Wild Hidden Treasure of East Dorset

Children in Wimborne have been discovering the wildlife of one of Dorset’s hidden treasures. It may not be as famous as some of the larger rivers, but the River Allen, which runs right through the centre of the market town, is among the most important rivers in the county for wildlife. With the clear, fast-moving waters typical of chalk rivers, it is home to a huge range of wildlife, including water voles and otters, and is one of the best rivers in the county for native white-clawed crayfish.

Wildlife encounters for Wimborne children

Dorset Wildlife Trust is keen to involve the local community in caring for the river. Local schoolchildren have been some of the first to be introduced to its diverse aquatic life. Children from St John’s First School, Wimborne encountered important native plants on the banks, including purple loosestrife and water forget-me-not, while the river itself was found to be teeming with mayfly and caddis fly larvae, a variety of small fish and the threatened native white-clawed crayfish, for which this is an important haven.

Amanda Broom said: “People in Wimborne and all along the valley of the Allen can be very proud of their river. It is important not only for river wildlife but wetland birds, woodland and meadow habitats.”

Get Wild About Wimborne this July

Dorset Wildlife Trust is working with fishermen, landowners and communities to sustain the wildlife of the whole catchment, helped by funding from Bournemouth & West Hants Water and Wessex Water. You can find out more about the River Allen at the Wild about Wimborne! event on the Minster Green on Saturday 24th July from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

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Find details of our Wild about Wimborne! event and other Dorset Wildlife Trust events this summer using our events finder.