Home

A kestrel hovering against a cloudy sky

Kestrel © Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

Join for Half Price

Become a member from £2 a month and help protect local wildlife.

 

Join now

Championing Dorset's wildlife

For over 60 years, Dorset Wildlife Trust has protected the county’s wildlife and wild places - from re-introducing rare species such as beaver and ladybird spider to protecting iconic landscapes like Kingcombe and our precious heathlands. With the support of our 27,000 members, dedicated volunteers, and partners, we care for 42 nature reserves, manage four visitor centres and work with local landowners and conservation partners across Dorset to restore and protect nature for future generations.

Support us

Jo Hackman Photography

Jo Hackman Photography

Beaver updates

Would you like to learn more about the ever-changing Dorset Beaver Project site, and discover the remarkable adaptations, anatomy and behaviour of beavers? Sign up for exclusive updates and receive the latest news and insights straight to your inbox.

Sign up for beaver updates

Let's make Dorset a wilder place

As Dorset's largest nature conservation charity, we protect and restore habitats across the county. Our strategy, A Wilder Dorset by 2030, sets out how we are making more space for wildlife to adapt and thrive, while inspiring everyone in Dorset to take action on their patch to make a difference to nature's recovery.

Find out more about A Wilder Dorset by 2030

Bluebell carpet in an ancient woodland

Luke Massey/2020VISION

Celebration and commemoration giving

Choose from a leaf or bird on our beautiful Memory Tree on Brownsea Island, or a plaque on our stunning boardwalk at the Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre.

Celebrate or commemorate a loved one
Hazel dormouse in hand as part of a dormouse survey

Steve Masters / Hazel dormouse in the hand as part of a dormouse survey at Powerstock Common

A Wild Year in Dorset

From habitat restoration to inspiring people-powered conservation across Dorset, there were so many wild wins in 2025. Take a look at some of the highlights.

Read our blog
Bird watching

Rob Jordan/2020VISION

Learn a new skill in 2026

From spoon carving to mushroom forays, there's something for everyone to get involved in.

Browse our courses and workshops

Turn your inbox wild

Subscribe to our email updates to stay connected with the latest nature news, wildlife events, and opportunities to get involved with Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Sign up now

Long-tailed tit

Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography / Long-tailed tit

Have you seen a long-tailed tit?

Find out more about our Species of the Month and let us know if you've seen any.

Record it here
Woodland (veteran trees) in Dorset © Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

Woodland (veteran trees) in Dorset © Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

 

Protect the wildlife you love in Dorset

Leave Dorset's wildlife a gift in your will.

Find out about gifts in wills

News

Wild about social media?

Join our online community and keep up to date with the latest wildlife news and events.