SAT 1 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 watch the start of the nesting season on screen, & purchase nest boxes to provide a home for your garden birds. 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 1 ‘SPRING BIRDS OF THE FLEET’ TALK & OPTICS DAY, 12 – 3pm. Join us to learn about the birds that visit the Fleet during Spring. Have a play with our new range of binoculars whilst learning to identify the different species found here. Free event at The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
SAT 1 SOVELL DOWN VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am – 4pm. Practical conservation work; all tools & training provided. Please bring lunch. For details of task please contact Steve Claxton on 07967 032626.
SAT 1 & SUN 2 CHESIL BEACH CENTRE MEGA BIRD FOOD SALE – all day. Lots of great deals on our large range of garden bird food & feeding items. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
SUN 2 EAST DORSET/ARC WORK PARTY, 10am – approx. 2.30pm. Lend a hand with practical conservation work at Parley Common. Meet at 10am at the Barrack Lane entrance (map ref. SZ 094993). The entrance can be accessed from Christchurch Road; drive past the Golden Acres Nursery & then drive along the road with speed bumps. For more information, please contact Jon Crewe on 07989 777757.
TUES 4 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am – 3.30pm: Scrub clearance, hedge laying & gorse coppicing. Meet at Kingcombe Meadows Farm, Clift Lane, Toller Porcorum. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters on 07557 561624.
TUES 4 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am – 3.30pm: Scrub clearance, hedge laying & gorse coppicing. Meet at Kingcombe Meadows Farm, Clift Lane, Toller Porcorum. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters on 07557 561624.
WED 5 NORTH DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Habitat management on a DWT nature reserve near you. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Oliver on 07824 874273.
THUR 6 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am – 3.30pm: Scrub clearance, hedge laying & gorse coppicing. Meet at Kingcombe Meadows Farm, Clift Lane, Toller Porcorum. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters on 07557 561624.
THUR 6 URBAN WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am. Meet every Thursday at the Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill. Practical conservation work; all tools & training provided. For details of each task contact Andy Fale on 07970 552673 or the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033.
FRI 7 THE NATURAL QUARRY, an illustrated talk by David Boag – Dorset-based photographer, lecturer, author & naturalist. 7.30pm at The Bridport United Church, East Street, Bridport. For further details please contact Anne Wheatcroft on 01300 320168
SUN 9 BROWNSEA ISLAND WORK PARTY, 9.30am. Join the regular volunteering group on Brownsea Island alternate Sundays throughout the year. Tasks include pine thinning, opening out the alder carr & rhododendron cutting. For details of boat timings etc contact Richard Proctor on 01202 693039 or 07718 511432.
MON 10 SPRING FLOWERS IN WOODLANDS, an illustrated talk by John Wright. 2.30pm, Langton Matravers Village Hall. Visitors welcome. For further details please contact John Wright on01929 556816
TUES 11 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am – 3.30pm: Scrub clearance, hedge laying & gorse coppicing. Meet at Kingcombe Meadows Farm, Clift Lane, Toller Porcorum. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters on 07557 561624.
TUES 11 SOUTH-DORSET MID-WEEK VOLUNTEERS: Habitat management on a DWT nature reserve near you. Please contact DWT warden James Hitchen on 07436 157328 for details.
TUES 11 BUTTERFLY EVOLUTION IN ACTION, an illustrated talk by Peter Eeles on Evolution in action: The subspecies and forms of the British butterflies. 7.30pm, Carter Community School, Blandford Close, Hamworthy, BH15 4BQ. Joint Meeting with Butterfly Conservation. For further details please contact Jan Freeborn on01202 679847 (evenings only)
WED 12 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, meet at the Conservation Centre.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 13 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am – 3.30pm: Scrub clearance, hedge laying & gorse coppicing. Meet at Kingcombe Meadows Farm, Clift Lane, Toller Porcorum. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters on 07557 561624.
