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More exciting than a pair of socks, more cuddly than a Christmas jumper and wilder than your aunty after a few holiday sherries, this year Dorset Wildlife Trust is providing the perfect Christmas gift idea. Wildlife Adoptions are ideal for anyone with a wild side or someone who loves being outdoors, and you can choose a Dorset dormouse or a Brownsea Island red squirrel.
Adopt one of England's rarest mammals
Dorset’s Brownsea Island red squirrels are becoming more famous by the hour with TV appearances from Autumnwatch to BBC Breakfast and making headlines in the press, thanks to successful habitat work on the Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserve. In southern England, red squirrels are now found only on the islands of Poole Harbour and the Isle of Wight, so Brownsea’s population, estimated to be over 200, is of vital importance. Although shy, our native squirrels can be seen during the day jumping from tree to tree, searching for and burying food on the woodland floor.
You can also adopt a dormouse, one of England's rarest mammals, which has disappeared from many counties due to habitat loss. Dormice only grow to about 8cm long and usually feed at night on flowers, nuts and fruit. They are extremely shy and hardly ever seen, but remain one of Dorset’s favourite local animals.
Satisfaction of helping wildlife
With Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Adoptions, not only do you get to give the warm fuzzy feeling of helping local wildlife, but you also get a fantastic gift pack and choice of a selection of goodies such as cuddly toys, mouse mats, books and stationery, plus a photo of your chosen adopted creature and a personalised adoption certificate. Wildlife adoptions allow DWT to further its conservation work in protecting these rare species by managing habitats, increasing public awareness and putting up dormice boxes to learn more about their habitat preferences.
Brownsea Island, which is owned by the National Trust, is now closed for the winter months but Dorset Wildlife Trust members can continue to visit on selected dates. Red squirrel adoptions, which are supported by John Lewis Partnership, can be bought at £18 for a year (to include a cuddly squirrel), and dormice adoptions are £15 for the year. Ring 01305 264620 for more information about Wildlife Adoptions or DWT membership, or visit our Adoption page.
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Notes to Editor
For more information please contact Nicky Hoar 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.
Blog /wildlife-matters-blog.html
The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) wildlifetrusts.org
There are 47 individual Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK and the Isle of Man and Alderney. All are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. We have more than 800,000 members including 150,000 members of our junior branch Wildlife Watch. Our vision is to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves and every year we advise thousands of landowners and organisations on how to manage their land for wildlife. We also run marine conservation projects around the UK, collecting vital data on the state of our seas and celebrating our amazing marine wildlife. Every year we work with thousands of schools and our nature reserves and visitor centres receive millions of visitors. Each Wildlife Trust is working within its local communities to inspire people about the future of their area: their own Living Landscapes and Living Seas.
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Red squirrel on Brownsea Island by Steve Maskell
Common Dormouse in Dorset by Tom Chalmers
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