Dorset Wildlife Trust is dedicated to helping Dorset’s wildlife and wild places to adapt, recover and play their part in tackling the global climate change and ecological crises. Founded in 1961, Dorset Wildlife Trust manages 40 nature reserves across Dorset as well as four visitor centres and works in partnership with other conservation organisations and landowners on a variety of conservation projects making a difference to wildlife in Dorset.
The nearest nature reserve to Sherborne is Holway Woods, a small site of mature woodland offering superb views. Our nature reserves within 10 miles of Sherborne are at Bracketts Coppice, Broad Oak Orchard, Girdlers Coppice, Hendover Coppice and Hibbitts Woods.
A major part of our work is raising awareness of the diverse range of opportunities for everyone to explore nature and to get involved in conservation work. As a charity and a membership-based organisation, we are hugely dependent on the support of our members and the help of our volunteers. Opportunities vary from joining a work party on a reserve, engaging with the public in our visitor centres, joining a youth activity group, an online talk or a guided walk, taking part in a wildlife survey or a community planting day. Please visit our website dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/volunteer for more details about our reserves and do get in touch if you are interested in volunteer opportunities at any of our reserves
Current projects:
Dorset Wild Rivers: a joint initiative which aims to improve river habitats, water quality and provide protection against flood risk on Dorset’s rivers
Gillingham Royal Forest: connecting the local community with the historic landscape, its wildlife and contributing to the sustainable development of the area.
Wild Brownsea: a three year programme of works and investment to provide new observation and learning facilities together with an outreach programme to encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to visit and get involved with conservation work on Brownsea Island.
Urban Green: providing practical support for community groups in urban areas to improve their local green spaces
Beaver Project: reintroducing beavers into the Dorset landscape for the first time in 400 years to an enclosed site as part of a scientific study to assess the impact of beavers on the landscape.
Wild Woodbury: a pioneering community-based rewilding project on 170 hectares of former agricultural land at Bere Regis, acquired by the Trust in 2021.
Marine conservation: safeguarding marine habitats from the damaging effects of climate change, pollution and invasive species. With the help of volunteers, the team surveys species, habitats and organises regular beach cleans.
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Social Media:
Twitter @DorsetWildlife
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Instagram @dorsetwildlife