New explorer kits offer fun for families at Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve (From Dorset Echo)
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New explorer kits offer fun for families at Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve
3:00pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News By James Tourgout
PLENTY TO DO: Julie Hatcher of Dorset Wildlife Trust and Lis Gordon of Rockley Adventure at Kimmeridge Bay
NEW family activities are being launched at Kimm-eridge with Dorset Wildlife Trust. Seashore Explorer back-packs have been created with activity ideas, equipment and information for families looking for something to do when visiting the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve.
The Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) charity has joined forces with Poole-based Rockley Adventure, which is sponsoring the scheme, for the intitiative.
Julie Hatcher, who is DWT marine awareness officer, said: “Even if the weather or tides are less than perfect on your visit to Kimmeridge Bay, there will be plenty to keep families busy for an afternoon with these brilliant Seashore Explorer back-packs. “We are very grateful to Rockley Adventure for helping to get families involved with some of the amazing wildlife on our beaches.”
Among the suggested things to do are mini-beast hunting, seabird spotting, fossil rubbing and eco-crabbing.
A rockpool-friendly crab line, seashore ID guides and magnifying bug pots are among the contents of the back-pack. Some of the resources are to take away at the end of the day while others are returned to be used again. A small hire charge covers the cost of replacing items.
Poole-Rockley Adventure is a corporate member of Dorset Wildlife Trust.
It offers outdoor experiences to schools and groups and supporting initiatives which inform and educate about the natural world. Lis Gordon, director of Rockley Adventure, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting DWT with their Seashore Explorer packs. “This is a great idea which will inform, educate and entertain families about our wonderful wildlife on the Dorset coast.”
The Seashore Explorer back-pack costs £5 to hire, including a crab kit and fossil rubbing kit to keep.
The marine centre will be open during half-term from noon to 4pm, except for Monday. For more information visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
PLAYING A KEY ROLE
DORSET Wildlife Trust works to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living. Founded in 1961, DWT is now the largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, with over 25,000 members and over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve. DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues and leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.