THUR 13 URBAN WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am. Meet every Thursday at the Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill. Practical conservation work: all tools & training provided. For details of each task contact Andy Fale on 07970 552673 or the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033.
SAT 15 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 watch the start of the nesting season on screen, & purchase nest boxes to provide a home for your garden birds.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 15 AMPHIBIAN IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP . 10am. Find out what could be lurking in your pond this spring with a talk from Rick Sharp (ARC) followed by a look in the BNSS garden pond. Bournemouth Natural Science Society, 39 Christchurch Road, BH1 3NS. Contact [email protected] for more information.
SUN 16 NORTH DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Habitat management on a DWT nature reserve near you. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Oliver on 07824 874273.
TUES 18 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am – 3.30pm: Scrub clearance, hedge laying & gorse coppicing. Meet at Kingcombe Meadows Farm, Clift Lane, Toller Porcorum. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters on 07557 561624.
WED 19 ADVENTURE, THE ISLES OF SCILLY, an illustrated talk by Rod Lawrence. 7.30pm, Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. Cost £2.50. Coffee/tea & biscuits available: donations appreciated.
For further details please contact John Gaye on01258 821499
WED 19 ENCOUNTERS WITH REMARKABLE BIRDS, an illustrated talk by renowned British birder, author and journalist, Dominic Couzens. 7.30pm, Fontmell Magna Village Hall (SP7 0JU). Cost £2 (children free) inc. tea/coffee & biscuits. For further details please contact Tony Stables on 01258 471487
THUR 20 IDENTIFYING & SAVING BUTTERFLIES & THEIR HABITATS, an illustrated talk by Brian Dicker of Butterfly Conservation. 7.30pm, Christchurch Baptish Church Hall, Bargates, Christchurch. Cost £2 inc. coffee & biscuits.For further details please contact Duncan Gee on 01202 520340
THUR 20 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am – 3.30pm: Scrub clearance, hedge laying & gorse coppicing. Meet at Kingcombe Meadows Farm, Clift Lane, Toller Porcorum. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters on 07557 561624.
THUR 20 URBAN WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am. Meet every Thursday at the Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill. Practical conservation work: all tools & training provided. For details of each task contact Andy Fale on 07970 552673 or the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033.
FRI 21 DORSET IN CLOSE UP, a digital presentation by Mike Hooker. 7.30 pm, The Quarterjack Suite, The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster. For further details please contact Ken Wood on 01202 887322
SUN 23 BROWNSEA ISLAND WORK PARTY, 9.30 am. Join the regular volunteering group on Brownsea Island alternate Sundays throughout the year. Tasks include pine thinning, opening out the alder carr & rhododendron cutting. For details of boat timings etc contact Richard Proctor on 01202 693039 or 07718 511432.
TUES 25 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am – 3.30pm: Scrub clearance, hedge laying & gorse coppicing. Meet at Kingcombe Meadows Farm, Clift Lane, Toller Porcorum. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters on 07557 561624.
TUES 25 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 details.
WED 26 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, meet at the Conservation Centre. 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 27 URBAN WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am. Meet every Thursday at the Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill. Practical conservation work; all tools & training provided. For details of each task contact Andy Fale on 07970 552673 or the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033.
THUR 27 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY, 10am – 3.30pm: Scrub clearance, hedge laying & gorse coppicing. Meet at Kingcombe Meadows Farm, Clift Lane, Toller Porcorum. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters on 07557 561624.
THUR 27 AGM followed by THE WILDLIFE OF THE SOUTH-WEST REGION: HOW THE WILDLIFE TRUSTS ARE PROVIDING VITAL CORRIDORS FOR OUR ENDANGERED FLORA & FAUNA, a talk by DWT President, Tony Bates. 7.30pm, Methodist Church, North Street, Wareham. Visitors welcome. For further details please contact John Wright on 01929 556816
SAT 29 DISCOVER SEASHORE WILDLIFE, 10am – 3.30pm. Learn to identify seashore creatures & then help us search for them on the shore. Meet at Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Free PANACHE Event. For further details please contact the centre on 01929 481044
SUN 30 URBAN WEEKENDERS, 10am-12noon. Mothering Sunday special. Bring the whole family for the Urban Weekenders’ first wildlife survey of the season on DWT Upton Heath. Meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre (BH21 3RX). Volunteers will be helping wardens discover the wildlife waking up for spring on this important wildlife site. Please wear sensible footwear & suitable clothing for whatever the weather has in store! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact Noel Bergin on 01202 692033 for details or email [email protected].
