Keep warm with wildlife work

Dorset Wildlife Trust is inviting you to wrap up warm and do your bit for nature. Everyone knows the best way to keep warm in winter is to keep active and now is the time for active conservation management in one of Portland’s prime nature habitats.
The King Barrow Quarries nature reserve on Portland is hosting a volunteer conservation task on the 26th November, when local people can get involved in restoring wildlife habitats ready for next spring. With fantastic views of the Dorset Mainland, Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon, this promises to be a great day out volunteering.

Why is this reserve so special?

The Isle of Portland’s disused quarries are one of Dorset’s best kept secrets. Once full of the sounds of the famous Portland Stone being hewed from the living rock to be used on some of London’s most celebrated buildings, the resulting stone-walled beaches and gullies are now home to a surprising range of limestone-loving plants and butterflies and a haven for migrant birds, resting on their passage across the Channel. King Barrow Quarries nature reserve is particularly known for its blue butterflies, including the stunning Adonis Blue. Following centuries of quarrying, activity was abandoned about 100 years ago, and the land left to revert to its natural flora and fauna.

How can I get involved?

Sam Dallimore, Community Conservation Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “King Barrow is a beautiful reserve and it’s important to make sure it is maintained for the rare wildlife that depends on it. This is also a great way of learning more about the wildlife around you and being able to improve where you live. Dorset really is a stunning place, but it still needs people to help keep it this way!”
The King Barrow Quarries conservation work party is on Friday 26th November from 10am to 2pm. Meet at the entrance to the reserve by the name stone, on Yeates Road, just off the A354. Tools and gloves will be supplied, but wear warm waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. Bring lunch and something to drink. For further details, ring 01305 816546 or see www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events.html.

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Notes to Editor

For more information please contact Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 816546.
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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.