To see our volunteering opportunities, visit www.dorsetwildifetrust.org.uk/volunteering
WED 2 WALKING WITH NATURE, KINGCOMBE MEADOWS THROUGH THE SEASONS, 2pm – 4pm. Take a gentle guided stroll through Kingcombe meadows Nature Reserve followed by tea and cake. 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 like-minded people. You will end you walk back at the Kingcombe centre for tea and homemade cake. Kingcombe centre, Lower Kingcombe, DT2 0EQ. £8 FOR Adults and £4 for children includes tea and cake. Free parking on site. Booking essential, phone 01300 320684 and ask for Debbie Billen to reserve your place.
FRI 4 MORNING CHORUS BREAKFAST (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), 5.30am – 8.30am. Join DWT’s Neil Gibson for an early morning guided bird walk followed by a hearty home-cooked breakfast. £18 per person. For more information and to book visit www.kingcombe.org. or phone 01300 320684.
SAT 5 – MON 7 AN INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), 10am – 4.30pm. Learn the rudiments of this all-absorbing craft and how to nurture an insect that is crucial to us and our planet. Residential £290 pp, non- residential £210pp. For more information about the course and to book visit www.kingcombe.org or phone 01300 320684.
SAT 5 & SUN 6 NATURE DETECTIVES TRAIL AT LORTON – HEDGEHOGS, 10.30am – 4pm. Discover the hedgehog facts hiding on the reserve & find out all about these cute creatures. £1 per child. Discover the hedgehog facts hiding on the reserve & find out all about these cute creatures – for Hedgehog Awareness Week. 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. 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.
SUN 6 DAWN CHORUS WALK ON INTERNATIONAL DAWN CHORUS DAY, 4.30am, Dawn Chorus Walk at DWT reserve, Ashley Wood, Tarrant Keyneston. Ashley Wood Tarrant Keyneston Location: Just north of Tarrant Keyneston Map reference: ST925050. This walk will be led by Steve Oliver DWT reserve warden. 4.30 am. The cost is £5 pp. Booking is essential as places are limited and these walks fill up very quickly. Please contact Anna Aubrey 07970 903679 The plan is to first to sit quietly and listen to the magic unfolding. Then, once light, we can have a wander round and Steve can talk about the birds and the different sounds they are making, and who is who. So, if you bring a folding chair it might be useful. Wear warm clothes (it can be very cold at that time!) and sturdy footwear for walking. A torch would be handy for finding your way. Meeting time is 0430 at the reserve entrance information board would be good that way we can settle in before the chorus begins.
MON 2 MARINE GIANTS TALK & SHARK EGGCASE HUNT, 11am – 12.30pm. Learn about the Marine Giants here in Dorset, then hunt for eggcases along Chesil Beach. Learn about the whales, sharks, dolphins and huge jellyfish that we have in Dorset. You will be surprised and amazed by the giants that can be found around our coast. Then hunt for shark and ray eggcases along Chesil Beach. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay & display car park. No booking required. Adults £3; Children £2, must be accompanied. Contact us on 01305 206191. For more Weymouth & Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
WED 9 GUIDED WALK AT ARNE RSPB, 12pm, A walk lead by a RSPB warden. A 2-hour guided walk around part of the extensive Arne Reserve. Meet in Arne Nature Reserve car park, (charges apply for non-RSPB members). Map ref SY971877. Cost £3 per person. Booking not necessary.
THUR 10 NATURALLY DYED SILK SCARVES WITH SHIBORI (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), 10am – 4pm. Learn how to create stunning patterns through stitch resist and natural plant colours to make your very own textiles. Day workshop £85 pp. For more information and to book visit www.kingcombe.org. or phone 01300 320684.
SAT 12 – SUN 13 STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP (KINGCOMBE CENTRE COURSE), 9.30am Learn the beautiful craft of stained glass work including kiln fired glass painting and silver staining technique. Residential £220pp, non -residential £180pp. For more information and to book visit www.kingcombe.org or phone 01300 320684.
