Featured Events in Toller Porcorum in July, 2025 (July Updated)

Welly Wednesday is an informal monthly led short walk on Kingcombe Meadows nature reserve. During the walk we will be stopping frequently to look, learn and chat about the amazing wildlife and history of the nature reserve, taking our time to admire and take in this special place. The nature reserve is also a working farm so please anticipate livestock on the walk. The walk is intended to be a combination of a wildlife, wellbeing and social walk, rather than predominantly a guided wildlife walk. We’ll be meeting at The Kingcombe Visitor Centre at 10:30am. This event is suitable for people aged 18+. Please be aware that there may be areas of uneven, steep, and muddy ground - please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for being outrside on a nature reserve. If you have ID books, cameras, or binoculars, please feel free to bring these (though not essential!) Please book tickets through eventbright for those who will be attending, if you’d like any further information please get in contact – kingcombe@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or call us on 01300 320684. BOOKING ESSENTIAL due to car parking and group size. Photo: James Burland Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

Join expert Nick Tomlinson to learn about our bat species and how to detect them. As part of the Dorset Bat Group, Nick has been researching bats in Dorset, and beyond, for over quarter of a century, and leads a number of activities, projects and surveys, helping to increase our understanding of these amazing creatures. He also runs a number of training events and courses, including being co-tutor of the Bat Conservation Trusts Advanced Bat Survey Techniques course. The Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve, which surrounds the Kingcombe Visitor Centre, is famed for its wide-ranging habitats and species and was designated a National Nature Reserve in 2021. £100 per person. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Adults over 18 only please. All money raised helps to support the vital conservation work of Dorset Wildlife Trust, protecting wildlife now and for future generations to come. The workshop will start at 4pm and finish at 11pm Please note the ground is uneven in parts and very wet at this time of year. It may also be dark. Free parking is available on site Terms and Conditions for Participants DWT reserves the right to cancel the course at any time. In the event of DWT cancelling an event, a full refund will be issued. DWT reserves the right to reschedule events in the event of unfavourable conditions and offer alternative dates or issue a full refund. Courses will only take place if the minimum number is achieved. If the minimum number is not achieved, an alternative date will be offered, or a full refund will be issued. Cancell ing your booking Cancellations are accepted at the discretion of Dorset Wildlife Trust and a reasonable cancellation cause should be provided by the participant. You may request a cancellation up to 14 days before the date of the course or workshop. You may be charged an administration fee. Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

Delve into the ecology of beavers and discover what makes them such vital ecosystem engineers. Take a trip to the Dorset Wildlife Trust Beaver Project to see the incredible habitats created by the beavers. Beavers are nocturnal animals, so we hope to catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures during our evening visit to the site. Steve has been working in conservation for 20 years, with the last 15 years working for Dorset Wildlife Trust. As the dedicated beaver project officer, Steve will teach you about the fantastic work happening here in the heart of West Dorset. In February 2021 a pair of Eurasian Beavers were released into an enclosed site in West Dorset. Following a classroom based session to learn about beavers' ecology, Steve will take you from the Kingcombe Visitor Centre to visit the project where you will experience first hand the transformation that has occurred in this unique habitat. Dorset Wildlife Trust has been working closely with partner organisations to monitor the beavers and learn more about their ecology. Steve will show you the changes to the site and you will have the opportunity to learn about their impacts on the hydrology and biodiversity. Day Course: £75. All money raised helps to support the vital conservation work of Dorset Wildlife Trust, protecting wildlife now and for future generations to come. Times: Arrival from 3:45pm. The course will start at 4pm and finish at around 9pm. What to bring: Please bring any food for the evening. Due to the nature of the wetlands, wellies are essential. Please be prepared for the weather (sunhat, suncream, warm clothing, and waterproofs are advisable). For beaver watching, please wear warm dark coloured (or camouflaged) clothing, hat and gloves. Optional: binoculars, camera, food and water, camping chair. We discourage the use of insect repellent, so please wear long clothing and a hat for protection against insect bites. Photo: Russel Savory Terms and Conditions for Participants DWT reserves the right to cancel the course at any time. In the event of DWT cancelling an event, a full refund will be issued. DWT reserves the right to reschedule events in the event of unfavourable conditions and offer alternative dates or issue a full refund. Courses will only take place if the minimum number is achieved. If the minimum number is not achieved, an alternative date will be offered, or a full refund will be issued. Cancell ing your booking Cancellations are accepted at the discretion of Dorset Wildlife Trust and a reasonable cancellation cause should be provided by the participant. You may request a cancellation up to 14 days before the date of the course or workshop. You may be charged an administration fee. Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

