You might have seen our digital wildlife adoptions and wondered about the kind of work Dorset Wildlife Trust does to benefit these species, especially during winter when adoptions are given as festive gifts.
Hear from our team of conservationists about the great work happening at this time of year, helping these species thrive in the depths of autumn and winter.
Hannah Divine, Assistant Conservation Officer (River and Wetlands) is busy over the winter seasons, monitoring Dorset Wildlife Trust’s enclosed beaver site:
“Over this period, the beavers will be busy munching away on the outer cambium layer (bark) of tree branches and collecting food for their winter food cache. Tree foraging occurs more often and is more visible, so we keep a record of where the foraging behaviour occurs and which tree species they prefer.
As part of monitoring the site, we keep an eye on the water levels and map the work the beavers do on the dams, enabling us to keep an eye on the changes in depth and spread (water surface area) of water across the site. We continue our monitoring on the fence line to make sure the beavers are kept within the enclosure as part of our enclosed license agreement, in case of any issues due to more frequent seasonal heavy rain and storm events.
We will also be carrying out sound recordings to monitor which other wildlife species are present on site. We use trail cameras to keep an eye on the welfare of the beavers, to see their amazing behaviour and capture footage of other wildlife that are using the habitat. Previously we have captured footage of water rail, teal and polecat on the beaver wetland at this time of year.”
Adopt a beaver for yourself or as a gift, and help support this important work on the Dorset beaver project site.
David Parkyn
Sarah Hodgson, Centre Officer (Wild Chesil Centre), tells us all about the marine reserves team’s recent work to monitor seal activity:
“In October, we conducted a Dorset seal census to learn more about seals spotted along the coast. During the five-day survey window, a total of 17 seals were recorded. Surveys are carried out at low tide when seals are more likely to be resting on the shore, a behaviour known as hauling out. Seals do this simply to rest, and it aids their digestion. At certain times of the year, seals may spend longer periods of time hauled out, such as during their annual moult.
The timing of the moult varies: for grey seals, it’s December to April, while common seals moult between July and September. During their moult, seals will lose and replace their entire fur coat! It’s a critical time for seals so please make sure you follow the Watching Seals Well advice to avoid causing disturbance.”
Find out more about our brand-new seal adoption, and help protect vital habitat for this amazing species.
Common seals - Sarah Hodgson
Nicki Tutton, Brownsea Island Ranger, is still busy working to help the red squirrels during the closed season on the island:
“Red squirrels do not hibernate. During the autumn, they spend a lot of time searching for and caching food, to give them a source of nourishment throughout the colder winter months when it may not be so readily available. On Brownsea they also have a steady supply of pine seeds from Scots and maritime pine throughout winter.
During the closed season, the team here on Brownsea can carry out vital habitat management work on the reserve, including creation of areas of wooded heath, allowing more space for stronger, healthier pines, bearing more cones and food for the squirrels.”
Buy a Brownsea red squirrel adoption, and help support the conservation of their unique island habitat.
Red Squirrel in the snow © Paul Williams
Whether you’re looking for a gift for a loved one who adores wildlife, or a quirky secret Santa gift, Dorset Wildlife Trust animal adoptions are a perfect choice. Purchasing a charity animal adoption can also make a great waste-free alternative to a Christmas card and can be emailed to the recipient straight after purchasing.
Give back to nature this Christmas and adopt a beaver, seal or red squirrel today.
