How Dorset Wildlife Trust is taking action in each of the five areas we are asking candidates to address (using the 200 word limit per question as requested of candidates).

Q: How would you support access to nature and opportunities for volunteering for all?
 

• Dorset Wildlife Trust was set up by volunteers and retains the voluntary ethos as a core part of our work. We now have over 25,000 members and around 1000 active volunteers doing work ranging from habitat management to recording wildlife in their garden to delivering newsletters.
   
• We have led the way with our ‘New Frontiers’ project in encouraging a wider range of people to enjoy the natural environment. During the three year project we worked with 120 organisations, made 12 Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserves far more accessible, held over 370 events, provided over 2,000 opportunities for people from excluded groups and engaged with over 13,000 people. We improved habitats, raised awareness about wildlife and created new areas for it to thrive, but also saw individuals gain confidence, find employment, start new careers in conservation, seek further training and become long term volunteers; others reported better mental and physical health.
   
• Dorset Wildlife Trust is looking to expand opportunities for all across the whole of Dorset. For example we are currently running a youth volunteering programme and have won national recognition for our work with volunteers of all ages.

Imogen Davenport
Director of Conservation