The scythe is an effective and enjoyable tool to use, and is low tech, low carbon alternative to machinery. With the appropriate knowledge, you can tackle small meadows, reduce nettles, and manage grassy verges and lawns. Chris Riley is an experienced scythesman and scythe trainer. From hay harvest to reed cutting, Chris has a wide-ranging expertise in the use of the scythe and has appeared as a scything extra in films. He has won awards for 'quality' mowing in competitions and enjoys exploring ways of making one's own 'snath' (the scythe handle) using a variety of materials. Scythe courses are based around lightweight Austrian scythes. Instruction is provided on the three interacting factors that make for successful mowing: How to set up the grips correctly for the user’s proportions How to keep the edge sharp How to mow with a movement that is efficient for the body and effective in cutting the vegetation Throughout the training there are some important safety considerations and safe working is paramount throughout the course. The course programme also includes the following: Introduction to the course Comparison of English and continental scythes Description & parts of a scythe Principles of movement How to effectively hone the edge with a whetstone Adjustment of blade angles, according to mowing circumstances Different blades for different purposes Demonstration of peening (thinning the blade edge by hammering) Maintenance and repair of blades Vegetation management, where appropriate You can also purchase your own Austrian scythe on the day. The grips can then be set up correctly to fit you and you can acquire one or more blades that are appropriate to your intended task. Kit prices start at around £136 (as at Feb. 2024). Please contact Chris beforehand if you are intending to buy: chris@pratensis.net. Price: £80 pp to include all tuition and use of equipment. All money raised helps to support the vital conservation work of Dorset Wildlife Trust, protecting wildlife now and for future generations to come. Times: Arrive at 9.45 a.m. for morning tea. The course will start at 10 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m. What to bring: Outdoor footwear, a sun hat and waterproof clothing just in case. The course is based around lightweight Austrian scythes. A set will be provided to each participant, but if you have your own you can bring that. Chris can also supply Austrian scythes. If you have an English scythe you can bring it along for discussion purposes. Terms and Conditions for Participants DWT reserves the right to cancel the course at any time. In the event of DWT cancelling an event, a full refund will be issued. DWT reserves the right to reschedule events in the event of unfavourable conditions and offer alternative dates or issue a full refund. Courses will only take place if the minimum number is achieved. If the minimum number is not achieved, an alternative date will be offered, or a full refund will be issued. Cancell ing your booking Cancellations are accepted at the discretion of Dorset Wildlife Trust and a reasonable cancellation cause should be provided by the participant. You may request a cancellation up to 14 days before the date of the course or workshop. You may be charged an administration fee. Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

Join the Nature detectives! A led family walk on the surrounding nature reserve to explore the purple route and look for wildflowers on your spotter sheet, plus enjoying the abundance of nature. Arriving back to the Kingcombe visitor centre to make your own rustic pencil (materials provided). This event is suitable for families. Tickets are £4 charged per child, and accompanying adults go free. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please book a ticket for all members of your party. All parties must purchase a child's ticket. Please be aware that there may be areas of uneven, steep, and muddy ground - please wear appropriate footwear. Why not stay and have lunch after the event in the Kitchen at Kingcombe Cafe! Pre-ordering is recommended. Parking is available on site. Photo: Harry Green Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

Join us for an informal led walk on Kingcombe National Nature reserve with Centre Officer Matt Harcourt, and learn about Kingcombe Meadows, meadow management and some of the common species that are found here. Families welcome. Please be aware that there may be areas of uneven, steep, and muddy ground - please wear appropriate footwear, walking boots or wellies. All money raised helps to support the vital conservation work of Dorset Wildlife Trust, protecting wildlife now and for future generations to come. Free parking is available on site. Photos: Harriet Johns Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

