New Dorset cycle route links 42 nature reserves

March sees the launch of a unique cycle route for Dorset. To celebrate its 50th
Anniversary, Dorset Wildlife Trust has created 42toDO, a special route taking in all 42 of its nature reserves. At 260 miles and taking in all the best of Dorset’s landscapes, it is a challenge that people can take up by bike, on foot or even by car, with shorter routes also available for a more leisurely day.

Fiona Sansom, Supporter Development Manager at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “42toDO is all about celebrating our wonderful nature reserves. Anybody can do it, whether they cycle the whole thing in one go or tick off a few nature reserves at a time on a leisurely ride or walk. Our route is suitable for cyclists, avoiding main roads where possible, but you can still visit the reserves by car, so there’s no reason to feel left out! ”

Unmissable Wildlife Sightings

The route was devised by DWT President Tony Bates, who cycled round all the
reserves in 1995, when there were just 34 to do. The 42toDO map includes all you need to know about where and when to see unmissable wildlife such as wood anemones, bluebells, sand lizards, early spider orchids or red squirrels. There is information to help plan family days out in the east, west and north of the county and one for Purbeck, or you can plan your own unique section of the route. With different punches at every reserve to collect on the 42toDO maps, challengers will win a certificate and special badge for achieving all 42 or for more than half. There will be additional prizes for the most impressive or unusual ways of completing the challenge.

Help protect Dorset's Wonderful Wildlife

Tony Bates said: “We have taken 50 years to get where we are today and now we are inviting the people of Dorset to take the journey of our lifetime and visit some of the most beautiful parts of Dorset that are a bit off the beaten track. We hope people might like to raise sponsorship too, to help us to keep protecting Dorset’s wonderful wildlife.”

The 42toDO challenge is free. For your pack, click here or ring 01305 264620.
 

For more information please contact Fiona Sansom at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620.
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About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Working for a secure future for Dorset’s wildlife enriching the quality of life
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.
History of Dorset Wildlife Trust and 50th Anniversary events visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/jubilee