Wildlife events in Dorset
April 2014
TUES 1 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters for more information on tasks on 07557 561624.
FRI 4 A DORSET FISHERMAN – LYME BAY CONSERVATION, a talk by David Sales – West Bay fisherman. Also Group AGM. Free admission. 7.30pm at The Bridport United Church, East Street, Bridport. For further details please contact Anne Wheatcroft on 01300 320168
SUN 6 EAST DORSET/ARC WORK PARTY: Lend a hand with practical conservation work at the Sopley Common Reserve. Tasks include scrub clearance, pine & sycamore control, path clearance etc. Meet at the Ramsdown car park. For more information, please contact Jon Crewe on 07989 777757.
TUES 8 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters for more information on tasks on 07557 561624.
TUES 8 WHOSE CLUES? At The Kingcombe Centre. 10am – 12 noon, £3 per child. Become an expert nature detective – look at the clues left behind by wildlife, including tracks, fur, feathers, skulls, bones & poo! Children will also have the opportunity to dissect their very own owl pellet & find out exactly what they’ve been eating! Eww gory! KKC event. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ Tel. 01300 320684
TUES 8 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION: JURASSIC COAST Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre to unravel a dino-sized mystery. Use your best detective skills to search for clues, photograph the crime scene & piece together evidence to solve a Mesozoic murder. Sessions will run at 12 noon, 1pm & 2pm. FREE Event. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
THUR 10 GROUP AGM followed by BADGERS: TO CULL OR NOT TO CULL?, an illustrated talk by Dr Simon Cripps, DWT Chief Executive. 7.30pm, Christchurch Baptish Church Hall, Bargates, Christchurch. Cost £2 inc. coffee & biscuits. For further details pleasecontact Duncan Gee on 01202 520340
THUR 10 URBAN WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: From April – September meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill. For this week meet at 9am for a moth trap opening & 10am for recording/monitoring tasks. For further details contact Andy Fale on 07970 552673 or the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033.
THUR 10 WILDLIFE TRACKERS, 11am & 2pm. Can you track wild animals by looking at their footprints, poo & other signs? Join us to discover more about Dorset’s Wildlife 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
THUR 10 HUNT THE HABITATS, 10am – 12 noon, £3 per child. A scavenger hunt with a twist! There are many habitats that make up the diverse nature reserve of Kingcombe. Using a map, hunt for the habitats & guess which wildlife they each support. Small scale hunts for little ones & landscape scale for all the intrepid explorers! Prizes for collecting all habitats! KKC Event. . The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ Tel. 01300 320684
FRI 11 Short AGM followed by: UPDATE ON THE URBAN WILDLINK PROJECT, a talk by Simon Cripps, DWT’s Chief Executive. 7.30 pm, The Quarterjack Suite, The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster. For further details please contact Ken Wood on 01202 887322
FRI 11 REPTILE RAMBLE on upton heath, 10am – 1pm. As the heath wakes up, join warden Andy Fale for snake & lizard activities including a fun quiz, reptile ramble & free take home activity pack. Suggested donation £2 per child. Meet at the Urban Wildlife Centre. For more info. call: 01202 692033.
SAT 12 DORSET COPPICE GROUP OPEN DAY: Come and see traditional coppice management and help celebrate National Beanpole week. Demonstrations and sales of coppice crafts including making baskets, tree carving and spoon carving. 10-5pm at Bonsley Wood, Durweston DT11 0QE. For more information contact David Ewers on 01202 621508.
