Midsummer in the Meadows

There is a chance to enjoy the midsummer wildlife of Lorton Meadows nature reserve this month. An Open Day on Saturday 19th June at the Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve will be a chance to learn about and enjoy the woods, meadows, ponds and spectacular views over the Jurassic Coast of Weymouth and Portland. Visitors can also catch up with Lorton’s now-famous nesting raptors that are featuring live across the world on webcam. The kestrel nest, with 3 fluffy chicks, as well as the barn owl nest with its 3 chicks (at the last count), can be viewed on screens in the Visitor Centre, and there is always the possibility of seeing the kestrels flying around the meadows.

Bursting with life

The Visitor Centre will be open for refreshments, gifts and wildlife books and Dorset Wildlife Trust staff will be on hand to answer your wildlife questions. To celebrate National Insect Week, the day features an afternoon guided walk through the meadows, to discover its many butterflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers and other insects. Booking essential for the walk, which costs £1.

Sam Dallimore, People and Wildlife Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “This has to be the most exciting time at Lorton Meadows, when the valley just bursts into life and you can see more than at any time. Join me to track down some of the amazing and beautiful insects as we head into midsummer.”

Bike it to Lorton!

The Lorton Meadows Open Day is on Saturday 19th June from 10am to 4pm. There are refreshments, gifts and parking at the Visitor Centre, and for National Bike Week, Dorset Wildlife Trust is urging people to visit by bike if they can.

The Guided Insect Walk is at 2pm, finishing around 4pm with refreshments. Lorton Meadows Visitor Centre is at Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH. For more information or to book the guided walk, please ring Dorset Wildlife Trust at Lorton Meadows on 01305 816546.

If you can’t make the date, Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve is open daily and you can also catch up with the nesting barn owls and kestrels on www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/raptorcam.html.
 

Find out more....

Find out about the habitats and wildlife of Lorton Meadows by visiting the reserve's web pages.
Watch the action in the nests live on our raptorcam.
Find out what wildlife to keep a look out for around the county this month:  What's Happening in June.