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Dorset Council
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October 16, 2020
Bumper Dormouse Season!

Hazel dormice used to be widespread in Britain, but have declined in both population and range over the past 100 years, with a population decline of 51% since 2000. Dormice prefer the new growth of woody vegetation that arises after woodland management. At Thorncombe Wood, we manage our patch of hazel woodland with a traditional coppice rotation. We are delighted to announce the discovery of two separate litters of six juvenile Dormice, found in two areas of new growth coppice, by licenced surveyors. The careful management of the woodland and hard work put in by the rangers and volunteers is proving beneficial to our resident Dormouse population.
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Volunteers return to East Dorset

After a summer like we’ve never experienced before, it was great to be able to welcome back some of our regular volunteers to the Rights of Way network and Avon Heath Country Park. In line with Government Guidance, we have restrictions in place such as smaller numbers at each task, but it seems to be working and proving popular. Dorset's abundance of footpaths, bridleways and open space have been appreciated more than ever since the Pandemic began, with people spending more time out and about. We are so grateful to our volunteers for helping with the maintenance of our sites and paths - they are invaluable! Fancy coming to help out? Call Kate Martin 01425 478082 to find out more.
Contact Kate via email
Halloween on the Heath

Come along to Avon Heath for a selection of fun events this half term (24 October - 1 November). Set out across the park on our annual Halloween Trail, meet the Halloween Wildlife brought in by the mad scientists from Bournemouth Natural Science Society, have a go at archery with The Fresh Air Club and join Forest Arts for some pumpkin carving. For some events, booking is required and numbers are limited. Contact the Rangers for details on 01425 478082.
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'Dorset Wild Seas' Exhibition and Kids' Trail

A new exhibition at Durlston Castle’s Fine Foundation Gallery explores the underwater wildlife, habitats and landscapes just off the Dorset coast. Dorset Wildlife Trust commissioned artist Antonia Phillips to produce drawings and paintings of this extraordinary secret landscape, while the exhibition also features artefacts and objects from beneath the waves. The exhibition runs daily from 24 October - 29 November and entry to the Castle and Gallery is free.

Looking for something for the children to do this
October half term? A special ‘Wild Seas’ kids trail will be running alongside the exhibition - £3 per child with a prize at the end.
Photo:
Basking Shark Portland Cliffs © DWT Antonia Phillips
Find out more
Go Wild at Ranger Den

Join our Rangers for a one hour guided show and tell of Ranger Den at Moors Valley (24 October - 1 November). Some of our family favourites such as the Harvest mice, Grass snake and Frogs are joined by new displays including Microworld looking at life in miniature, and an assortment of carnivorous plants! Ending with a fun craft activity and a badge. Activities are aimed at children aged 5 - 11 years old. £5 per person and maximum of 5 visitors per session. Pre-booking is essential due to COVID-secure guidelines. 
Find out more & book
Swart bats, whose wings,
be-webbed and tanned


One animal we all associate with Halloween is the bat. At Thorncombe Wood, we have populations of both Pipistrelle species (smallest UK bats), Noctules (largest UK bats) and Natterers, who will now be breeding before going into hibernation. The poet, Thomas Hardy, who grew up wandering this woodland, writes about bats in his poems Domicilium and Musical Box (see title). There is no need to associate them with 31 October though as all our bat species eat insects!  Photo © Ian Metcalfe
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Death Head Hawkmoths
 

Donated by Bournemouth Natural Science Society, these wonderful creatures started off as very hungry caterpillars and after a big transformation, have emerged as adult Death Head Hawkmoths. They have a human skull-shaped pattern of markings on the thorax and are the fastest moth in the world, flying at speeds of up to 30 mph! The Rangers at Avon Heath need to feed the moths by hand with honey water ever couple of days. When you're next at Avon Heath come and see the Rangers for a closer look.

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Earth Photo 2020

Earth Photo 2020 is coming soon to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest. The free outdoor exhibition developed jointly with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), aims to stimulate conversations about the world, its inhabitants and our treatment of both. See a stunning selection of the shortlisted images displayed within the beautiful landscape of Moors Valley between 24 October 2020 and 21 February 2021. 
Photo: Jacopo Pasotti, A Resilient Innovation 2
Find out more

Children and young people come into care for different reasons, and we offer a range of fostering placements to meet their needs.  Foster carers give children who are unable to live with their birth family a stable loving home, whether that's overnight or for a number of years.

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Questions or comments?  Email us at dorsetcountryside@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

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