-- Opening 21 July 2012 --

Chesil Beach Centre

Work is now underway to extend the Chesil Beach Centre. The builders started on site at the beginning of November and the renovated centre will be finished by July 2012, in time for the Olympic and Para-Olympic sailing events. There will be a temporary exhibition during the games, followed by a full fit-out in the autumn.

The newly renovated centre will include a much-needed education room, indoor café and more exhibition space, as well as space for staff and volunteers. There will also be a boardwalk to Chesil Beach, allowing easier access for all. The centre will be managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust on behalf of a number of partners.

The Centre is well located to attract both locals and visitors, so this is a great opportunity for Dorset Wildlife Trust to engage and educate large numbers of people about the wildlife of Chesil Bank and the Fleet, marine issues and the work of DWT. We will be able to offer a range of educational visits for schools, as well as walks, talks and training for the general public.

During the rebuild, the staff and volunteers have temporarily relocated to a portacabin next to the builder’s compound. Visitors are welcome ­ however our resources and opening hours are limited. We are usually open 11 ­ 3 pm weekdays but phone first to check someone is there ­ 01305 760579.

This is a partnership project with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. A grant of £550,000 has been made by Heritage Lottery Fund and considerable financial support has been provided by others including Crown Estate, Portland Gas Trust and the Fine Foundation.

Please Support the Chesil Beach Centre

There are many ways that you can support the new Chesil Beach Centre.

Volunteering

Volunteers support the work of Dorset Wildlife Trust and are a vital part of our operations. Without the support of volunteers we would not be able to deliver the wide range of conservation activities that we do. Running the Chesil Beach Centre will provide new opportunities for volunteers to play a vital role in supporting our education and awareness work. Opportunities will include:

• manning the centre providing information to visitors;
• assisting with educational activities;
• research and wildlife monitoring;
• maintenance and DIY tasks

Do not worry if you feel that you do not have any particular skills. We will provide training and support to anyone who is interested.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Chesil Centre please get in touch and with your details.

Contact: Emily Brown ebrown@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or phone 07824438975.

Sponsor a Plank

As part of the project we will be building a new boardwalk to give people with mobility problems, wheelchair users and pushchairs access to the Chesil Beach. The board walk will be a major feature of the new centre and we would like to give you the chance to leave a lasting reminder of what Chesil Beach and its wildlife means to you or someone close to you.

For only £50 you can sponsor a plank and have a brass plaque bearing your message permanently installed on the boardwalk leaving a lasting contribution to this special place.

The board walk will be installed this year and plaques will be installed by early 2012 before the official opening of the centre.

If you would like to sponsor a plank please download an order form (below) or call Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620 to request a hard copy of the form.

All proceeds of the Chesil Centre Sponsor a Plank scheme will support the delivery of educational opportunities at the Chesil Beach

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