Wildlife Champions with Dorset Wildlife Trust

Dorset Wildlife Trust is launching a pilot scheme geared towards a longer term project called 'Look Again'.  The aim of the project is to enable rural communities in Dorset to rediscover and play an active role in conserving their natural heritage and improving the quality of the local environment for wildlife and people.

One of the initial pilots involves the selection and training of several Wildlife Champions - local people who will lead and inspire others in their local community to enjoy and conserve the natural heritage all around them.

We are looking for keen, enthusiastic volunteers in the West, North and Purbeck districts of Dorset who would be prepared to champion the wildlife in their local area. You will be expected to sign up to a course of training units leading to an accredited AQA certificate.  

Mandatory units may include law on protected species and planning, first aid and health and safety, leadership of work parties and community events, communication skills and how to make use of the media, fund raising and wildlife recording. There will also be an extensive programme of optional additional units to choose from on wildlife identification and survey techniques, habitat management, eg. hedge laying, coppicing, grassland and woodland management and candidates will be expected to attend at least two DWT work parties.

When sufficient units have been completed, you will receive your AQA Wildlife Champion Certificate and be fully empowered to champion the wildlife in your local community.  Units will be available throughout the year and you can plan your own programme to suit but you will be expected to commit to a number of weekend and evening sessions, especially for the mandatory units.

If you are still interested or would like further information, please contact Joy Wallis on 01305 264620, by email at  or simply complete the registration of interest and we will contact you in due course.