SAT 12 SPRING BIRDS OF CHESIL, THE FLEET & PORTLAND HARBOUR, 8.30am – 10am. A guided walk to discover the waders and migrating birds that visit Chesil. A guided walk to discover the waders and migrating birds visiting Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon in Spring. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. Adults £3; Children £2, must be accompanied. Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay & Display car park. No booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191. For more Weymouth & Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
SAT 12 OPTRICON OPTICS DAY AT CHESIL, 10am – 4pm. Looking to buy some new binoculars or a telescope? Rob Laughton from Opticron will 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. All day at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay & Display car park. No booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191. For more Weymouth & Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
SAT 12 WORLD OCEANS DAY OCEAN CRUISE, 3pm – 6pm. Celebrate World Ocean Day on the 8th June with a scenic wildlife cruise along the Jurassic Coast from Poole down as far as Dancing Ledge. Past cruises have seen terns, spoonbills, dolphins, barrel jelly fish, formas, shags and puffins. Tickets £14 per Adult £7 per Children. Tickets can be booked online at www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or by phoning 01305 264620. All departures and the route are subject to weather conditions. In the event the cruise is re-routed, cancelled or postponed by Dorset Wildlife Trust then ticket holders will be offered an alternate date or alternatively a full refund. If cancelled due to inclement weather or events beyond our control we will endeavour if at all possible to reschedule but we cannot, in this case, guarantee a full refund.
SAT 12 & SUN 13 NATURE DETECTIVES TRAIL AT LORTON – WILD WOODS, 10.30am – 4pm. Discover the trees and their woodland friends on a trail through the woods and meadows of Lorton. £1 per child. Discover the trees and their woodland friends – squirrels, badgers and butterflies on a trail through the woods and meadows of Lorton. 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. 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
SUN 13 INTRODUCTION TO ROCKY SHORES IDENTIFICATION COURSE, 10.30am – 5.30pm. 1 day course to learn about rocky shore wildlife and how to identify species. Adults only. This one day course, based at our Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre in Kimmeridge Bay, is an introduction to the wildlife living on a rocky shore and will include the variety of different types of animals and seaweed found as well as how to identify some of the commoner species. A morning classroom session will be followed by a guided seashore exploration and identification in the field. Seashore searches are expected to reveal a variety of wildlife including some of the more unusual or overlooked species as well as common ones. Kimmeridge Bay has some of the best and most accessible rockpools in Dorset. As well as learning where and how to look for seashore animals you will find out how they are adapted to their environment, some of the threats they face, how to keep your impact to a minimum and how to stay safe on the shore. The event is suitable for those new to seashore exploration as well as rockpool ramblers wishing to learn a bit more. 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. Cost for the event is £12 per person (adults only). Booking is essential – to book phone 01929 481044. Maximum of 15 places. Please bring a packed lunch. Hot drinks are provided. This event includes walking over wet, uneven and sometimes slippery rocks therefore sturdy shoes or wellingtons are essential.
SUN 13 LORTON WOODLAND WALK, 2 pm – 4pm. Join us for a guided walk to discover the woods in spring, identify trees & wildflowers, £2 per child,
£3 per adult. Discover the woodlands in spring – for Walk in the Woods month. Immerse yourself in the sounds & scents of the woods, identify trees and stumble across woodland wildflowers. 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
MON 14, MON 21 HEALTH AND 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 œ3, includes free tea/coffee in the Conservation Centre afterwards. For more information, 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, 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.
THUR 17 SHARKS OF THE UK, AN ILLUSTRATED TALK BY MARC KATIVU-SMITH, 7.30pm – 9.30pm. A chance to find out if the headline in The Sun – “More than 40 different species of shark pass through UK waters” – was correct. Marc is the Centre Officer at the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre and will be showing photos of UK sharks and answering your questions on the topic. Christchurch Baptist Church, Bargates, Christchurch BH23 1QT Contact Janet Crichton on 01202 521643 for further information. œ2.00 entry, including tea/coffee and biscuits. US members free.
