NOT seeing dolphins off Portland Bill is just as important as seeing them for the collection of data.

The volunteers who form the Portland Bill Dolphin Watch learned this in a fascinating talk given to the them recently by Ed Harland from Chickerell Bioacoustics who described the marine mammals that are most likely to be seen off Portland.

An increasing number of volunteers have seen dolphins from their watchstation at Portland Bill and one of these has just reported seeing a bottlenose dolphin.

Ed outlined the importance of the Portland Bill co-ordinated watch in contributing valuable information to understanding the behaviour of dolphins and what affects their distribution off Dorset.

Portland Ranger Lyn Cooch said: "The volunteers form part of a rota committed to watching dolphins during a regular one hour slot per week and not seeing the mammals is important data too and even if you don't see them there is still lots to enjoy down at the Bill such as seabirds, fantastic waves on a stormy day and a grey seal is a regular visitor."

More volunteers are needed. Contact Lyn Cooch at the IVY office 19 Easton Street or phone 01305 826100.