SUN 13 WALK FOR WILDLIFE 2 routes take in some of the best views along the Jurassic Coast. Choose a 7 mile or 14 mile route. Both routes start & end at Leeson House, Langton Matravers, Swanage. For more information & to book your place go to dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/walkforwildlife or call 01305 264620.
MON 14 SEAWEED SAFARI Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre for 1pm (activity lasts 1½ hours). Learn to identify seaweeds & have fun pressing them. £2 per child. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
TUES 15 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters for more information about tasks on 07557 561624.
TUES 15 NATURAL MOBILES & WIND CHIMES, 10am – 12 noon, £3 per child. Get creative & make a mobile or wind chime by only using the natural materials you find on the nature reserve. Take them home to hang up in the garden & listen to them tinkle in the breeze! KKC Event. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ Tel. 01300 320684
WED 16 BIRD RINGING AT KINGSTON MAURWARD COLLEGE, an illustrated talk by Andy Daw, Assistant Principal, Kingston Maurward College. 7.30pm, Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. Cost £2.50. Coffee/tea & biscuits available: donations appreciated. For further information please contact John Gaye on 01258 821499
WED 16 CATERPILLAR KIDS – TINY TADPOLES – LORTON MEADOWS NR (£2/child, Family Event), 10.30am – 12.30pm. Explore the ponds & discover the lifecycle of amphibians – frogs, newts & toads. Plus games, art & more with the Community Conservation Officer. No unaccompanied children. Booking essential, please contact the Community Conservation Officer on 01305 816546.Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826]. .
WED 16 SEASHORE DETECTIVES Meet at 1.30pm at the Chesil Beach Centre (activity lasts 1½ hours). Explore the amazing underwater world of the Fleet Lagoon exposed at low tide. Look out for anemones, sea squirts, crabs & much more! £3 adults £2 children. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
WED 16 ROCKPOOL RAMBLE,
2 – 3.30pm. Join us at the best rockpooling site in Dorset. Short walk involved. Weather dependent. £1.50 kids, £3 adults. Meet at WW2 Pillbox, Kimmeridge Bay (map ref. SY 907792). For further details please contact
The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
WED 16 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY, an illustrated talk by Stewart Canham of DWT’s Photographic & Video Group. 7.30 pm, Fontmell Magna Village Hall (SP7 0JU). Cost £2 (children free) inc. tea/coffee & biscuits. This event is preceded by a rapid AGM. For further details please contact Tony Stables on 01258 471487
WED 16 – EASTER EGG TRAIL –
SAT 19 LORTON MEADOWS NR (£1/child, Family Event), 1 – 4pm, Weds to Friday (all day Saturday). Why not stay for a picnic after the morning activities & follow the egg trail after lunch. Wednesday to Saturday pick up trail guide at the Centre, follow the trail to find the clues, then return to collect your prize. 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 17 WILDLIFE DETECTIVES – WILD WOODLAND CREATURES – LORTON MEADOWS NR (£3/child, 8 – 11yrs), 10.30am to 12.30pm. Use your detective skills & essential equipment to uncover the creatures lurking in the woods, learn their secret tricks to avoid predators & get creative. Plus games & more with the Community Conservation Officer. Children must be aged between 8 & 11 years & can be unaccompanied. Booking essential: 01305 816546.Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].
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THUR 17 FRESHWATER LIFE, 10am – 12 noon, £3 per child. Come & join us as we discover the bustling freshwater life in the River Hooke, from the tiniest shrimps to the larger bull head fish, you never know what you may find on a morning’s dip! Wellies are essential for this activity. KKC Event. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ Tel. 01300 320684
FRI 18 CATERPILLAR KIDS – STICKS!! – LORTON MEADOWS NR
(£2/child, Family Event), 10.30am – 12.30pm. What can you turn a stick into? Use your imagination & explore the reserve – you never know where it might lead you. Plus games, art & more with the Community Conservation Officer. No unaccompanied children. Booking essential, please contact the Community Conservation Officer 01305 816546. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826]..