SAT 19 DAWN CHORUS WALK, 4.45am – 8.30am. Dawn Chorus Walk followed by farmhouse breakfast. Bere Marsh Farm, Child Okeford . DT11 0QY. Once again we are able to offer this marvellous early morning experience. The cost is £15 pp which includes a farmhouse breakfast. Booking is essential as places are limited and these walks fill up very quickly. Please contact Anna Aubrey . 07970903679Please bring warm clothes (it can be very cold at that time!) and sturdy footwear for walking. It is early but the dawn chorus is certainly something to celebrate so here’s to getting out and appreciating it’s wonder!
SAT 19 MARINELIFE IDENTIFICATION OF WHALES, DOLPHINS & SEABIRDS, 10am – 4.30pm. Join experts from Dorset-based charity MARINElife on this 1 day training course to learn how to observe and identify whales, dolphins and seabirds together with data recording methods used for scientific research. You will learn more about identifying what can be seen from shore and at sea around the UK coast and how to report your sightings for conservation or become a MARINElife volunteer ship-based surveyor in your spare time. Tea and coffee will be available but you will need to bring a packed lunch. Also, bring along a pad and pen to take notes. 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 £50 per person. Dorset Wildlife Trust members £45. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Please contact Tricia Dendle to book your place. Email: [email protected]
SAT 19 & SUN 20 NATURE DETECTIVES TRAIL AT LORTON – BIRDS OF PREY, 10.30am – 4pm. Uncover the secrets of birds of prey that visit the meadows or make Lorton their home. 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. 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
MON 21 A MORNING BUTTERFLY WALK ON BALLARD DOWN LED BY JON BELLAMY, 11am – 1pm. We hope to see some of the early butterflies, including Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak and first brood Adonis Blue and Brown Argus as well as a range of spring flowers. Contact number 01929 439211. Meet at the Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to Studland road (map ref. SZ021809).
TUES 22 & SAT 26 A GOOD TERN! ON THE FLEET EXPLORER, 11.15am – 12.15pm.
Join us for a boat trip to see the little terns, one of the UK’s rarest seabirds. Enjoy a boat trip 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 & get an insight into their fascinating behaviour. £10 per person. All profits will go directly into protecting the colony (additional donations welcome). BOOKING ESSENTIAL, 01305 206191. Weather dependent. £10 per person. 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 26 & SUN 27 NATURE DETECTIVES TRAIL AT LORTON – WONDERFUL WILDFLOWERS, 10.30am – 4pm. Discover the wonderful wildflowers of Lorton’s meadows and celebrate Dorset Wild Flower Week. 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. 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 followus on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
SAT 26 WILDFLOWER WEEK WALK, WAREHAM COMMON, 2pm – 5pm.
A walk with Jim White on Wareham Common that is part of Dorset Flora Group’s Wildflower Week. Booking is necessary, phone 01929 481535. Entrance to Wareham Common, grid ref. SY 917 875.
SAT 26 – SUN 10 JUNE ART WEEKS, Enjoy art exhibitions from artists in Dorset at 4 DWT visitor centres, The Kingcombe Centre, Kimmeridge Wild Seas Centre, Brownsea Island visitors Centre and the Chesil Beach Centre. Visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk for more information.
SAT 26 – SUN 3 JUNE (inclusive) 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).
SUN 27 CHESIL STRANDLINE DETECTIVES, 11am – 12.30pm. Walk along Chesil Beach and hunt the strandline for wildlife treasure washed in from the sea. This is a great way to find out what lives in the deeper water as you look for rare pink sea fans, shark eggcases and who knows what else you may find. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. Adults œ3; Children œ2, must be accompanied. The Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay & Display car park. No booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191. For more Weymouth & Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
MON 28 WILDFLOWER WEEK WALK, COGDEN BEACH, 10am – 1pm. A walk with Jim White on Cogden beach that is part of Dorset Flora Group’s Wildflower Week. Booking is necessary, phone 01929 481535. Meet at NT car park. Grid ref. ST 502886
MON 28 WILDFLOWER WEEK WALK, BRACKETT’S COPPICE, 2pm – 5pm.
