BUDDING wildlife experts can start their exploration of the local wildlife during the summer holidays thanks to the Dorset Wildlife Trust.
Throughout August Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre is hosting events for the whole family, so even the youngest wildlife detective can start exploring the county’s amazing wildlife. From children’s activities and live nest box cameras to wildlife walks and conservation tasks there will be something for everyone starting on August 5.
Samantha Dallimore, Community Conservation Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, for the Wild About Weymouth & Portland Project said the summer was a great time to get outside and start exploring the world around you.
She said: “Dorset has so much to offer right on your doorstep and some of it is really easy to find – you don’t need to be an expert.
“Our Caterpillar Kids days are a great way to get children interested in wildlife and a way for them to get hands-on and really involved in learning about nature.
“Plus volunteering for our practical conservation task is an excellent way to help your local wildlife.”
Situated on the edge of Weymouth, Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre and Nature Reserve is a great place to take the family and explore some of Dorset. It is easy and safe to cycle or walk to Lorton Meadows on the path beside the new Weymouth Relief Road (A354), alternatively there is parking adjacent to the centre.
Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Caterpillar Kids events are every Friday during August: 5, 12, 19, 26 and Friday, September 2.
The activities run from 10.30am to 12.30pm and each is themed around a different aspect of wildlife found at Lorton.
Children can discover their local wildlife, get arty and join in wacky wildlife games.
Open Days at the Conservation Centre are on Saturdays, August 6 and 20 and Saturday, September 3.
For more information visit <&bh"http://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/lorton_meadows_reserve">dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/ lorton_meadows_reserve<&eh>.
What’s on and where to go this summer
l July 27: Youth Beach Festival – Weymouth Beach
l July 29: Crossways Village Hall summer concert
l July 29-31: RAF Careers Beach Volleyball Classic: Weymouth Beach. Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic sponsored by RAF Careers is the most prestigious events on the British Beach Volleyball Tour and attracts all the top British players including those coming to take part in the London 2012 Olympics
l July 30: Cream teas and crafts at Easton Methodist Hall.The event will run from 1pm-4pm and all are welcome.
l July 31-August 13: Weymouth and Portland International Regatta 2011
l July 31: Sounds of Sinatra Concert – Greenhill Gardens, 2pm-5pm
l August 1, 8, 22, 29: Beach fireworks.
l August 5, 12, 19, 26 and September 2 – Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Caterpillar Kids at Lorton Meadows
l August 6, 20 and September 3: Lorton Meadows Open Days at the Conservation Centre
l August 6: Frampton’s annual cross-river tug of war. 6pm for a 7pm start
l August 6: St Laurence Church, Upwey, fete from 11am to 3pm
l August 7: BHF Weymouth Bay Swim – a one-mile sea swim to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation
l August 7: Summer Fayre – Greenhill Gardens, 2pm – 4pm
l August 12-21: The Netherland State Circus – Lodmoor Country Park
l August 9: 10am to 11am Jurassic Coast painting workshop Bridport Arts and Crafts, East Street
l August 9 to 11: Jurassic Coast fun days at the Salt House, West Bay. Jurassiccoast.com
l August 13: Summer Fete – Easton Gardens, Portland, 10.30am-4pm
l August 13 and 14: Vikings Invade – Children’s Farm, Abbotsbury
l August 13 and 14: Victorian Fayre at the Nothe Fort l August 13: Frampton Village Hall prize bingo
l August 14: Pirates Day at West Bay
l August 15: Weymouth Angling Society Junior Open – Weymouth Stone Pier, 2pm-4pm
l August 15-20: Weymouth Art Group Annual Art Exhibition – Mulberry Gardens, Weymouth Library
l August 15-26: RS Class Championships – Sailing Academy
l August 16-18: RAF Town Show – Pavilion Forecourt
l August 17: Weymouth Carnival and Air Show and Fireworks
l August 20: Midnight Walk – Weymouth Seafront
l August 21-27: Open Bowls Tournament – Weymouth and Portland Bowls Clubs
l August 26-29: World Village Market on Weymouth harbourside
l August 27-29: Comet Nationals, Sailing Academy
l August 27-September 2: Laser Nationals, Sailing Academy
l August 27 and 28: Weymouth Angling Society Shore Festival – Weymouth
l August 28: Dragon Boat Racing – Weymouth Beach
l August 28: Songs of Praise – Greenhill Gardens, 6pm
l August 29: Weymouth Angling Society Crab Day – Weymouth HQ. 2pm-4pm
l Sept 3-5: Weymouth Angling Society Boat Festival
l Sept 11: Weymouth Classic & Sprint Triathlon
l Every Tuesday evening throughout July – Beach Volleyball from 6pm to 9pm on the Pavilion end of Weymouth Beach. Individuals and Teams welcome. £2.00 per player, per night. Email: enquiries@weymouthrfc.org.uk
Until October 31: Smuggling Tours of Weymouth – 700 years of smuggling tales from this Dorset Harbour and Coast. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am until 4pm
l Until October 31: Haunted Harbour Tours – Every Wednesday evening starting and finishing at the Weymouth Old Town Hall by the Boot Inn at 7pm.
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