FRI 18 GREAT CHESIL BEACH EGGCASE HUNT, 1.30 – 3pm. Meet at 1.30pm at the Chesil Beach Centre (activity lasts 1½ hours). Find out what a mermaid keeps in her purse! Help search for shark & ray eggcases & maybe find some of the chocolate variety. £2 per person. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
FRI 18 GREAT KIMMERIDGE EGGCASE HUNT, 2 – 3.30pm. What does a mermaid keep in her purse? Find out as we hunt for empty eggcases to win a chocolate egg reward! Meet at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. £2 per person. For further details please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
SAT 19 LORTON MEADOWS OPEN DAY (Free) 10am – 4pm. The Wildlife Centre is open for visitors, come along for a walk around the reserve, follow our Easter Egg Trail, then drop in for a hot drink, & peruse our selection of gifts & wildlife books. Plus watch birds nesting around the reserve on screen, & purchase nest boxes & bird food suitable for birds during spring.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 SPRING WILDLIFE WANDER – LORTON MEADOWS NR (£1 per person), 2pm – 4pm. Discover the sights & sounds of Lorton Meadows in the spring 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 20 NORTH DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Habitat management on a DWT nature reserve near you. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Oliver on 07824 874273.
SUN 20 EPIC EASTER EXPEDITION, 10am – 3pm, £5 per child. Join us this Easter Sunday for Kingcombe’s epic family Easter hunt. Find the clues hidden around the reserve & return to the centre to collect your special Easter prize! Children can weave their very own Easter chick to take home. The café will be serving up delicious seasonal lamb hotpots & vegetarian alternatives, scrumptious homemade hot cross buns, & various Easter treats!! Special KKC Event. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, DT2 0EQ Tel. 01300 320684
TUES 22 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters for more information on tasks on 07557 561624.
TUES 22 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 details.
WED 23 VOLUNTEERS CONSERVATION TASK – LORTON MEADOWS NR (Free), 10am – 3pm. Join us for a day of practical work, 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, meet at the Conservation Centre. 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 24 AN AFTERNOON WALK AT KILWOOD, one of the best places in Purbeck to visit in spring. Wild flowers, early emerging insects and bird song. Meet 2.30pm at the reserve entrance (SY932822) – For more information, phone: 01929 551708
SAT 26 SEAWEED IDENTIFICATION COURSE, 12 – 3pm. Join seaweed expert Lin Baldock on the seashore & learn how to identify seaweeds for our surveys. Meet at entrance to Swanage Pier (map ref. SZ 036787). Free PANACHE Event. For further details please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
SUN 27 URBAN WEEKENDERS: The Urban team of Dorset Wildlife Trust runs a regular weekend volunteering/wildlife activity on DWT Upton Heath, usually on the last Sunday of every month. There will be a moth trap opening at 9am (weather permitting) at the Urban Wildlife Centre (BH21 3RX) where we get to see & identify the species caught overnight. You are welcome to join us for the moth trap session. This will be followed by a wildlife survey at 10.00am. Please contact Nicky Hoar if you have any queries regarding the event on 01202 692033 or email [email protected]
SUN 27 GREAT DORSET BEACH CLEAN, 1 – 3pm. Help with our county-wide coastal spring clean at Worbarrow Bay (map ref. SY 865803). All equipment provided. Free Event.
SUN 27 THE GREAT DORSET BEACH CLEAN, 11am-1pm. Bring family & friends for this yearly event, helping to clean one of Dorset’s most spectacular beaches. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. All equipment provided. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
TUES 29 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters for more information on tasks on 07557 561624.
Wildlife events in Dorset
May 2014
SAT 3 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 watch birds nesting around the reserve on screen & purchase nest boxes & bird food suitable for birds in spring. 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 3 & SUN 4 DISCOVER SEASHORE WILDLIFE. Meet at the DWT stand at the Fossil Festival & discover the seashore wildlife of Lyme Regis at low tide. Free PANACHE Event.
