MON 1 MARINE GIANTS TALK AND SHARK EGGCASE HUNT, 11 – 12.30pm.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. Join us to hunt for shark and ray eggcases along Chesil Beach. 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, [email protected]. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
TUES 2 – FRI 5 PAINTING SPRING BLOSSOMS AND PLANTS, Learn to paint and illustrate flowers and plants on this relaxed workshop with Sarah Morrish. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
FRI 5 MORNING CHORUS BREAKFAST, 5.30am 8.30am. Join Edward Jackson for a guided bird walk followed by a hearty breakfast. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
FRI 5 – SUN 7 IDENTIFY BIRDS BY SIGHT AND SOUND Learn how to identify resident and migrant birds around the nature reserves on the Dorset coast and Kingcombe. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
SAT 6 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. Pay and Display Car Park. All profits from the sale of binoculars and telescopes at the Centre go back into our conservation work. Contact us on 01305 206191, [email protected]. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SAT 6 PECULIAR POND LIFE (CATERPILLAR KIDS), 10.30 – 12.30 Have a go at pond dipping at Lorton Meadows, discover the amazing underwater world of beetles,newts and nymphs. Plus make a wildlife inspired piece of artwork, and play games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Meet at Lorton Meadows Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, Children £3, must be accompanied. Contact us on 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 6 BEE & BUTTERFLY BONANZA, GILLINGHAM, 11am – 4pm. A wildlife extravaganza! Stalls, activities, quizzes and much more about all your favourite pollinators. Join us and lots of other organisations for a day discovering all about pollinators and what we can do to help them. There will be plenty of interesting stalls to browse, activities for all ages to take part in and a programme of short talks on bees, butterflies and wildlife gardening. Take home a ‘Happy Hornet’, make a butterfly mobile, plant a pollinator pot or test your knowledge with our quizzes. Lots of free wildlife gardening advice. Something for everyone and a good day out – FREE! Why not bring a picnic and stay for the day? Town Meadow in Gillingham, at the bottom of the High Street (opposite Rawson Court) There is plenty of car parking and public toilets nearby. This is a FREE event. For further details please contact Briony Baxter [email protected]. 01305 264620
SUN 7 A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE WILD FLOWERS OF CHESIL, 11am – 12.30pm. 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. Adults £3 Children £2, must be accompanied. 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
MON 8 HEALTH WALK AT LORTON MEADOWS, 10am – 10.45am. Join us for a gentle weekly walk around Lorton Meadows nature reserve – the 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 £3, includes free tea/coffee 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 11 NATURALLY DYED SILK SCARVES WITH SHIBORI, 10am – 4pm. Learn how to create stunning patterns through stitch resist and natural plant dyes. For information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
SAT 13 DAWN CHORUS WALK, 4.45am – 9.30pm. Dawn Chorus Walk, Bere Marsh Farm (near Child Okeford) inc. farmhouse breakfast. Book on: 07970903679 £12. Local bird expert, Jon Ross, who led last year’s very successful Dawn Chorus Walk, will lead this event again – back by popular request! Last year the group spotted a record number of species and afterwards enjoyed a home cooked Farmhouse Breakfast. It’s a wonderful event and as there are only two opportunities each year to take part, and numbers are strictly limited, it is an occasion not to be missed. Booking and paying (£12) in advance is essential. Please contact Anna Aubrey on: 07970903679. Bere Marsh Farm (near Child Okeford). Please book and pay (£12) in advance by telephoning Anna Aubrey on 07970903679. Booking in advance is essential as numbers are strictly limited. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear – the ground can be uneven, muddy and wet in places. Don’t forget your binoculars!
SAT 12 A WALK ROUND LYTCHETT BAY, 9.30am – 11.30am, A walk around Lytchett Bay led by Nick and Jackie Hull from Shore Lane, Upton. Cost £3 per head. Please book. Park in Sandy Lane or Upton Recreation ground car park, within a short walk of the start. Map ref approx SY985923 for car park. Phone 01202 697325 to book.
