|
After the excesses of the Christmas season it is natural for many people to feel a bit sluggish come January. If you have made a New Year Resolution to get fitter in 2011, Dorset Wildlife Trust is recommending its Pastures New practical conservation tasks in beautiful west Dorset as just what you need for a fresh start this year.
Help wildlife and help yourself!
Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Pastures New Project Officer, Catherine Mason, said: “There are many personal benefits to be gained from conservation volunteering, as well as the obvious improvement to the habitats and wildlife. Working outdoors gives access to fresh air and the natural environment, proven to be beneficial to physical and mental well-being. The extra exercise can only be a good thing, and volunteering provides a chance to meet new people and visit new places.”
Fortnightly work parties - come along
The Pastures New Project is working to improve the quality of grassland habitats in west Dorset. Conservation work parties run every fortnight throughout the year contributing to this work. Tasks include clearing scrub to help wild flowers to grow, laying hedges, removing invasive species such as Himalayan balsam and sowing wild flower seed to help restore meadows.
Are you free on January 13th?
The first volunteer conservation task of the New Year for the Pastures New Project will be at Bothenhampton Local Nature Reserve near Bridport on 13th January from 10am.
Volunteers for the project will be working alongside the local ranger team to remove invasive scrub, enabling wildflowers, and particularly orchids, to thrive.
Meet at the reserve entrance (Grid ref SY 471 913) at 10am or come along between 10 and 3.30 and follow the signs to the work area. No experience necessary, tools and gloves will be provided. Please wear suitable clothing and bring a packed lunch.
Notes to Editor
For more information please contact Catherine Mason at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01300 321329.
For our latest news RSS feed, see /c2/rss/dwt_latest_news.xml
About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Dorset Wildlife Trust was founded in 1961 to protect the wildlife and natural habitats of the county and now has over 25,000 members and manages 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.
The largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues. It leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.
About Pastures New
The Dorset Wildlife Trust ‘Pastures New’ Project works with local farmers and communities in West Dorset to enhance and restore the wildlife value of grasslands by providing free advice, business and marketing support, capital funding and access to machinery, grazing and livestock. Pastures New also seeks to promote the link between farming, wildlife and the landscape.
The Pastures New Project provides:
- Advice on managing grasslands to enhance nature conservation
- Installation of fencing, water supply and other essential infrastructure to allow grazing on wildlife-rich sites
- A service to match graziers with grassland sites
- Volunteer manpower for fencing and scrub control tasks
- Support for local producers
- Rural skills workshops
- Demonstration events
The Pastures New Team is based at Pound Cottage, Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester DT2 0EQ Phone: 01300 321329
|
home | events | contact us | e-news signup | recruiters | jobs