SUN 4 EAST DORSET/ARC WORK PARTY: Lend a hand with practical conservation work at the Sopley Common Reserve. Tasks include scrub clearance, pine & sycamore control, path clearance etc. Meet at the Ramsdown car park. For more information, please contact Jon Crewe on 07989 777757.
SUN 4 ARTY CRAFTY MARINE FUN DAY 12 – 4pm. Make marine themed art & crafts inside the Chesil Beach Centre. Suitable for ages 5 to 12 years. 50p per item. The Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
TUES 6 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters for more information on tasks on 07557 561624.
WED 7 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, meet at the Conservation Centre. 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 8 URBAN WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: From April until September meet on the second Thursday of the month at the Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill. For this week meet at 9am for a moth trap opening & 10am for recording/monitoring tasks. For details of tasks contact Andy Fale on 07970 552673 or the Urban Wildlife Centre on 01202 692033.
SUN 11 WILD FLOWERS OF CHESIL, 2pm. A walk along the beach looking at the specialist plants that thrive in these coastal habitats. The ‘Portland Pinks’ should be out making a spectacular show, so don’t forget your camera! 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 13 THE GREAT HEATH 7.30 pmA presentation on The Great Heath project with all the latest news. Plus a very quick DWT Poole Group AGM. Carter Community School, Blandford Close, Hamworthy,BH15 4BQ. For further information please contact Jan Freeborn on 01202 679847 (evenings only)
TUES 13 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters for more information on tasks on 07557 561624.
TUES 13 SOUTH DORSET MID-WEEK VOLUNTEERS: Habitat management on a DWT nature reserve near you. Please contact DWT warden James Hitchen on 07436 157328 for details.
THUR 15 EXPLORING DURLSTON’S NATIONALLY IMPORTANT WILDLIFE RICH HABITATS, illustrated talk by Simon Breeze, Warden at Durlston Country Park. 7.30pm, Christchurch Baptish Church Hall, Bargates, Christchurch. Cost £2 inc. coffee & biscuits. For further details please contact Duncan Gee on 01202 520340
FRI 16 SHORE THING SURVEY
1 – 4.30pm. What changes are happening on the seashore?
Help us discover what’s new & what’s not on our annual survey. Meet at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Free PANACHE Event. For further details please contact
The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
SAT 17 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 watch birds nesting around the reserve on screen & purchase nest boxes & bird food suitable for birds in spring.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 17 DAWN CHORUS WALK 5.30am, near Child Okeford, followed by a farmhouse breakfast. Numbers limited so please contact Tony Stables on 01258 471487. £10 in advance.
SAT 17 WALK IN THE WOODS (& MEADOWS) – LORTON MEADOWS NR (£1/person, Family Event), 2 – 4pm. Join us for a guided walk through Lorton’s meadows & the Woodland Trust’s Two Mile Coppice nature reserve to celebrate ‘Walk in the Woods’ month 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 18 NORTH DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Habitat management on a DWT nature reserve near you. Please contact DWT Warden Steve Oliver on 07824 874273.
TUES 20 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters for more information on tasks on 07557 561624.
WED 21 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, meet at the Conservation
Centre. 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 21 DAWN CHORUS WALK, 5.30am, near Child Okeford, followed by a farmhouse breakfast. Numbers limited so please contact Tony Stables on 01258 471487. £10 in advance.
WED 21 OTTERS & WATER VOLES, an illustrated talk by Rachel Janes, DWT Rivers & Wetlands Project. 7.30pm, Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne. Cost £2.50. Coffee/tea & biscuits available: donations appreciated. For further information please contact John Gaye on 01258 821499
SUN 25 URBAN WEEKENDERS: The Urban team of Dorset Wildlife Trust runs a regular weekend volunteering/wildlife activity on DWT Upton Heath, usually on the last Sunday of every month. There will be a moth trap opening at 9am (weather permitting) at the Urban Wildlife Centre (BH21 3RX) where we get to see & identify the species caught overnight. You are welcome to join us for the moth trap session. This will be followed by a wildlife survey at 10.00am. Please contact Nicky Hoar if you have any queries regarding the event on 01202 692033 or email [email protected]
SUN 25 A MORNING BUTTERFLY WALK ON BALLARD DOWN, led by Colin Nunn (01929 439211). Meet at 11am in the Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to Studland Rd. (map ref. SZ 021809). Joint Event with Dorset Butterfly Conservation.
