Summer Madness: Mini-beasts at RSPB Weymouth Westlands

IF bugs are your bag then take the kids to a mini-beast safari at the RSPB’s Weymouth Wetlands nature reserve tomorrow.

With a pond-dipping session in the morning followed by a spot of tree-beating, you are sure to find all manner of wildlife that creeps, crawls, flutters and flies.

You are also sure to find some of the weird and wonderful underwater creatures that lurk beneath the Radipole Lake.

There will be a display of bugs in tanks at the visitor centre in the Swannery car park and expert help on hand to help you to identify whatever you find.

From spiders, beetles, dragonflies, caterpillars and bees to butterflies and moths – there’s a whole mini-world of wildlife to be explored.

Weymouth Wetlands information officer Luke Phillips said: “They may not immediately appeal to everyone but these insects and spiders are just as fascinating in their own right as some of our larger wildlife.

“More importantly, they’re all part of the food chain and essential to the ecology of the reserve but they are often overlooked.”

Michelle Williams, retail manager at the reserve, said: “Come along and get involved in this family event.

“There will be a walk to enjoy and a bug expert will be on hand to answer any questions you might have and to identify all the weird and wonderful creatures you may find.”

The Weymouth Wetlands mini-beast and dragon safari will run from 10am until 1pm at Radipole Lake tomorrow.

There is no need to book, just turn up at the visitor centre in the Swannery car park.

For more information phone 01305 778313.

What's on

Events can be subject to change/ cancellation due to weather or operational restraints and conditions. Please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01305 785747 before travelling.

THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

Punch and Judy Show: Enjoy some traditional entertainment this summer – noon, 2pm or 3.30pm showing on Weymouth beach throughout the summer holidays.

RSPB Radipole Lake and Arne: Keep the kids busy during the summer holidays, bring them along to Radipole Lake or Arne anytime during the school holidays and let them run wild. Bird bingo and wildlife explorer backpacks will be available for hire all summer. Contact Radipole Lake on 01305 778313 or Arne on 01929 553360.

Haunted Harbour Tour: Every Wednesday throughout the year, weather permitting. Discover the long forgotten haunts of history around the famous Old Weymouth and Melcombe Regis Harbour. Many of the harbourside Inns have reputed haunted happenings and sightings. Contact 01305 775506.

AUGUST

Until 15 August: Turtle conservation weeks at Weymouth Sea Life Park. Normal entry fees apply. Visit www.sealife.co.uk

2, 9, 23 and 30: Fireworks and entertainment, Weymouth seafront

2, 9, 23, 30: Summertime open evenings, the Nothe Fort. Visit www.nothefort.org.uk

3: Mini beasts and dragons, RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve, 10am to 1pm. Contact 01305 778313

4: Bustinskin Aquathlon Series, Bowleaze Cove at 7pm to 9pm. Visit www.bustinskin.com

7: Mad about Moths, RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve, 8am to 10am. Contact 01305 778313.

7 and 8: Nothe Fort 150th Anniversary. Visit www.nothefort.org.uk

9 to 14: Weymouth Art Group Annual Art Exhibition, Weymouth Library. Contact 01305 76241811

11: Bustinskin Aquathlon Series at Bowleaze Cove, 7pm to 9pm. Visit www.bustinskin.com

11: Go batty, RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve between 7.45pm and 9.45pm. Contact 01305 778313

14: Summer Fete, Easton Gardens, Portland, 10am to 4pm

15: British Heart Foundation Hearts First Swim at Weymouth Bay. Visit www.bhf.org.uk

16 August to 5 September: Shark conservation weeks, Weymouth Sealife Park. Normal entry fees apply. Visit www.sealife.co.uk

17 to 30: Matchstick Fleet – Nothe Fort. Website: www.nothefort.org.uk normal entrance fee applies.

17 to 19: RAF Town Show at Weymouth Pavilion forecourt.

17: Nature Detectives at RSPB Radipole Lake, 10 am-1pm, 01305 778313

18: Weymouth Carnival at Weymouth Seafront

18: Weymouth Carnival Night Fireworks at 9.30pm at Weymouth Bay

20: St Martin’s Broadmayne Community Market in St Martin’s Community Hall from 2pm to 3.30pm

21: Midnight Walk on Weymouth Esplanade. Visit www.weld-hospice.org.uk

21 to 27: Dart World Sailing Championships, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA). Visit www.wpnsa.org.uk

22 to 28: Weymouth and Portland Open Bowls Tournament. Taking place in various bowls clubs throughout the borough. Visit www.weymouthbowlstourney.co.uk

25: Family Wildlife Walk at RSPB Radipole. Between 10am and noon. Contact 01305 778313

25: Bustinskin Aquathlon Series at Bowleaze Cove, 7pm to 9pm. Visit www.bustinskin.com

28 to 31: IC National Sailing Championships at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA). Visit www.wpnsa.org.uk

29: Run 4 Your Grub at Weymouth Beach. Contact 01305 826826

29: Annual Dragon Boat Racing at Weymouth Bay between 10am to 4pm

29: Garden Party at Portland Museum. Free entry from 1.30pmEvents can be subject to change/ cancellation due to weather or operational restraints and conditions. Please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01305 785747 before travelling.