SAT 13 LORTON WOODLAND WALK, 2pm – 4pm. Join us for a guided walk to discover the woodlands in spring. Immerse yourself in the sounds & scents of the woods, identify trees and stumble across woodland wildflowers. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, Contact us on 01305 816546. £3 adults, £2 Children, must be accompanied. 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, 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 14 SPRING BIRDS OF CHESIL, THE FLEET & PORTLAND HARBOUR, 8am – 10am. A guided walk with local naturalist Sean Foote. Look for waders and migrating birds around Chesil Beach and the Fleet LagoonMeet 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, [email protected]. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
SUN 14 REPTILES OF LYTCHETT HEATH, 10am – 12pm. A chance to explore the wildlife and habitats of this site on the shores of Poole Harbour, with a guide from Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. (ARC) who will have the opportunity to share views of basking lizards & snakes. Plus the birds of this heathland environment on the shore of Lytchett Bay. Meet at the Lytchett Heath entrance to Lytchett Bay Nature Reserve on Sandy Lane, Upton (100m West of Moorland Way junction) GR SY974927. BH16 5LU. Meet at the Lytchett Heath entrance to Lytchett Bay Nature Reserve on Sandy Lane, Upton (100m West of Moorland Way junction) GR SY974927. BH16 5LU See Great Heath Website. Lytchett Bay Nature Reserve for parking and public transport information. Small donation at end of walk. [email protected] Contact Ken Yeates 07947 141539 on the day. Four legged friends on lead at all time. Suitable footwear clothing for condition on the day.
MON 15 HEALTH WALK AT LORTON MEADOWS, 10am – 10.45am. Join us for a gentle weekly walk around Lorton Meadows nature reserve – the 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 £3, includes free tea/coffee 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
WED 17 – FRI 19 WALKING IN WEST DORSET, Discover and learn about the ancient hills and vales of west Dorset on this guided walking event. For more information and to book go to www.kingcombe.org. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
WED 17 A TALK BY PC CLAIRE DINSDALE ABOUT WILDLIFE CRIME IN DORSET, 7.30 – 10.00. Digby Memorial Church Hall, Sherborne. PC Claire Dinsdale is the Deputy Force Lead in Wildlife Crime in Dorset. Discover what wildlife crimes are committed in Dorset. Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, DT9 3NL. Contact Mary Howes 01935 872742 Charge £2.50.
THUR 18 FROM BUENOS AIRES TO THE GALAPAGOS, 7.30pm – 9.30pm. An illustrated talk by Richard Davies. Christchurch Baptist Church Hall, Bargates. An event run by the Bournemouth and Christchurch Group. £2.00 including coffee/tea and biscuits (NUS Cardholders Free)
SAT 20 DAWN CHORUS WALK, 4.45am – 9.30am Dawn Chorus walk and farmhouse breakfast £12, Booking essential. Tel: 07970903679. Tim Hooker is a very popular birder with huge experience. Tim has led this walk many times and knows the area very well. The walk is followed by a home cooked Farmhouse Breakfast. Booking and paying in advance is essential as numbers are strictly limited. Please telephone Anna Aubrey on 07970903679 to book your place. Bere Marsh Farm (near Child Okeford). Please wear suitable clothing and footwear as the walk can be wet, muddy, and uneven in places. Please ensure you arrive at 04.45am. Don’t forget your binoculars! Booking in advance is essential as numbers are strictly limited. Please contact Anna Aubrey on 07970903679. Cost (including breakfast) £12.
SAT 20 WILDFLOWERS OF LORTON MEADOWS (WILD START), 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 wildflowers and how to manage meadows. Then head on out to help our Conservation Officer with a wildflower survey.
SAT 20 – SUN 4 JUNE OPEN FOR ART – DORSET WIDLIFE & NATURAL SPACES, 10am- 5pm. The Chesil Centre will be hosting a two-week art exhibition inspired by Dorset’s wildlife and natural spaces. The exhibition is part of Artwey ‘Open for Art 2017’.FREE event to look around. All items are available to purchase with Dorset Wildlife Trust profits going back into our conservation work. 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 21 A MORNING BUTTERFLY WALK LED BY COLIN NUNN, 11am – 1pm. On Ballard Down. A joint event with Dorset Butterfly Conservation. 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. Meet at in the Ulwell lay-by on the Swanage to Studland road (map ref. SZ021809). Contact Colin Nunn (01929 439211)
MON 22 HEALTH WALK AT LORTON MEADOWS, 10.00 – 10.45. Join us for a gentle weekly walk around Lorton Meadows nature reserve – the 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 £3, includes free tea/coffee 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
TUES 23 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 little tern 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. The boat leaves from the jetty down Ferrymans Way, Wyke Regis, Weymouth Dorset. DT4 9AE. Free Parking BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Limited places. Weather dependent. £10 per person. Children must be accompanied. Contact us on 01305 206191, [email protected]. . For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
TUES 23 EVENING BEAVER WATCHING AT ESCOT PARK, OTTERY ST MARY, 8.00pm – 10.00pm. This evening will be led by Mish Kennaway from Escot Park. Contact Mary Howes on 01935 872742 if you wish to book. Cost will be £6 approx. Numbers are limited. Please wear non rustling clothing, no bright or fluorescent colours.
SAT 27 – 29 KINGCOMBE ARTS WEEKEND, 10am – 4pm. Art exhibitions, events and family activities. Check www.kingcombe.org for details. The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ. Contact 01300 320684.