MON 26 WILD PHOTOGRAPHY FUN DAY, 11am – 2pm. Learn about wildlife photography from an expert, then have a practice on & around Chesil Beach. Check out your photos on the big screen afterwards with lots of top tips to get that perfect shot. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. Adults £5, children £3. Bring your own camera. Suitable for beginners.
Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191.
TUES 27 SEASHORE SUPERHEROES, 1 – 2.30pm. Make your own seashore superhero cape & learn how to protect our local wildlife. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. £2 per child. Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
TUES 27 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. 12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044
TUES 27 WEST DORSET VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY: Please contact DWT Warden Steve Masters for more information on tasks on 07557 561624.
WED 28 ROCKPOOL RAMBLE, 1.30 – 3pm. Join us at the best rockpooling site in Dorset. Short walk involved. Weather dependent. £1.50 kids, £3 adults. Meet at WW2 Pillbox, Kimmeridge Bay (map ref. SY 907792). For further information please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044
WED 28 CATERPILLAR KIDS – MEADOW MINIBEASTS – LORTON MEADOWS NR (£2/child, Family Event), 10.30am – 12.30pm. Explore the meadows of Lorton & discover marvellous minibeasts hiding amongst the long grass. Plus games, art & more with the Community Conservation Officer. No unaccompanied children. Booking essential, please contact the Community Conservation Officer 01305 816546. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].
THUR 29 WILDLIFE DETECTIVES – PERILOUS POND LIFE – LORTON MEADOWS NR (£3/child, Family Event), 10.30am – 12.30pm. Use your skills of detection & a cool gadget to discover life underwater in the mysterious & sometimes perilous(!) world of – newts, dragonfly nymphs & diving beetles. Make an amazing amphibian, plus games & more with the Community Conservation Officer. Children must be aged between 8 & 11 years & can be unaccompanied. Booking essential: 01305 816546. Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. [SY 674 826].
THUR 29 AN AFTERNOON WALK AT DURLSTON COUNTRY PARK, a national nature reserve, for orchids and other flowers that adorn the meadows and downs in late spring/early summer. Meet 2.30pm by the old visitor centre, now the Education Centre (SZ031773) – For more information phone: 01929 551708
THUR 29 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. 12+ yr-olds only. BOOKING ESSENTIAL (max. of 6 per session). Please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044
THUR 29 DISCOVER SEASHORE WILDLIFE, 12.30 – 4pm. Discover what makes the Fleet Lagoon so special & help us search for seashore wildlife at low tide. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. Free PANACHE Event. Chesil Beach Centre. Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XE. [SY 668 755]. Tel. 01305 206191
FRI 30 GET ACTIVE ON THE SEASHORE, 1.30-4pm. Make your own goggle-viewer & then take it out on the shore to see what wildlife you can find in the shallows. Meet at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge. Parents must accompany all children. Suitable for ages 6-12. £2 per child. For further information please contact The Fine Foundation Marine Centre on 01929 481044.
SAT 31 LORTON MEADOWS FAMILY FESTIVAL, Family Event (charges of 50p – £1 for individual activities), 11am – 3pm. Day of fun wildlife activities, crafts, competitions & games, explore the reserve on our wildlife trail & get an edible prize at the end. Try your hand at fishing for ducks, join in wildlife games, discover the mini-beasties lurking in the ponds & woods, enter the ‘best nest’ competition & make a puppet to take home. Teas, coffees & cakes available – bring a picnic & enjoy all your local nature reserve has to offer. 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.
