The Jurassic Challenge - 50 People, 50 Miles, 50 Hours

To celebrate it's 50th Anniversary this year, Dorset Wildlife Trust is inviting 50 walkers to join The Jurassic Challenge ­ 50 miles in 50 hours across some of the most celebrated coastal landscape in Britain. With World Heritage status for its geology and now set to host the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games sailing events, the Jurassic Coast is also recognised internationally for its outstanding wildlife both on land and under the sea.

What is happening at this event?

The Jurassic Challenge has been devised by Nick Gray and Emily Newton from DWT’s West Dorset Team as part of a year of events to celebrate Dorset’s outstanding natural heritage and to raise funds to continue to protect it into the next 50 years, the ‘50 for 50 Challenge’.

Nick Gray, Pastures New Adviser at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: "This will be a great chance to walk more than half of Dorset's coastline in one weekend, from salt marsh to cliff-top species-rich grassland. Covering the 50 miles in 50 hours with fellow wildlife enthusiasts, we should easily spot at least 50 species of flora and fauna along the way too!"

Emily Newton, Grazing Animals Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “This will certainly be a challenge for anyone but with stunning coastal scenery, wildlife, BBQ, an evening dip in the sea, sense of achievement and sore feet to boot - what a great way to celebrate DWT’s 50th year!”

How can I get involved?

The Jurassic Challenge is on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July 2011, from West Bay to Swanage, led by expert guides Nick and Emily. Places are limited to the first 50 people to apply and challengers will need to raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship plus £25 to register, which includes overnight camping at Ringstead Bay with evening meal and breakfast. Tents and large packs will be transported by road so you will only need to carry your day pack.

For more information contact Nick Gray or Emily Newton on 01300 321329 or e-mail Nick at ngray@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk. Register at www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/50for50/jurassic.

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.

Read our Blog "Wildlife Matters"

The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) www.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

 Looking east to Portland from West Bay N GRAY

Walk the Jurassic Challenge N GRAY