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Dorset Wildlife Trust has announced a new series of wildlife weekends with the experts on Brownsea Island for 2012. This is the first time that residential wildlife courses have been offered at The Villa, DWT’s headquarters on the nature reserve. The series opens with Winter Waders on Brownsea from 27th to 29th January, when the National Trust island is closed to the public but very much open to wildlife, with internationally important numbers of wading birds visiting the lagoon.
A wildlife spectacle you won't want to miss
The weekend will be led by Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Reserve Manager Chris Thain, who has been involved with the management of the nature reserve for over 12 years. He said: “It never ceases to be a privilege to witness the wildlife spectacle of Brownsea’s lagoon in winter. When the high tide covers the shores of Poole Harbour, thousands of birds come to the nature reserve, giving unparalleled wildlife watching opportunities from our bird hides. Come and see for yourself!”
There are currently around 1200 avocets on the reserve as well as hundreds of black-tailed godwits, up to 15 spoonbills and many other waders, which can be seen from a choice of four hides. There will also be opportunities to get up close with the famous red squirrels, the chance of spotting water voles and to explore the reedbeds, pine woods and coastal viewpoints for winter homing birds such as divers and grebes.
Book early to ensure your place
The series, which is part of the course programme from Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Kingcombe Centre, also offers Bats on Brownsea 25th May to 27th May and Red Squirrels and Mammals of Brownsea 15th October to 17th October. To give the best wildlife watching experience, places are limited to 10, so early booking is advised.
Winter Waders on Brownsea is from 4.30pm Friday 27th January to 4pm Sunday 29th January and costs £220 to include accommodation, food with dinner cooked by DWT’s Kingcombe Centre team, expert guides and boat transport. To book, contact The Kingcombe Centre on 01300 320684 or visit the Kingcombe Centre website. You can catch up with the latest wildlife sightings on Brownsea Island on the website.
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Notes to Editor
For more information please contact The Kingcombe Centre at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01300 320684.
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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.
Blog /wildlife-matters-blog.html |
Avocets on the lagoon in the Brownsea Island nature reserve - by Phyl England
The Macdonald Hide is one of four that overlook the internationally important lagoon - by Jane Adams
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