FRI 1 POND PREDATORS (CATERPILLAR KIDS), 10.30am – 12.30pm. Discover who eats who and their amazing adaptations to the underwater world of our ponds. Plus make a wildlife inspired piece of artwork, and play games, with the Community Conservation Officer.BOOKING ESSENTIAL Contact us on 01305 816546. Children £3, must be accompanied. Meet at Lorton Meadows 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, 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 2 BIRD RINGING DEMONSTRATION AT LYTCHETT BAY, 7.30am – 9.30am. A chance to see wild birds up close, being ringed by experts of the Stour Ringing Group. Booking Essential on 01202 692033 or email [email protected]. Suggested donation £3.
FRI 1- SUN 3 WALLPAPER WEEKEND WORKSHOP, Create your own plant inspired designs using lino blocks, learning how to repeat patterns to print a length. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.orgThe Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
SUN 3 FLEET EXPLORER ‘SUNDOWN CRUISE’, 7pm – 8pm. Find out about the fascinating wildlife of the Fleet Lagoon, the famous Chesil Beach and the rich local history. The perfect time of day to relax; and you might even spot the Chesil hares.BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Limited places. Weather dependent. Contact us on 01305 206191 Adults £9, Children £7, must be accompanied. The boat leaves from the jetty down Ferrymans Way, Wyke Regis, Weymouth Dorset. DT4 9AE. Free Parking It is usually colder on the water than on land so wrap up warm. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
TUES 5 – THUR 7 WILDIFE GARDEN PLANNING AND DESIGN, Visit some of Dorset’s best gardens & learn from demonstrations & design sessions. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
THUR 7 A GUIDE TO EVERYHING CHESIL, 2pm – 3.30pm. Join your guide to discover the secrets of Chesil Bank and the Fleet Lagoon. This whistle-stop tour covers everything from the formation of the beach to the rich wildlife and military history. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT3 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park Adults £3 Children £2, must be accompanied. No Booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191 For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
FRI 8 WILLOW FRAME BASKETS IN A DAY, 9.30am – 4pm. Create your own beautiful willow basket, with Richard Kerwood. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
FRI 8 – SUN 10 HISTORICAL ECOLOGY OF AN AUTUMN DORSET LANDSCAPE, Uncover the hidden stories of the ecology, geology and wildlife of Kingcombe. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
FRI 8 FLEET EXPLOER ‘SUNDOWN CRUISE’, 7pm – 8pm. Join us for an evening boat trip on the Fleet Explorer to watch the sun go down. Find out about the fascinating wildlife of the Fleet Lagoon, the famous Chesil Beach and the rich local history. The perfect time of day to relax; and you might even spot the Chesil hares. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Limited places. Weather dependent. Contact us on 01305 206191 Adults £9, Children £7, must be accompanied. The boat leaves from the jetty down Ferrymans Way, Wyke Regis, Weymouth Dorset. DT4 9AE. Free Parking It is usually colder on the water than on land so wrap up warm. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SAT 9 CRAZY CRICKET NATURE TRAIL, 10.30am – 3.30pm. Pick up a trail guide from the Lorton Meadows Centre. Follow the trail and find the clues. Children, £1, must be accompanied. Start at Lorton Meadows Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. Trail approximately 30 – 45 minutes. No need to book, for more details phone 01305 816546. 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, 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 9 WEST FLEET WALK WITH A WARDEN, 10.30am – 12.00pm. Join the Warden for a guided walk along the Fleet Lagoon shore. Discover the wildlife and history of this internationally important site. Meet at Abbotsbury Swannery car park. Adults £3 Children £2, must be accompanied. No Booking required. Contact us on 01305 206191 For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
WED 13 FLEET EXPLORER ‘SUNDOWN CRUISE’, 6.45pm – 7.45pm. Join us for an evening boat trip on the Fleet Explorer to watch the sun go down. Find out about the fascinating wildlife of the Fleet Lagoon, the famous Chesil Beach and the rich local history. The perfect time of day to relax; and you might even spot the Chesil hares. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Limited places. Weather dependent. Contact us on 01305 206191 Adults £6.50, Children £4.50, must be accompanied. The boat leaves from the jetty down Ferrymans Way, Wyke Regis, Weymouth Dorset. DT4 9AE. Free Parking. It is usually colder on the water than on land so wrap up warm For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
THUR 14 GEOLOGY OF KING BARROW QUARRIES, 10am – 12pm. Explore King Barrow Quarries Nature Reserve. Booking essential, £3/child, Children £2. Join the Portland Project Officer on a guided walk around this disused quarry that nature has reclaimed, to discover the geology of the site exposed by the quarrymen, along with their huts, gullies and tunnels. Meet at the first car park on the left off New Ground Road, nearest to Portland Heights Hotel. Just off the A354, turn left on to Yeates road and shortly straight onto New Ground Road. Grid reference SY 689 730. Please wear suitable footwear. For booking please contact the Chesil Centre on 01305 20619
FRI 15 WILDLIFE AND RECORDINGS FROM LYTCHETT BAY & GARDENS, 19.30 – 21.30, Nick Hull will give an insight to sights and sounds of wildlife in Lytchett Bay and his garden. Wimborne. A talk by Nick Hull, an enthusiastic and lifetime birder and group leader, with pictures and sound from Lytchett Bay and his garden nearby, with a break for free refreshment.Event in Quarterjack Suite, Allendale Centre, Hanham Rd, Wimborne. Disabled access. Cost £2 DWT members, £3 non-members. Ample car parking in Allenview CP. Wimborne Group
