To see our volunteering opportunities, visit www.dorsetwildifetrust.org.uk/volunteering
THUR 1 CURE YOUR OWN BACON (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), 12pm – 4.30pm. Dry-cure your own bacon to take home. No previous experience required, this is the perfect course for those would like to make bacon for the first time, or wish to learn the principles of curing. £75pp. Book at www.kingcombe.org or phone 01300 320684.
FRI 2 HOW ARE WEST DORSET BUTTERFLIES DOING? 7.30pm – 9.30pm. An illustrated talk by a member of the local group of Butterfly Conservation, a British charity devoted to saving butterflies, moths and their habitats. Suggested donation £2 (£3 non-members), includes refreshments. Bridport United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LJ.
SAT 3 BUG HOUSES AT LORTON, 10am – 4pm. Make a bug house to encourage ladybirds and lacewings to your patch (£1 per house, available all day). Plus, the Centre is open for visitors, follow a self-guided trail, drop in for a hot drink, watch the birds on screen, and peruse our selection of wildlife books and I.D. guides. Children must be accompanied. For more information, please phone 01305 816546. Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy – welly boots are advisable. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SAT 3 CREATIVE CLAY (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), 10am – 4pm. Be inspired by the wildlife found in the hedgerows and meadows of Kingcombe and create your own unique native British mammal out of clay. Suitable for beginners. £65 per person. Book at www.kingcombe.org or on 01300 320684.
WED 7 WINTER BIRDING CRUISE, 12pm – 3pm. Join DWT wildlife experts on a birding cruise through Poole Harbour in search of overwintering wildlife including the Brownsea Island Lagoon, other harbour islands, reedbeds and river channels. Departing from Poole Harbour at 12 noon and will include a fish and chip lunch, returning for 3pm. Vegetarian options are available on request. Please ensure you include a contact telephone number and email address when you book, as in the event of inclement weather we may need to contact you at short notice. To book, phone our HQ on 01305 264620.
SAT 8 – 9 SKETCHING THE BEAUTY OF OWLS WORKSHOP, 10am- 4pm. An opportunity to have live owls as your sketching subject, with Sarah Morrish. Residential £229 Non Residential £189 For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org.ukThe Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 0EQ, Tel: 01300 320684.
SAT 10-11 EARLY SPRING HEDGEROWS IN PEN & WASH (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), 10am. The hedgerows around Kingcombe are fascinating at any time of year. Early spring hedgerows will provide inspiration and a great subject matter to illustrate in pen and ink and watercolour wash. Residential £229pp, non-residential £189pp. Book at www.kingcombe.org or phone 01300 320684.
TUES 13 SILVER STUDDED BLUE BUTTERFLIES & THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH ANTS, 7.30pm – 9.30pm. For her Masters degree, Lorraine sumitted a report to The Cyril Diver Project (National Trust) highlighting the relationship between silver studded blue butterflies and ants on the Studland Penninsula. Venue: Carter Community School, Blandford Close, Hamworthy Poole BH15 4BQ Free on site parking, regular public transport near by Contact Ken Yeates at [email protected] or on the day 07947 141539. Entrance fee £2.50 includes free refreshments. School is wheelchair friendly.
WED 14 BROWNSEA ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP, 9am -4pm. An exciting opportunity to learn from our local expert photographer Paul Williams on use of use of your own camera. All skill levels welcome from beginners to those that want help getting that perfect shot. Experience Brownsea Islands wildlife with Paul; current finalist of British Wildlife Photographer 2017, has nominated images in top 50 weather images in the world 2017 in the Weather Photographer of the Year, and a finalist in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2017! Brownsea Island Nature Reserve 1 day course – £45 per child (up to aged 18), £70 adult. The first day of those above. 2 day course with overnight stay at the villa – £70 per child (up to aged 18) and £100 adult. Boat travel included. Spaces limited to 8 people per day.
THUR 15 THE ISLES OF SCILLY, ILLUSTRATED TALK BY DUNCAN GEE & FELICITY WOODHEAD, 7.30pm- 9.30pm. Exploring the many islands and variety of habitats on these unique islands. Duncan and Felicity will look at the extensive range of habitats on some of the 145 islands of the Scilly archipelago which form a sub-tropical haven beyond the SW tip of Cornwall. Christchurch Baptist Church Hall, Bargates, Christchurch BH23 1QT. Contact Janet Crichton on 01202 521643. £2.00 including refreshments (Free for NUS Cardholders ). Free local parking, regular public transport near by (P1, P2, P3). Bournemouth and Christchurch Group.
FRI 16 HOLES BAY NATURE PARK, 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Find out about the Great Heath trail blazing nature park for wildlife and people. Its internationally important waters lap the shores of Poole town centre and offer one of the most accessible sites anywhere for spectacular winter wildlife watching. Nicky Hoar is DWT Learning and Interpretation Officer of The Great Heath. Quarter Jack Suite, Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne. Wheelchair accessible. Cost DWT members £3, non-members £4. Includes refreshments. Car parking nearby in Allenview Car Park.
FRI 16 ASTRONOMY WORKSHOP, 4pm – 10pm. Look to the stars and learn about constellations and deep space, with Stephen Tonkin. Day Course £65. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org.uk. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 0EQ, Tel: 01300 320684.