SAT 27 – SUN 4 JUNE DORSET WILDFLOWER WEEK, 5pm, A week of walks exploring the wonderful wild flowers of Dorset. A series of guided walks organised by the Dorset Flora Group. Each walk is led by a local naturalist, who will help beginners and others to appreciate the plants and landscape of the county. At least one walk each day, with some morning and afternoon walks close by to make it easy to join both. Come and enjoy as much as you like! Walks on DWT reserves are on our website but to find out about the nine others, from east to west on the coast to Hambledon Hill, look online at derc.org.uk/local/dfg.htm.
SAT 27 COGDEN BEACH – THE FINE COASTAL AND SHINGLE FLORA BEHIND CHESIL BANK, 12.30pm. A walk along a beautiful part of Dorset’s rich coastline, led by local wildlife wizard Jim White. A walk along the National Trust Cogden beach, a beautiful part of Dorset’s rich coastline, to examine the fine coastal and shingle flora behind Chesil Bank. Led by local wildlife wizard Jim White. Meet at NT car park, ref. ST 502885, off B3157 east of Burton Bradstock Donation of £2 to Dorset Flora group welcome. Field Trip – this may be subject to limited numbers and/or revised arrangements. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear – and bring your binoculars and cameras. Dogs are not usually recommended to be brought on reserve walks. Booking, unless otherwise stated, is essential and should be made with the coordinator (# phone no. listed below). No refreshments, so please bring your own This event contact: Jim White, 01929 481 535 WDG contacts: Chairman Anne Wheatcroft 01300 320168 [email protected] Secretary Rosemary Windsor 01308 459259 [email protected] Events Organiser Monty Crook 01308 423442 [email protected].
SAT 27 GUIDED ROCKPOOL RAMBLE IN KIMMERIDGE BAY, 2.30pm- 4.00pm. A guided rockpool ramble in Kimmeridge Bay to discover wildlife on the seashore. For adults and families. 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.
SAT 27 BRACKETTS COPPICE RESERVE WILD FLOWER WEEK WALK, 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Flower-rich old grasslands and valley woodland of remote DWT nature reserve North West of Corscombe. Explore the site with Dorset naturalist Jim White. One of a number of walks around the county for Dorset Wild Flower Week. Meet at map ref. ST516106 off narrow Ryewater lane. Limited parking so share transport where possible. Some slopes and possibly muddy ground. Booking Tel. 01929 481535 (Jim White) Donation of £2 to Dorset Flora Group welcome.
SAT 27 BRACETTS COPSE – THE FLOWER-RICH GRASSLANDS/VALLEY/WOODLAND OF THIS DWT RESERVE, 2.30pm – 4.30pm. Bracketts Copse: walk a small reserve near Corscombe with rich grasslands & valley woodland, with Jim White. One of West Dorset’s lesser known jewels, with ancient woodland, meadows and hedgerows, as well as wood pasture and a fast flowing stream, supporting a huge range of wildlife. This stunning reserve is home to some of our best loved, as well as our rarer fauna and flora. Otters use the stream, dormice the woodland, as well as roe deer and brown hare, and several species of bat, including the very rare Bechstein’s bat. Green and great spotted woodpecker frequent the reserve as well as woodcock, pied and spotted flycatcher, breeding kingfisher and the more common woodland species such as nuthatch, treecreeper and willow warbler. Summer brings the riches of wild flowers including several orchid species, betony, adder’s tongue fern and common knapweed, and several important species of butterfly, such as marsh and silver-washed fritillaries, purple hairstreak and small heath. Ref. ST 514070: off narrow Ryewater Lane. Please car-share. £2 to Dorset Flora group welcomed. Located 2km north of Corscombe, 3km west of Halstock, south east of Higher Halstock Leigh. If approaching from Halstock, gated entrance is on left 20m past Bracketts Farm. Very limited parking inside gate. Field Trip – this may be subject to limited numbers and/or revised arrangements. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear – and bring your binoculars and cameras. Dogs are not usually recommended to be brought on reserve walks. Booking, unless otherwise stated, is essential and should be made with the coordinator (# phone no. listed below). No refreshments, so please bring your own This event contact: #Jim White, 01929 481 535 WDG contacts: Chairman Anne Wheatcroft 01300 320168 [email protected] Secretary Rosemary Windsor 01308 459259 [email protected] Events Organiser Monty Crook 01308 423442 [email protected]
SUN 28 FLEET LAGOON SEASHORE SAFARI, 2.00pm – 3.30pm. 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. Wellies advised. 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
MON 29 KILWOOD WILD FLOWER WEEK WALK, 10.30am – 12.30pm. A walk through the nature reserve, with wet woodland and stream, ancient oaks and a small flower-rich meadow. Explore this DWT nature reserve with Dorset naturalist Jim White. One of a number of Dorset Wild Flower Week Walks. Meet at map ref. SY933825 by memorial – parking limited so please share transport where possible. Fairly easy walking on mostly level ground but with stile to cross. Optional – bring packed lunch and stay for Stonehill Down walk. Booking Tel. 01929 481535 (Jim White). Donation of £2 to Dorset Flora Group welcome.
