Dorset Wildlife Trust facts for kids
The Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is a special group that works to protect and look after wildlife and natural places in Dorset, United Kingdom. It's part of a bigger family of groups called The Wildlife Trusts. DWT started way back in 1961. Back then, it was known as the Dorset Naturalists' Trust. Its main goal was to save the amazing plants and animals, and their homes, across the county.
DWT is one of 46 local Wildlife Trusts that work independently but are all part of the same big team. The main office for DWT is at Brooklands Farm, near Dorchester. A group of leaders called the Council of Trustees guides DWT. The trust has a huge number of supporters, with 27,000 members, 65 staff members, and over 850 dedicated volunteers. The current leader of DWT is Mark Kibblewhite. DWT is famous for its beautiful nature reserves. But they also do a lot of work outside these reserves. They focus on education and working with local communities. DWT helps monitor and improve places for wildlife everywhere. This includes the countryside, rivers, coastal areas, towns, churchyards, and even roadsides.
One of DWT's main goals, along with other wildlife trusts, is to create "living landscapes" and "living seas." These are big areas where both people and wildlife can thrive together. They also work to create "wildlife corridors" and "nectar-rich links." These are like special pathways that help animals and insects move safely between different natural areas.
DWT also helps create "Nature Parks." These are large areas managed for the benefit of both people and wildlife. An example is Holes Bay Nature Park in Poole. DWT works with other groups like the Borough of Poole and Poole Harbour Commissioners to manage this park.
Contents
A Look Back: DWT's Story
How DWT Began
In the 1950s and 1960s, many natural places in Dorset were being lost. This included important heathlands and downlands. For example, Dorset's heathlands used to cover a huge area. But by 1960, most of it had disappeared. Chalk downlands also saw big losses as they were turned into farms.
People became very worried that homes for special plants and animals were vanishing quickly. Because of these worries, the Dorset Naturalists' Trust was formed. Their first meeting was on March 28, 1961. A key person who helped start DWT and supported it throughout her life was Helen Brotherton. She served as Honorary Secretary, Chairman, and President.
Saving Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is a special place in Poole Harbour. For many years, the island's owner, Mary Bonham-Christie, didn't allow anyone to visit. This meant the island became a wild haven for nature. When she passed away in April 1961, people wanted to save Brownsea Island. They wanted it to become a wildlife reserve for everyone.
At the same time, the Dorset Wildlife Trust was just starting. DWT couldn't afford the £100,000 asking price for the island. But thanks to Helen Brotherton's leadership, a plan was made. DWT teamed up with the National Trust, the Boy Scouts Association, and the John Lewis Partnership. Each group contributed money. The National Trust then bought the island. This partnership has worked well ever since, helping to protect Brownsea Island.
Nature Reserves and Places to Visit
DWT looks after 45 nature reserves. These reserves cover more than 12 square kilometres! Many of them are owned by DWT, but some are leased from other landowners. These places are managed to help wildlife and protect the amazing variety of life in Dorset. Dorset has many different landscapes. So, DWT's reserves include chalk grasslands, old meadows, woodlands, rare heathlands, wetlands, and even a part of the famous Jurassic Coast. DWT says that over 200,000 people visit their reserves every year.
DWT also has seven special centres where you can learn about wildlife:
- Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge
- The Kingcombe Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum
- Lorton Meadows Wildlife Centre, Weymouth
- The Villa Wildlife Centre, Brownsea Island
- Urban Wildlife Centre, Corfe Mullen, Poole
- Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre, Portland
- Brooklands Farm, which is also DWT's main office.
Rewilding Wild Woodbury
In 2021, DWT bought 170 hectares of land at Court Farm, near Bere Regis. This was a big step towards "rewilding" the area. Rewilding means letting nature take the lead. It allows the land to return to a more natural state. The councils helped with a large grant. This grant was to stop harmful chemicals from flowing into Poole Harbour. A condition of the grant was to stop intensive farming on the land. DWT started the rewilding process by letting nature regenerate itself. Many local volunteers and the Bere Regis Parish Council have strongly supported this project.
A kind person named Julia Davies helped DWT buy the land. After talking with DWT members and local people, the site was renamed 'Wild Woodbury'. This new name shows the area's history and its future as a wild place.
The Great Heath Project
In 2013, DWT led a big project called the Great Heath Living Landscape. This project brought together many partners. It helped buy almost 1500 acres of heathland and other natural areas. The project also included a three-year program to help people access and learn about these places. It was funded by a large grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and money from partners and the community.
Nature Parks
A key idea for Dorset Wildlife Trust is to create Nature Parks. DWT describes Nature Parks as a team effort. Landowners and other groups work together to manage an area. They focus on its special features and how valuable it is for both people and wildlife.
The first Nature Park to open was Holes Bay Nature Park in Poole Harbour. This park started in 2015. It's a partnership between DWT, Poole Harbour Commissioners, the Borough of Poole, and local businesses and community groups.
Corfe Barrows Nature Park opened in June 2016. This park is also a partnership of landowners. These include Dorset Wildlife Trust, the Borough of Poole, Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, and other conservation groups. Money from the Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA Trust helped improve access, add signs, and provide information panels.