A walk with Jim White through Brackett’s Coppice that is part of Dorset Flora Group’s Wildflower Week. Booking is necessary, phone 01929 481535. Meet at NT car park. Grid ref. ST 502886.
TUES 29 BROWNSEA ISLAND WILDFLOWER WEEK WALK, 11am. Explore the trees and wild flowers of the DWT nature reserve on Brownsea Island with naturalist David Leadbetter. One of a number of Dorset Wild Flower Week Walks organised by the Dorset Flora Group. Meet on the Island by Public Hide, map ref. SZ031877. No charge, but boat fare payable from Sandbanks or Poole and National Trust landing fee (latter free to National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust members on production of cards). Leader: David Leadbetter. Enquiries Tel. 01929 426988.
WED 30 SEASHORE SAFARI – FLEET LAGOON, 1pm – 2.30pm. Join us at low tide to explore the amazing underwater world of the Fleet Lagoon. Hunt for the marine wildlife which calls our shores their home as well as looking for the tell-tale tracks and signs of hidden species.Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre. Wellies advised. Adults £3; Children £2, must be accompanied. 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.
WED 30 MINI-BEASTS AT WIMBONRNE MODEL TOWN, 11am – 3pm. Discover garden mini-beasts with DWT at Wimborne Model Town’s Gardens, King Street, Wimborne BH21 1DY. No booking required. Normal admission fees apply. For more information, visit wimborne-modeltown.com or ring 01202 881924.
WED 30 GUIDED ROCKPOOL RAMBLE, 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.
WED 31 CATERPILLAR KIDS AT LORTON – PECULIAR POND LIFE, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Have a go at pond dipping & discover the amazing underwater world of diving beetles, newts & nymphs. Family fun, wildlife inspired crafts and games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Children £3, must be accompanied. Adults free. Booking essential, please phone 01305 816546. Meet at Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. The reserve can be muddy, please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Please notify us of important medical information prior to the event. Toilets, parking, cycle racks, tea/coffee machine, bird webcams, wildlife gifts & guides available. For more information please see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org/lorton. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
WED 31 BEGINNERS GUIDE TO WILDFLOWERS AT CHESIL, 1.30pm – 3pm. For Wild Flower Week, 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 Portland Road, Portland, DT4 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. Adults £3, children £2, must be accompanied. Contact us on 01305 206191. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort.
WED 31 ECO-CRABBING; HOW TO CATCH & HANDLE SEASHORE CRABS WITHOUT HARMING THEM, 2pm – 3.30pm. Join us for eco-crabbing on the seashore in Kimmeridge Bay. Find out how to catch seashore crabs without harming them or the other marine life that lives with them, and learn how to look after your catch. Discover the different types of crab to be found at Kimmeridge as well as lots of fun crabby facts. This is a guided event for families. Everything you need is provided and the crab line is yours to take home with you. The event is carried out at the waters’ edge and is not suitable for under 3 year olds. Meet at the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, located by the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay. Postcode: BH20 5PE. Please be aware that access to Kimmeridge Bay is via a private road for which a toll of £5 per car is charged by Smedmore Estate (charges vary for other types of vehicle). Park in the main car park and follow the footpath to the east side of the bay.Costs for the event are œ4 per child (accompanying adults free) and include a crab line which is yours to keep. Not suitable for under 3s. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is weather dependent – phone the Marine Centre on 01929 481044 if unsure. For health & safety reasons we cannot accept late-comers – please arrive on time. This event includes walking over uneven and sometimes slippery rocks therefore sturdy shoes or wellingtons are essential. Everything you need for crabbing is provided.
