Gray on 07824438974 or at [email protected] for details.
THUR 31 KAYAK SAFARI, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Celebrate Marine Week, experience wildlife like never before with our clear-bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay. 3 x 2-hr sessions. £25 per person per session. Session includes guided safari in Kimmeridge Bay 12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
THUR 31 PECULIAR PLANKTON, 2.30 – 4.30pm. Learn about the weird & wonderful world of plankton. Some of the smallest creatures in the sea are some of the strangest. Make your own plankton net then go onto the shore to hunt for these peculiar beasts. Use our microscopes to view these fascinating creatures & turn them into giants on our big TV screens. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. £2 per person. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
THUR 31 FOREST SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMME, 10am – 12pm, £5 per child. Our forest school is set in beautiful ancient woodland at our Powerstock reserve, where children can expect to be building dens, learning how to identify wildlife, making natural crafts, looking at different habitats, learning knots, tool use, & much more! Meet at 10am at Powerstock car park (map ref. SY 547974). About 3 miles W. of Maiden Newton, the reserve entrance & parking area lies adjacent to a disused railway bridge. Book your place on: 01300 321409 or visit our website for more information: www.kingcombe.org/forest-schools. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ
Wildlife events in Dorset
August 2014
NEW FOR SCHOOL SUMMER HOLIDAYS – LORTON MEADOWS FAMILY ACTIVITY BOXES – FREE! Want to explore Lorton Meadows, but not sure where to start? Why not book an activity box, then collect it from the Conservation Centre & unearth the wildlife of Lorton! Each box contains all you need to get you started: equipment (bug boxes, nets, trays), ID guides & activity sheets to record your favourite bugs or flowers. Borrow one for half an hour, or a whole day & explore all the reserve has to offer. The activities available include: Meadow Minibeasts, Wild Woods, Fabulous Flowers, Dragonflies & Ponds, Tree-mendous Hedges & Bugs & Slugs in the Woods. Boxes free to borrow but a small refundable deposit will be required on collection. Available throughout school holidays – phone Sam/Catherine to book: 01305 816546 See p38 for details about the Centre.
SAT 2 BREAKFASTING WITH MOTHS, 10.30am. Find out more about the fascinating world of moths as we open our local moth trap at the Chesil Beach Centre, followed by a delicious breakfast in the Taste Café. £5 to include breakfast baguette (bacon, egg or sausage), and donation to DWT. Children £3. Drinks not included. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
SAT 2/ WILD ABOUT SEAHORSES
SUN 3 all day, family fun at Knoll Beach Discovery Centre, Studland. Celebrate Marine Week, with beach activities, crafts, wildlife trail, competitions & more. See some of the creatures that live in the Studland seagrass meadows & make a seahorse pencil-top to take home. Free PANACHE Event. Knoll Beach Discovery Centre,Studland BH19 3AQ Tel: 01929 450500
SAT 2/ POOLE BAY SURVEY DIVES
SUN 3 For further information & booking contact Charlotte Bolton ([email protected]). Seasearch Event.
SUN 3 CHESIL BEACH CLEAN,11am – 12.30pm. Come & help us clean one of Dorset’s most spectacular beaches to protect our local wildlife in National Marine Week. Meet at Chesil Beach Centre. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191.
TUES 5 BUTTERFLIES & BUGS ON THE BEACH, 11am – 12.30pm. Come & find out about butterflies & bugs on Chesil & Hamm beaches. We will play insect bingo, meet a moth, make our own butterflies & see if we can find any butterflies on the beach! Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. £2 per person. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191.
TUES 5 KAYAK SAFARI, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Celebrate Marine Week, experience wildlife like never before with our clear-bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay. 3 x 2-hr sessions. £25 per person per session. Session includes guided safari in Kimmeridge Bay. 12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
TUES 5 SUMMER SCAVENGER HUNT, 10am – 12pm, £3 per child. It’s the height of summer, so it’s time for a scavenger hunt to see what the reserve can offer up! Using a trail guided map, solve the wildlife riddles to collect an item, sight or sound specific to summer. Collect as many as you can to go home with a special Summer prize! Book your place on: 01300 321409 or visit www.kingcombe.org/events KKC Event.
The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ.
WED 6 ARTY OCEAN ACTIVITIES, 11am – 1pm & 2 – 4pm, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge, 50p per item made. Celebrate Marine Week, have-a-go marine art & craft activities for children. Just call in during either of the sessions & choose what you want to make. Parents must accompany all children. Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
WED 6 BAT WALK led by Nick Tomlinson (bat expert) Meet 8.45pm at Sturminster Newton Mill. Numbers limited, please contact Roy Davies on 01258 880699 to book.
THUR 7 MOTH TRAP & WALK with David Godfrey, 9am. Limited numbers: please phone to book on 01202 882866.
THUR 7 FOREST SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMME, 10am – 12pm, £5 per child. Our forest school is set in beautiful ancient woodland at our Powerstock reserve, where children can expect to be building dens, learning how to identify wildlife, making natural crafts, looking at different habitats, learning knots, tool use, & much more! Meet 10am at Powerstock car park (map ref. SY 547974). About 3 miles W. of Maiden Newton, the reserve entrance & parking area lies adjacent to a disused railway bridge. Book your place on: 01300 321409 or visit our website for more information: www.kingcombe.org/forest-schools. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ.
THUR 7 KAYAK SAFARI, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Celebrate Marine Week, experience wildlife like never before with our clear-bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay. 3 x 2-hr sessions. £25 per person per session. Session includes guided safari in Kimmeridge Bay.12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session).
Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
THUR 7 AUGUST BIOBLITZ AT KNOLL GARDENS, 10am – 4pm plus bat walk 8pm. Come & help Dorset Wildlife Trust discover the wildlife of Knoll Gardens, from moths to mammals, bugs to birds. Suitable for all ages, beginners & experts alike. A joint Knoll Gardens Foundation (KGF) & Dorset Wildlife Trust event. Please check dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk, contact Nicky Hoar on 01202 692033 or email [email protected] for more information. 50% of garden entry fees will be donated to KGF. To join the evening bat walk, which costs £5 for adults & £2 for children, please book with Nicky Hoar.
FRI 8 ECO-FRIENDLY CRABBING,
11.30am – 1pm. Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Celebrate Marine Week, learn how to catch & care for crabs without harm to other rockpool animals. Cost £3 inc. crab kit, bait & equipment. Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
SAT 9/ SPONGE WORKSHOP,
SUN 10 PORTLAND. For further information & booking contact Charlotte Bolton ([email protected]). Seasearch Event.
SUN 10 ROCKPOOL RAMBLE, 1.30 – 3 pm. Celebrate Marine Week, join us at the best rockpooling site in Dorset. Short walk involved. Weather dependent. Adults £3, children £1.50. Meet at WW2 Pillbox, Kimmeridge Bay (map ref. SY 907792). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
SUN 10 SEASHORE DETECTIVES, 11.30am – 1pm. A walk along the Fleet to look at the underwater life exposed at low tide. See anemones, sea squirts, crabs & much more. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. £2 per person. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191.
TUES 12 SEASEARCH-FRIENDLY EVENING DIVE ON ‘PEVERIL MYTH’, 6pm. For further info. & booking contact Mike Markey/Poole Diving (07732 271017; [email protected]). Seasearch Event.
TUES 12 KAYAK SAFARI, Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Experience wildlife like never before with our clear-bottomed kayaks & goggle viewers in Kimmeridge Bay. 3 x 2-hr sessions. £25 per person per session. Session includes guided safari in Kimmeridge B
