Caring for Weymouth's wildlife jewel - volunteers please!

Lorton Meadows is one of Dorset Wildlife Trust's 'Jewels in the Crown' nature reserves for many good reasons.

The beautiful bee orchids among the meadow flowers, kestrels hovering overhead and the handsome holly blue and skipper butterflies dancing past make it a wonderful place to experience. 

But as its beauties wind down for winter, staff and volunteers have to get their working boots on.

From this September Dorset Wildlife Trust will be holding fortnightly conservation tasks to help habitat restoration, reserve maintenance and wildlife conservation throughout the autumn and winter months ahead.

Sam Dallimore, Community Conservation Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: "This reserve is a wonderful place for wildlife, but it is vital that we get together with volunteers over the winter to do essential management of the habitats. It is a great way of looking after your local area and getting to know the wildlife around you, so come and join in!"

The first Conservation Work Party is on Wednesday 22 September from 10am to 2pm and then every fortnight until 15 December. 

Tools, gloves and refreshments (tea and biscuits) supplied.  Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve is at Lorton Lane, Upwey, Weymouth, DT3 5QH.  For more details, visit http://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events.html or ring Sam Dallimore on 01305 816546.