FRI 15 – SUN 17 ASTRO-PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND, Discover the techniques for capturing the incredible night sky, including composition and post production. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
SAT 16 TREES OF LORTON MEADOWS WALK, 2pm – 4pm. Learn all about trees including how to identify them by their leaves, fruit and bark. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, Contact us on 01305 816546. £3 adults, £2 Children, must be accompanied. Meet at Lorton Meadows 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, 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 17 MARINE LITTER (WILD START), 10am – 2.30pm. Are you 14 to 25? Do you enjoy wildlife and the outdoors? Do you want to help local wildlife conservation? Come along to our monthly events to find out about Dorset’s amazing wildlife and get hands on with a practical task or wildlife survey. The hours can go towards a DofE or John Muir Award or just come along for fun. In this session, learn about the effects of marine litter on wildlife and then help our Chesil Officer with the Great British Beach Clean on Chesil Beach. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. FREE Registration on the ‘Wild Futures Programme’ required. Contact us on 01305 206191 £5 per session. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT3 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SUN 17 GREAT BRITISH BEACH CLEAN ON CHESIL, 11am – 1pm. Bring family and friends for our beach clean.Help look after one of Dorset’s most spectacular beaches. There is a 10% discount at the Taste* Cafe for those taking part and free parking for the duration of the event. All equipment provided. No booking required. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT3 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park Contact us on 01305 206191 For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SUN 17 CORFE BARROWS NATURE PARK WALK, 10.30 – 12.30 Enjoy a DWT guided walk of Corfe Barrows Nature Park. Meet at Ashington Meadow off Merley Park Road. Explore Corfe Barrows Nature Park with Katie Wilkinson DWT Community Conservation Officer (The Great Heath). Using a network of paths to view the parks various habitats, and wonderful wildlife. Whilst experiencing a walk in time from the Age of Rail to the Bronze Age.Car parking at Ashington Meadow off Merley Park Road BH21 east of Ashington Lane turning (look out for temporary sign post) Contact DWT Urban Wildlife Centre 01202 692033 or [email protected] On the day Ken Yeates 07947 141539. For general information. see DWT web site Reserves & Centres click Corfe Barrow NP. Small donation at end of walk. Dogs on leads at all time. Bring refreshments, and suitable footwear and clothing for possible muddy condition.
TUES 19 GRAZING ANIMALS FOR HABITAT MANAGEMENT, 10am – 4pm. Learn the benefits, challenges and management techniques of using animals to improve wildlife habitats. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
WED 20 GUIDED ROCKPOOL RAMBLE IN KIMMERIDGE BAY, 2pm – 3.30pm. Join a warden as we wander along the beach to discover what fascinating seashore wildlife can be spotted in Kimmeridge Bay, the best rockpooling site in Dorset. Learn about their bizarre lives, from sex-changing sea snails to crafty crabs. We will follow the Seashore Code to avoid causing any harm and find out what we can all do to help marine wildlife. Meet at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre, by the slipway, Kimmeridge Bay, BH20 5PE. Beware 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, £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 20 A TALK BY CHRIS ANDREW ON FOSSILS AND FOSSILING AT LYME REGIS, 7.30pm. Chris Andrew will talk about fossils and fossilling at Lyme Regis. He is the Education Officer for the Lyme Regis Museum.Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, DT9 3NL. Sherborne Group
THUR 21 THE WIDLIFE OF KINGSTON LACEY THROUGH THE AGES – DAVID SMITH, 7.30pm – 9.30pm. A look at the flora and fauna of Kingston Lacey past and present. David Smith will be illustrating his talk with superb photographs of Kingston Lacey. Christchurch Baptist Church Hall, Bargates, (corner of Beaconsfield Rd), Christchurch BH23 1QT. Bournemouth & Christchurch Group
SAT 23 INTRODUCTION TO ROCKY SHORE SPECIES IDENTIFICATION COURSE, 11.30am – 4.30pm. This one day course, based at DWT’s Fine Foundation Marine 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 Marine Centre, by the slipway, Kimmeridge Bay, BH20 5PE. Beware 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. Booking is essential – to book phone 01929 481044. Maximum of 20 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 24 BEACH CLEAN AT WORBARROW BAY, 1pm – 3pm. Join our marine wardens to remove the litter from the beach in beautiful Worbarrow Bay. Marine litter is not only a blight on our beaches but presents a deadly hazard for all kinds of wildlife. Park at Tyneham between Lulworth Cove and Kimmeridge Bay and follow the footpath to the beach in Worbarrow Bay – approx. 1 mile. There is a suggested donation of £2 for parking. Meet at the beach end of the footpath (map ref SY 865 803). All equipment is provided but please bring a drink and suitable footwear and clothing for an exposed location and walking on a shingle beach. Allow plenty of time for the walk to arrive for the important
THUR 28 AN AFTERNOON FUNGUS AND LICHEN FORAY AT STUDLAND LED BY JOY FILDES, 2.30pm – 4pm. Lots of lichens to discover even if the weather for fungii has not been good! There is always something new to discover. Meet outside the National Trust Information Centre at Knoll Beach SZ 033 836. Parking free for National Trust members. Contact Joy Fildes (01929 450449).