FRI 16 GARDEN BIRD CONFIDENTIAL, 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Talk by Dominic Cousins mainly regarding garden birds and behaviour. Dominic Couzens is a writer, with nearly 30 book titles to his name. He has also been a regular birdwatching field trip leader since 1988 and organises and leads birding trips in the UK. He loves meeting people and sharing with them the things that excite him about nature, especially his main area of expertise, which is bird behaviour. He believes passionately in communicating greater understanding about the natural world and is fortunate that the opportunities offered through his Books, Magazine Articles and occasional Television work enables him to share an understanding of birds and other wildlife. For more information see www.birrwords.co.uk.Quarter Jack Suite, Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne, Parking nearby in Allenview Car Park. Cost £3 DWT members, £4 non-members. Includes refreshment. Wheelchair accessible.
SAT 17 THE ART OF ENJOYING NATURE, 10am – 1pm. Drawing workshop led by Julie Herring. Suitable for adult beginners or improvers, this is a chance to see and draw the wild world of The Great Heath. Based at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Happy Bottom Nature Reserve in Corfe Mullen. Cost £10. Refreshments provided. Booking essential on 01202 692033 or email [email protected].
SAT 17 BROWNSEA ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP, 9am – 4pm. An exciting opportunity to learn from our local expert photographer Paul Williams on use of use of your own camera. All skill levels welcome from beginners to those that want help getting that perfect shot. Experience Brownsea Islands wildlife with Paul; current finalist of British Wildlife Photographer 2017, has nominated images in top 50 weather images in the world 2017 in the Weather Photographer of the Year, and a finalist in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2017! Brownsea Island 1 day course – £45 per child (up to aged 18), £70 adult. The first day of those above. 2 day course with overnight stay at the villa – £70 per child (up to aged 18) and £100 adult. Boat travel included. Spaces limited to 8 people per day.
SAT 17 / 18 ASTRO-PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP, 9am – 4.30pm, Learn how to capture the night sky, including post production, with Stephen Banks. Residential £169 Non Residential £129 For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org.uk. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 0EQ, Tel: 01300 320684.
WED 21 LIVING SEAS: AN ILLUSTRATED TALK, 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Living Seas; an illustrated talk on by Emma Rance DWT Marine Conservation Officer. Find out what goes on beneath the waves on our Dorset shores. This illustrated talk by Emma Rance discusses the importance of the marine environment. Come and join our friendly group of interested enthusiasts at Fontmell Magna Village Hall, SP7 0PF. Everyone welcome £2 (Under 16’s free) Tea/coffee and biscuits included.Fontmell Magna Village Hall, West Street, Fontmell Magna Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0PF Hall Directions: To reach the hall, from Shaftesbury, turn right at the Crown Inn and continue through the village towards Bedchester. The hall is on your left as you exit the village. The hall is accessible for wheelchairs.
SUN 25 OPTRICON OPTICS DAY, 10am – 4pm. Looking to buy some new binoculars or a telescope? We have everything you’ll need. Looking to buy some new binoculars or a telescope? Rob Laughton from Opticron will also be on hand to give expert advice on optics. Try out a large range of binoculars and scopes whilst viewing the spectacular wildlife of Chesil and the Fleet Lagoon. Profits from the sale of binoculars or telescopes at the Centre go towards our conservation work. 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.
THUR 29 WHAT IS ON A LEAF? LEAF MINES, GALLS AND FUNGI, AN ILLUSTRATED TALK BY JOHN WINTERBOTHAM. Discover what goes on on a simple leaf. John describes the fascinating world on the surface of leaves. Methodist Church, North Street, Wareham. Visitors welcome. Refreshments provided.
FRI MARCH 30 – 15 APRIL, SPRING WILDLIFE FUN ON BROWNSEA ISLAND, 10am – 5pm. Family activities on DWT Brownsea nature reserve. Arts and crafts, trails, make a bird feeder or bird box. From 30th March to 15th April it’s time for our Spring Watch! Come and join in with our spring time activities and learn more about Brownsea’s wonderful wildlife. Take part in self-led trails and visit the Villa Wildlife Centre for arts and crafts, bird box making and make your own bird feeder. 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 30 LORTON EGGSPLORERS TRAIL, 10.30am – 4pm. Become an amazing eggsplorer for the day at Lorton Meadows! Collect a trail guide from the Conservation Centre and hunt for clues around the reserve to find out about the local wildlife and solve a mystery. Don’t forget to return to the Centre to claim your edible prize! Why not make a day of it and enjoy a picnic too.Approximately 30 – 45 minutes. No need to book, available all day. Children £2, must be accompanied. For more details phone 01305 816546. 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 see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
FRI 30 THE GREAT CHESIL BEACH EGGCASE HUNT, 11am – 12.30pm. An egg hunt with a twist! An egg hunt with a twist! Find out what a mermaid keeps in her purse! Help search for shark and ray eggcases, and maybe find some of the chocolate variety. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park . Children £2, must be accompanied. No Booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
SAT 31 NEEDLE FELTED HARES AND FOXES, 10am – 4pm. Design and make your own mad March hare or frisky fox on this fun day of felting, with Carla Taylor. Day Course £75. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org.uk . The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 0EQ, Tel: 01300 320684.
SAT 31 LORTON EGGSPLORERS TRAIL, 10.30am – 4pm. Collect a trail guide from the Conservation Centre and hunt for clues around the reserve to find out about the local wildlife and solve a mystery. Don’t forget to return to the Centre to claim your edible prize! Why not make a day of it and enjoy a picnic too. Approximately 30 – 45 minutes. No need to book, available all day. Children £2, must be accompanied. For more details phone 01305 816546 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 see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
30 MARCH – 15 APRIL SPRING WILDLIFE FUN AT BROWNSEA ISLAND, 11am – 3.30pm. From 30th March to 15th April it’s time for our Spring Watch! Come and join in with our spring time activities and learn more about Brownsea’s wonderful wildlife. Take part in self-led trails and visit the Villa Wildlife Centre for wildlife activities. 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).
