CELEBRATE Dorset’s unique undersea life this summer.

Take a chance to explore the seashore during National Marine Week.

This will be taking place from Saturday, August 7, until Sunday August 15, and it is the perfect opportunity to get the kids out and about.

As part of the Dorset Wildlife Trust’s national events, it will be celebrating the marine life by hosting a number of events including rockpool walks and seashore safaris to enjoy along the coast.

Dorset’s marine environment provides a haven for some of our most fascinating wildlife, such as basking sharks, seahorses, puffins and dolphins.

There are also a number of colourful creatures to be found along the beach and in the rockpools.

Many of the events will be taking place in Kimmeridge Bay including a Rockpool Ramble involving a short walk and Nurdle Nerds and Strandline Scavengers where there will be an opportunity to learn about the impacts of marine litter in the sea and help hunt for nurdles and strandline treasures.

There will also be a Seashore Safari, a Rockpool Revelations Exhibition and Eco-friendly Crabbing.

Julie Hatcher, marine awareness officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “Half of our wildlife lives in the sea, with more than 44,000 different kinds of plants and animal in the UK alone.”

For more details visit dorsetwild life.org.uk, ring 01929 481044 or visit Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Fine Foundation Marine Centre at Kimmeridge Bay.

What's on

Events can be subject to change/ cancellation due to weather or operational restraints and conditions. Please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01305 785747 before travelling.

THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

Punch and Judy Show: Enjoy some traditional entertainment this summer – noon, 2pm or 3.30pm showing on Weymouth beach throughout the summer holidays.

RSPB Radipole Lake and Arne: Keep the kids busy during the summer holidays, bring them along to Radipole Lake or Arne anytime during the school holidays and let them run wild. Bird bingo and wildlife explorer backpacks will be available for hire all summer. Contact Radipole Lake on 01305 778313 or Arne on 01929 553360.

Haunted Harbour Tour: Every Wednesday throughout the year, weather permitting. Discover the long forgotten haunts of history around the famous Old Weymouth and Melcombe Regis Harbour. Many of the harbourside Inns have reputed haunted happenings and sightings. Contact 01305 775506.

JULY

Until 15 August: Turtle conservation weeks at Weymouth Sea Life Park. Normal entry fees apply. Visit sealife.co.uk

Until 1 August: RAF Careers Beach Volleyball Classic – Weymouth Beach. Visit weymouthbeachvolleyball.co.uk

31: Gooseberry Fayre, Weston Road, Portland.

AUGUST

2, 9, 23 and 30: Fireworks and entertainment, Weymouth seafront.

2, 9, 23, 30: Summertime open evenings, the Nothe Fort. Visit nothefort.org.uk

3: Mini beasts and dragons, RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve, 10am to 1pm. Contact 01305 778313

4: Bustinskin Aquathlon Series, Bowleaze Cove at 7pm to 9pm. Visit bustinskin.com

7: Mad about Moths, RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve, 8am to 10am. Contact 01305 778313.

7 and 8: Nothe Fort 150th Anniversary. Visit nothefort.org.uk

9 to 14: Weymouth Art Group Annual Art Exhibition, Weymouth Library. Contact 01305 762418.

11: Bustinskin Aquathlon Series at Bowleaze Cove, 7pm to 9pm. Visit bustinskin.com

11: Go batty, RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve between 7.45pm and 9.45pm. Contact 01305 778313.

14: Summer Fete, Easton Gardens, Portland, 10am to 4pm.

15: British Heart Foundation Hearts First Swim at Weymouth Bay. Visit bhf.org.uk

16 August to 5 September: Shark conservation weeks, Weymouth Sealife Park. Normal entry fees apply. Visit sealife.co.uk

17 to 30: Matchstick Fleet – Nothe Fort. Website: nothefort.org.uk normal entrance fee applies.

17 to 19: RAF Town Show at Weymouth Pavilion forecourt.

17: Nature Detectives at RSPB Radipole Lake, 10 am-1pm, 01305 778313.

18: Weymouth Carnival at Weymouth seafront.

18: Weymouth Carnival Night Fireworks at 9.30pm at Weymouth Bay.