This half term art students from Budmouth College are celebrating Dorset’s wildlife with beautiful ceramic art inspired by the natural environment around the county.

The Year 13 students will be showcasing their artistic talent at an exhibition hosted at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre near Weymouth.

The students were asked to use elements from the local natural environment and inspiration from the work in the exhibition ‘Art in the Shadow of Cranborne Chase’ at Dorset County Museum, as their stimuli for at least three related ceramic pieces.

The work will form part of their Level Three Art Diploma and is the result of a project developed by their tutor and local artist, Helen Simpson.

Helen said: “The students have been inspired by local landscapes, including Lorton Meadows and artists, such as Andy Goldsworthy, so in addition they will be creating some transitory ‘land art’ using only natural resources found on the reserve.”

The exhibition is open on Saturday, June 2, Wednesday 6, Thursday 7, and Friday 8. Samantha Dallimore, community conservation officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust said: “We are thrilled to have the exhibition at Lorton Meadows, so visitors over half term can appreciate the students art work – you never know, it may encourage people to create their own pieces.”

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve will continue to bustle with activity throughout the half term period with events for all the family. Open Days will be held on June 2 from 10am to 4pm and June 6 from 10am to 4.30pm, as well as Caterpillar Kids events on June 7 and 8 between 10am and 4.30pm.

Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve is at Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH and is open daily free of charge. For more information call 01305 816546 or visit dorsetwildlife trust.org.uk/events