Wildlife enthusiasts are being asked to volunteer across Dorset’s visitor centres.

Dorset Wildlife Trust is appealing for local people aged 18 and over to join its teams of keen volunteers at their visitor centres at Kimmeridge Bay, Chesil Beach and Kingcombe, near Maiden Newton. 

People who would like to do something valuable for nature and have time to offer on a regular basis are invited to take part.

No expertise is required as all volunteers will be provided with free training to equip them with the basic knowledge and skills necessary.  

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Julie Hatcher, Wild Seas Centre officer in Kimmeridge, said: “We have an amazing team of volunteers across all our visitor centres with a wide range of backgrounds and ages.

“What they all have in common is a passion for wildlife and a desire to help ensure its wellbeing.

“With the current climate and ecological crises and increasing pressures from human activities, wildlife on land and in the sea is under threat, our conservation work has never been more important.

“All the visitor centres sit in stunning locations and offer multiple opportunities for volunteers to do something both enjoyable and worthwhile.

“Our aim is to enable visitors to leave our centres feeling empowered to make simple changes in their everyday lives that benefit the planet and help tackle the environmental issues of our day." 

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Open sessions will be held in January and February 2024 at all three visitor centres, which will offer the opportunity to meet the staff and volunteers to find out more about they do.

A limited number of vacancies are available, so potential recruits are asked to contact the relevant visitor centre to register their interest.  

Contacts for each visitor centre are:

  • Wild Seas Centre at Kimmeridge: Julie Hatcher on 01929 481044 or email kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk  
  • Wild Chesil Centre: Sarah Hodgson or Abi Mustard on 01305 206191 or email chesilbeach@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.  
  • Kingcombe Visitor Centre: Matt Harcourt or Harriet Johns on 01300 320684 or email kingcombe@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Dorset Wildlife Trust works to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living.

Founded in 1961, the trust is now the largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, with over 27,000 members and 40 nature reserves.

It plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues and leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.  

For more information about these volunteer opportunities, please visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/volunteering-opportunities.