MON 29 STONEHILL DOWN WILD FLOWER WEEK WALK 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Fine chalk downland flowers and turf on Purbeck Ridge with extensive views (weather permitting!). Explore this DWT nature reserve with naturalist Jim White. One of a number of Dorset Wild Flower Week Walks organised by the Dorset Flora Group. Meet at map ref. SY933825 by memorial – parking limited so please share transport where possible (as for Kilwood morning walk) then short walk along lane to foot of Stonehill Down nature reserve. Fairly steep climb and a stile to cross. Booking Tel. 01929 481535 (Jim White) Donation of £2 to Dorset Flora Group welcome.
TUES 30 CHESIL WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY FUN DAY, 10am – 12.30pm. Learn about photography from wildlife photographer Tony Bates, MBE. This is an exciting place to photograph a great range of wildlife- insects, interesting coastal flowers and small marine animals as well as the unique landscape of Chesil and the Lagoon. Check out your photos on the big screen afterwards with lots of top tips to get the perfect shot. Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, Portland, DT3 9XE. Pay and Display Car Park. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Bring your own camera. Suitable for beginners and intermediate. Adults £5 Children £3, must be accompanied. Contact us on 01305 206191, [email protected]. For more Weymouth and Portland events follow us on Twitter @DWTWeyPort
TUES 30 CORFE BARROWS NATURE PARK WILD FLOWER WEEK WALK, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Explore the variety of hedge and woodland flowers, including Knapweed, Ox-eye Daisy and Ragged Robin. Discover the wild flowers of Corfe Barrows Nature Park with DWT Great Heath Officer, Katie Wilkinson. Katie will take you to parts of the site which have only recently opened up to the public. One of a number of Dorset Wild Flower Week Walks organised by the Dorset Flora Group. Meet just off Merley Park Road (slow at 30 symbol on road). There is a reserve sign and hard standing for cars; however it may not be seen until right there, so go slow. BH21 3DP. Map ref: SY995979 Leader: Katie Wilkinson. Enquiries: 01202 692033 or [email protected] Donation of £2 to Dorset Flora group welcome.
TUES 30 BROWNSEA ISLAND WILD FLOWER WEEK WALK, 2.30pm – 4.30pm. A walk round the eastern end of the island looking at flowering plants in the wood, grassland and marsh. 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 31 WATER FESTIVAL CELEBRATING RIVERS, WETLANDS AND SEAS, 10am – 4pm. A FREE event for all ages with stalls & activities from a range of groups involved in caring for our water.It’s World Otter Day so today we’ll be celebrating all things watery. Come and get some fresh air while you browse the stalls from a range of groups involved in caring for our water. Buy a cuddly otter to take home. Make a dragonfly for free. Ever wondered what happens when it rains? Try out our working model of a water catchment area. Discover what lives in your river. Lots to see and do for all ages. Bring a picnic and stay all day! On the Ham, Blandford Forum. Park in the Marsh and Ham car park off West Street and walk 2 minutes towards the river. There is no charge for this event. There is easy access and there are public toilets nearby. Contact bbaxter@dorsetwildlifetrust for further info.
WED 31 KINGCOMBE MEADOWS WILD FLOWER WEEK WALK, 10.30am- 12.30pm. Wild flowers, folklore and history of some of Dorset’s finest hay meadows and pasture. Explore this DWT nature reserve and working farm with Conservation Officer Nick Gray. One of a number of Dorset Wild Flower Week Walks organised by the Dorset Flora Group. Centre Cafe open afterwards for lunch or cream tea. Meet at Kingcombe Centre map ref. SY554990. Leader: Nick Gray. Booking; email preferred: [email protected] or tel. 01300 320684. Donation £2 to Dorset Flora Group welcome.
WED 31 PECULIAR POND LIFE (CATERPILLAR KIDS), 10.30am – 12.30pm. Have a go at pond dipping at Lorton Meadows, discover the amazing underwater world of beetles,newts and nymphs. Plus make a wildlife inspired piece of artwork, and play games, with the Community Conservation Officer. Meet at Lorton Meadows Centre, Lorton Lane, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, Children £3, must be accompanied. Contact us on 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
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