Featured Events in Toller Porcorum in May 2025 (July Updated)

Hamish Murray has 40 years of experience in watching, recording, sketching, and photographing Dorset's birds. He was previously manager of Dorset County Council's Countryside Services before taking up the post of Conservation Officer for Dorset Wildlife Trust. May is a fantastic time to learn about birds, as most of our summer visitors will have arrived from the south and resident birds will be in full song as they proclaim their breeding territories. This one-day workshop is aimed at those keen to improve their skills in bird identification. It will help you identify species by sight and sound. The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in birds whether you're a beginner or more experienced birder. There will be a mix of field excursions, plus some time spent in the classroom. As we find each bird, we’ll discuss how to use all the clues that help us identify it, including: Where and when did we see it? Characteristic movement, size, and shape. What are its distinctive colours and markings? Is it on its own or in a group? Behaviours Is it making any sounds? We'll look at what equipment to use, how to make simple field sketches and notes, how to use smartphone apps, cameras and other technology. Although birds will be our main focus, we'll also try and look at look at any other interesting wildlife we encounter on our walks. Note: There will be some walking on footpaths and up and down slopes. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Day Workshop: £60pp including all tuition and tea and coffee. Please let The Kingcombe Team know if you would like to purchase lunch from The Kitchen at Kingcombe. All money raised helps to support the vital conservation work of Dorset Wildlife Trust, protecting wildlife now and for future generations to come. Times: Arrival from 9:45am for morning tea. The course will start at 10am and finish at 3pm. What to bring: You will be outside so will need: walking boots, outdoor clothing, binoculars, notepad and pen, rucksack to carry personal belongings. Bring a bird identification field guide too if you wish. However, we will be using a guide and smartphone app in the field and a range of ID books will also be available for you to look at. No dogs are permitted on this workshop. Terms and Conditions for Participants DWT reserves the right to cancel the course at any time. In the event of DWT cancelling an event, a full refund will be issued. DWT reserves the right to reschedule events in the event of unfavourable conditions and offer alternative dates or issue a full refund. Courses will only take place if the minimum number is achieved. If the minimum number is not achieved, an alternative date will be offered, or a full refund will be issued. Cancell ing your booking Cancellations are accepted at the discretion of Dorset Wildlife Trust and a reasonable cancellation cause should be provided by the participant. You may request a cancellation up to 14 days before the date of the course or workshop. You may be charged an administration fee. Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

If you have been nature journaling for a while and want to learn some new skills, try out some new techniques and deepen your connection with nature, then this fun and practical session is for you. In this session you'll a variety of techniques as well as prompts to get you motivated. The focus will be on sketching simple landscapes in the field, using line to create shape and distance and adding basic colours to add interest. We'll also look at how recording detail and using field guides and meta data can help you to identify species, and how planning or developing your page layouts can enhance your drawings, writing and data collection. Harry is an artist/ illustrator who holds a Masters of Illustration and works in conservation, using Nature Journaling as a way to connect with and learn about the natural world. She believes that anyone can learn to draw and that a Nature Journal is the perfect way to start honing those skills. BOOKING ESSENTIAL P lease bring a packed lunch or money to purchase lunch from The Kitchen at Kingcombe. What to bring: Plase bring along any journaling materials you already use including coloured pencils, watercolour paints, ink pens and your own sketchbooks if you have them. Some materials will be available for you to try. We will be outdoors for most of the workshop, so a streamline kit is preferred. Also please bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and something to sit on (e.g. a waterproof/ stool/ mat). P hotos: Harriet Johns, Dorset Wildlife Trust Nature Journal Club Terms and Conditions for Participants DWT reserves the right to cancel the course at any time. In the event of DWT cancelling an event, a full refund will be issued. DWT reserves the right to reschedule events in the event of unfavourable conditions and offer alternative dates or issue a full refund. Courses will only take place if the minimum number is achieved. If the minimum number is not achieved, an alternative date will be offered, or a full refund will be issued. Cancell ing your booking Cancellations are accepted at the discretion of Dorset Wildlife Trust and a reasonable cancellation cause should be provided by the participant. You may request a cancellation up to 14 days before the date of the course or workshop. You may be charged an administration fee. Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

Join botanist and Dorset Wildlife Trustee Jim White on a walk through the beautiful meadows of Kingcombe National Nature Reserve and view the impressive summer wildflowers and grasses in the hay meadows. The wonderful array of species including meadow buttercup, red clover, pignut and knapweed may bring with them clouds of marbled whites, meadow browns and ringlet butterflies. Jim played a pivotal role in helping raise the profile of Kingcombe Meadows when it first went up for auction in 1987, ultimately leading to the successful purchase of the nature reserve by Dorset Wildlife Trust. Jim has a wealth of knowledge, having studied botany at university, followed by a successful career which led him to work for organisations including English Nature. He has always had a special relationship with Kingcombe Meadows and visits regularly to run workshops, lead walks and spend time out with many botany groups including the Dorset Flora Group. What to bring: A hand lens, identification books if you have them, a notebook, appropriate clothing. Please be aware that there may be areas of uneven, steep, and muddy ground - please wear appropriate footwear, walking boots or wellies. All money raised helps to support the vital conservation work of Dorset Wildlife Trust, protecting wildlife now and for future generations to come. Free parking is available on site. Photos: Harriet Johns Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

Explore Kingcombe Meadows which is teeming with wildlife. The nature reserve is managed as a working farm, grazed by cows, sheep and Exmoor ponies, without the use of modern agricultural practices. The result is a patchwork of fields of unimproved flower-rich grassland, broken up by thick hedges, streams, ponds, ancient green lanes and wooded areas spreading up the valley either side of the River Hooke. This river supports a wide range of wildlife - we will be exploring the minibeasts that live in the river! The session will include a walk on the reserve with time for regular stopping. We will stop at a beautiful stretch of the River Hooke and use nets to sample the invertebrates living in the water. This event is suitable for families. Tickets are £4 charged per child, and accompanying adults go free. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please book a ticket for all members of your party. All parties must purchase a child's ticket. Please be aware that there may be areas of uneven, steep, and muddy ground - please wear appropriate footwear. If you wish to river dip, please ensure that you have wellies. A change of clothes is advisable! Parking is available on site. Photo: Daisy Meadowcroft Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite