People are being encouraged to discover the hidden wildlife of the beach this summer.

Dorset’s seashore is being increasingly recognised as a top site for many creatures, but there is still much to discover, says Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Now DWT is launching a new group for volunteers in the Weymouth and Portland area to help investigate intertidal and shallow water habitats as part of its 3-year Welly Zone project, launched earlier this year.

The Welly Zone - from the strandline at high water mark down to the shallows accessible by wellies - covers a range of different habitats with a huge variety of wildlife from marine to land-based species. Julie Hatcher, Marine Awareness Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “The beach and the shallow water make up a very important habitat for both marine and terrestrial creatures. Volunteers can play a big part in discovering just what is living on our beaches and their help has already contributed to the consideration of the intertidal area from Lulworth to Swanage as one of the possible new marine conservation zones in the south-west.”

Wildlife on the seashore ranges from birds and mammals on the strandline to fish, crabs and anemones in the shallows.

The Weymouth and Portland Marine Volunteers group will be launched on Saturday, May 14 from 10am to 1pm, one of a series of Wild about Weymouth and Portland events.

There will be a classroom session followed by a seashore discovery on the beach. Booking essential on 01929 481044.