Join expert Stephen Brown to learn about the stunning butterflies around Kingcombe Nature Reserve. The Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve, which surrounds the Kingcombe Visitor Centre, is famed for its wide-ranging habitats and species and was designated a National Nature Reserve in 2021. £65 per person. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Adults over 18 only please. All money raised helps to support the vital conservation work of Dorset Wildlife Trust, protecting wildlife now and for future generations to come. The workshop will start at 10am and finish at 4pm Please note the ground is uneven in parts and very wet at this time of year. It may also be dark. Free parking is available on site Terms and Conditions for Participants DWT reserves the right to cancel the course at any time. In the event of DWT cancelling an event, a full refund will be issued. DWT reserves the right to reschedule events in the event of unfavourable conditions and offer alternative dates or issue a full refund. Courses will only take place if the minimum number is achieved. If the minimum number is not achieved, an alternative date will be offered, or a full refund will be issued. Cancell ing your booking Cancellations are accepted at the discretion of Dorset Wildlife Trust and a reasonable cancellation cause should be provided by the participant. You may request a cancellation up to 14 days before the date of the course or workshop. You may be charged an administration fee. Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

Join botanist and Dorset Wildlife Trustee Jim White on a walk through the beautiful meadows of Kingcombe National Nature Reserve and view the impressive summer wildflowers and grasses in the hay meadows. The wonderful array of species including meadow buttercup, red clover, pignut and knapweed may bring with them clouds of marbled whites, meadow browns and ringlet butterflies. Jim played a pivotal role in helping raise the profile of Kingcombe Meadows when it first went up for auction in 1987, ultimately leading to the successful purchase of the nature reserve by Dorset Wildlife Trust. Jim has a wealth of knowledge, having studied botany at university, followed by a successful career which led him to work for organisations including English Nature. He has always had a special relationship with Kingcombe Meadows and visits regularly to run workshops, lead walks and spend time out with many botany groups including the Dorset Flora Group. What to bring: A hand lens, identification books if you have them, a notebook, appropriate clothing. Please be aware that there may be areas of uneven, steep, and muddy ground - please wear appropriate footwear, walking boots or wellies. All money raised helps to support the vital conservation work of Dorset Wildlife Trust, protecting wildlife now and for future generations to come. Free parking is available on site. Photos: Harriet Johns Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

Grasses and sedges are in different botanical families, but their similar grass-like appearance means that they are collectively known as graminoids. Their adaptations and ecological roles are numerous and vast. Cocksfoot grass is a tenacious plant which perseveres through drought. Meadow foxtail is a species which provides food and habitats for a multitude of species. Robin Walls is the county recorder for vascular plants in Dorset and has a wealth of knowledge about flora. He is heavily involved in the Dorset Flora Group and is a tutor for the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland’s Identiplant programme. Join Robin for this one-day workshop to learn about grasses and sedges and how to identify them. Most of the day will be spend in the field, with time to look at a range of species. Price: £40 pp. All money raised helps to support the vital conservation work of Dorset Wildlife Trust, protecting wildlife now and for future generations to come. Times: 10am to 4pm. What to bring: A hand lens, identification books if you have them, a notebook, appropriate clothing and footwear. Photo: Richard Burkmar Terms and Conditions for Participants DWT reserves the right to cancel the course at any time. In the event of DWT cancelling an event, a full refund will be issued. DWT reserves the right to reschedule events in the event of unfavourable conditions and offer alternative dates or issue a full refund. Courses will only take place if the minimum number is achieved. If the minimum number is not achieved, an alternative date will be offered, or a full refund will be issued. Cancell ing your booking Cancellations are accepted at the discretion of Dorset Wildlife Trust and a reasonable cancellation cause should be provided by the participant. You may request a cancellation up to 14 days before the date of the course or workshop. You may be charged an administration fee. Information Source: Dorset Wildlife Trust | eventbrite