| The end of summer means it’s time to go beachcombing, according to Dorset Wildlife Trust. Autumn and winter are the ideal time to discover what the storms have washed in to Dorset’s beaches, revealing what’s going on along the coasts and out to sea in the world of marine wildlife. As part of its Welly Zone Project, Dorset Wildlife Trust is encouraging people to get out on the beaches, especially after a storm. The Beach Drifters Survey on 16th October is a chance to pick up tips from the experts for winter beachcombing that could provide vital clues about ocean wildlife.
Julie Hatcher, Marine Awareness Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “Whenever they are out and about on the shore, we’d like people to take note of some of the interesting things you find washed up on the beach and what you can see on the water from where you are. Egg cases, foraging seabirds, dolphins, litter and jellyfish are all of interest and can help us learn more about what is happening along our coast. ”
Anyone can get involved
The Welly Zone Project, funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s Sustainable Development Fund, aims to involve local people in finding out about the wildlife of the beach and shallow water habitats of our coast. All of the records will be used to increase knowledge both of the habitats themselves and of wildlife further out to sea, adding to Dorset’s marine biodiversity database. Julie added: “We are interested in hearing about all the wildlife you find, whether it is a dead seabird or a dislodged pink sea fan coral. You don’t need to be an expert anyone can get involved, so do come and join us at Chesil Cove to pick up your pack, or visit the website, and get beachcombing!”
The Beach Drifters Survey is a free event on Sunday 16th October from 1pm to 4pm at Chesil Cove, Portland. For more information, please ring 01929 481044. There will be a Beach Survey Pack to take away so you can record finds whenever you are out on the beaches. The pack information is also available online at the Welly Zone page on the website
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor
For more information please contact Julie Hatcher at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01929 481044.
For our latest news RSS feed, see /c2/rss/dwt_latest_news.xml
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
|
Shark egg case 'Mermaids purse' by David Kilbey
Pink seafan skeleton by Nicky Hoar
Time to start beach combing!
Photo taken at Worbarrow Bay by Nicky Hoar
|
home | events | contact us | e-news signup | recruiters | jobs