The BV

Big Green Day
2025-09-27 10:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Beaminster School, Newtown, Beaminster, DT83EP
A day showcasing a wide variety of environmental groups – wildlife, energy, recycling, grow your own, sustainable living etc. Lots of friendly and useful information and advice! Plus live music, children’s activities, delicious refreshments.

Green Carpets and Hidden Worlds: Discovering Mosses and Liverworts
2025-10-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Kingcombe Visitor Centre, Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester, DT2 0EQ
Mosses and liverworts are non-vascular plants which reproduce by releasing spores. Every tree at Kingcombe has a rich bryophyte cover, a reflection of Kingcombe’s moist climate and sensitive management.
In this one-day introductory workshop you’ll learn about mosses and liverworts and how to identify them. Most of the day will be spent in the field, with time to look at a range of species.
Jim White is one of the county’s top botanists. He played a pivotal role in helping to 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. Jim is now a trustee of Dorset Wildlife Trust and spends time out with many other groups including National Trust and the Dorset Flora Group.

Natural History Watercolour Workshop at Chesil
2025-10-18 10:00 - 2025-10-19 16:00 | The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre, Portland, DT4 9XE
Join us for this two-day natural history art workshop based at the Wild Chesil Centre. This friendly course is suitable for all levels from beginners to burgeoning artists, in fact anyone who would like to improve their watercolour illustrating technique. Lead by two local artists there will plenty of time to ask questions, learn as you paint and improve your knowledge of the wildlife of the area.
In October, bird migration on Chesil Beach will be in full swing and it’s the perfect time to capture the spectacle on canvas. There is often a variety of wildfowl and waders out on the mudflats, including Brent geese, oystercatchers, dunlin and maybe even a patrolling peregrine falcon. The course is divided between time in the classroom and time outside on the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve looking for subjects to illustrate. We will explore the strandline for driftwood, mermaids purses, feathers, seaweed, shells and other interesting natural flotsam.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. You will need to bring your own packed lunch or you will be able to purchase something from the onsite cafe.
During the workshop you will be spending some time outside on uneven ground so please wear walking boots, outdoor clothing and waterproofs if wet. See listing for full kit list of the painting materials you will need to bring to the course.
Please wear walking boots, outdoor clothing and waterproofs if wet. There isn’t a lot of walking involved but the terrain is uneven and on pebbles.

Stormy Seashore Scavenger Hunt at Chesil
2025-10-26 11:00 - 12:30 | The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre, Portland, DT4 9XE
Join us for a guided Seashore Scavenger Hunt at Chesil to search for natural treasures that have washed up on the beach after the stormier weather. This family-friendly event is a great opportunity to discover more about what lives in the deeper waters, usually hidden from view, from slow-growing corals to eggcases of sharks and other marine species and who knows what else you might find?
This event is suitable for families. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
£4 per child. Accompanying adults go free, but are limited to a maximum of two per child.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL.

Winter Art Exhibition at the Wild Chesil Centre
2025-11-08 10:00 - 2025-12-07 16:00 | The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre, Portland, DT4 9XE
Join us at the Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre for this exhibition inspired by Dorset’s incredible wildlife and beautiful natural land and seascapes.
The exhibition showcases work by talented local artists Terri Peay, Lusea Warner-Gale, Stephen Yates (and others to be confirmed) in a variety of mediums including printing, ceramics and wildlife illustrations.
After browsing the artwork, why not make the most of your visit with a walk on the reserve to discover the wildlife of Chesil and the Fleet?
All art sales go towards supporting local artists and local wildlife.
Please be aware that access to the exhibition may be temporarily restricted due to operational requirements. Check in advance to avoid any disappointment.

An afternoon of fungi feast and forage with Andy Knott of Jurassic Coast Mushrooms
2025-11-09 14:00 - 17:00 | Happy River Retreat, Wareham
Back by Popular Demand: A Mushroom Adventure with Andy Knott from Jurassic Coast Mushrooms
Step into the fascinating world of fungi with Andy Knott – one of Dorset’s most passionate and knowledgeable mushroom minds. Andy’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he’ll guide you on a woodland walk of discovery through the forest from Happy River Retreat. You’ll uncover some of nature’s hidden treasures, learn how to identify them and see the forest floor in a whole new way. After your foraging adventure, we’ll head back to the cosy Happy River Barn, where you can warm up and gather around the table of freshly foraged finds. Andy will share fascinating insights into the edible, medicinal, and incredible world of mushrooms that often go unnoticed.
Enjoy a selection of creative mushroom-inspired treats and drinks – both delicious and full of surprising health benefits. From comforting sips to tasty nibbles, prepare to be inspired by just how versatile these forest wonders can be. A walk in the woods will never feel the same again!

A Dorset Christmas Festival: Pull a Pine at RSPB Arne
2025-11-29 10:00 - 15:00 | RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, Wareham, BH20 5BJ
Join us for one of the biggest conservation events in the country.
While we love trees, what nature needs is the right trees in the right place. On our precious and rare lowland heathland pine and silver birch trees being prolific at seeding can quickly take over, blocking out the light and pushing heathland wildlife out as they grow. If allowed the trees will completely take over this very rare environment. By helping us to remove the pine trees, you can help us protect the beautiful heathland for the future and look after an area which some of our rarest wildlife in the UK call their home. Sand Lizards, Smooth Snakes, and our specialist heathland birds – Dartford Warblers and Nightjars rely on the heathland as their home. By cutting your own pine tree for Christmas you are not only taking home a piece of Arne, but you will be making a real difference to help the RSPB protect this rare and wonderful environment.
So, get your wellies on, dig out your hats and scarves and join us for a special festive day in nature. This year’s Pull a Pine will be held over 2 days on the weekend of 29 & 30 November, giving you more choice on which day or days to book.
The event runs from 10:00am – 3:00pm (last entry to site at 2:00pm). There will be live music, Christmas craft stalls, with locally made artisan and festive items for you to browse at your leisure, as well as carol singing and delicious festive foods. Advanced ticket sales only.
Our café team will be hosting a festive tent on the heath with refreshments, hot tasty food and mulled cider. Our shop and café in the wildlife garden will also be open for festive shopping and your Arne café favourites. The festival is a chance to start the festive season with family and friends and most importantly the opportunity to do your bit for nature.
Early Bird Tickets are available until the end of October.
Prices for the Early Birds Tickets are:
RSPB Members : £11.00 each
Non Members : £13.50 each
Child : £2.75 each
image credit Terry Bagley (RSPB-images.com)
