Enjoying Dorset's Countryside e-newsletter - March 2024

Greenspace Teams - Dorset Council
Dorset Council
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Here's your latest round-up of news from Dorset Council's
Countryside and Greenspace Teams. Enjoy!
N e w s
Ground nesting bird season
It's that time of year when we ask all dog walkers to help protect the wildlife that chooses to breed on our heathland sites, such as Avon Heath Country Park
.
From 1 March to 31 July, all dog owners are asked to keep dogs out of the heather by sticking to the main paths and having all dogs on a short lead whilst walking at any of our heathlands in Dorset.
The rare Nightjar
returns from Africa every year to build its nest on the ground, amongst the heather. Nightjars are very well camouflaged, and even if your dog doesn't trample the nest, its presence may cause the bird to temporarily abandon its nest and leave eggs and chicks vulnerable to prey.
Signs have been put up to remind our visitors of how important some of our sites are for ground-nesting birds and basking reptiles, and to ask them to follow the guidance. Thank you for your help in protecting this special habitat.
Find out more about ground-nesting birds
Coastal path closure
We're seeing a lot of movement in the cliffs on our coastline at the moment. We have had to close the coastal path
between West Bay and Freshwater Holiday Park due to a crack appearing on the path itself.
Take caution if you are visiting the coast and stay safe by adhering to the warning signs. Don't go too close to the edges and bases of cliffs; due to all the rainfall, the ground is very unstable in a lot of places.
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Photo credits from left: Ali Quinney, Susan Buckland, Susan Buckland
Helping make nature bigger and better
Dorset’s unique landscape is home to all sorts of amazing wildlife, but like lots of other parts of the UK it is in decline.
Which is why we’ve been tasked to work with residents, communities and organisations to create a plan
to help grow, improve and connect nature in our county.
The plan will help join up all the wonderful work already taking place across our county and highlight where more work is needed. Helping us all play our part in making sure nature thrives in Dorset for years to come.
Find out more
Reinstated pond at Castle Hill
During the winter of 2023, we have been reinstating a pond at Castle Hill Local Nature Reserve, Shaftesbury for the benefit of wildlife, specifically the Great Crested Newt
. The old pond had filled with leaf matter and become overgrown with willow, which was removed and then the pond was excavated. The willow has been recycled and used in a hibernaculum to the back of the pond.
The pond works were funded by Shaftesbury Town Council, Dorset Council Compensation Funds, and Dorset Council Licence Scheme. Monitoring will take place over the coming months to see what wildlife is using the pond.
Find out more about Castle Hill
Rushy Pond
After the successful electrofishing management works in Rushy Pond
at Thornecombe Wood Local Nature Reserve this winter, funding has been sought to enable this management to continue next winter to ensure our Rangers can keep on top of the breeding fish population.
Unwanted pets must never be released into natural habitats. Fish will reduce biodiversity, raise nutrient levels and fill the water column with sediment, preventing sunlight from penetrating to a pond's submerged plant life.
Find out more
The Dorset Heaths Partnership
The Urban Heaths Partnership was formed 23 years ago to deliver heathland mitigation on behalf of our 10 partner organisations. We have changed the partnership name and rebranded to better represent the work and the organisation we are today.
The heathland mitigation work that we deliver continues to develop on behalf of our partners, and our new brand brings us up to date looking towards a bright future. We’re pleased to announce our new name, the Dorset Heaths Partnership.
Find out more
E v e n t s
Celebrating 15 years of Dorset Dogs
Over the last 15 years, Dorset Dogs has been championing positive access for people with dogs in town, coast and countryside, promoting responsible dog ownership whilst helping to look after Dorset's beautiful landscapes and the wildlife that calls it home. We help dog owners, both residents of and visitors to Dorset, to enjoy happy healthy stress-free walks by following our Doggy Do Code
.
To celebrate our 15th anniversary, and our approach becoming a model followed by other organisations across the UK, we have organised some events and walks
where we would love to meet you and your dogs.
Find out more
'Sea Change' art exhibition
From 6th –19th March, Durlston Country Park’s Fine Foundation Gallery
will showcase ‘Sea Change', work by innovative artist Carrie Mason. The exhibition will include rust-dying, rust printing and salt sculptures shaped by dripping water, exploring the transformational effects of the sea.
Carrie will also be hosting a ‘Rust Printing Workshop’ on Saturday 9th March inviting people to learn the art of printing with rust on paper and fabrics.
Find out more and book on the workshop
A Guide to Wildlife Friendly Watersports
Team BARI (Bird And Recreation Initiative)
has been busy running our 'Guide to Wildlife Friendly Watersports' sessions. During these FREE sessions we introduce you to some amazing Poole Harbour bird species and explore the ecology and habitats we have locally. At the end of a session, you will be able to enjoy your adventures to the fullest whilst knowing you’re helping keep our wildlife safe.
Book onto a session
Dog-friendly health walks in Weymouth
Come along to Lodmoor Country Park
from 1-2pm to enjoy a free guided health walk with your dog. Dogs must remain on fixed leads throughout the walk, which will be on public footpaths accessible for those with mobility difficulties. There is no need to book; just turn up on the day. Please note, normal car parking charges apply.
If you are attending these walks for the first time, please complete the brief PAR-Q online form below.
Complete the online form
Beginners Golf Lessons - Moors Valley Golf Course
Run over four consecutive weeks (17 April - 8 May), this course will take you from a complete beginner to playing on the short course
. All aspects of the game will be covered including basic swing technique, putting and playing on the course. The course costs £28 per person; all equipment is provided for the duration of the course and car parking is included. Booking is essential by calling 01425 479776.
Find out more
Find out what's on at our sites:
Avon Heath
Search for more events at Visit Dorset
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