The new Dorset Coast and Countryside magazine has at last made it into print, and is packed with good things, including hundreds of walks and talks all over Dorset. I have not seen free copies in the Library yet, but 01305 225037 should lead to copy in the post.

Almost everything is on show just now. Birds, flowers, butterflies and wildlife are all shiny bright and worth looking for. Even the trees play their part with such a repertoire of shades of green.

With this warm start to May the butterflies have come out again, though not in great numbers. But this weekend I have seen seven species of butterfly and my first damselfly.

Conservation tasks are winding down now, in favour of walks and talks. These events seem to be getting more and more popular, and most cost two or three pounds for adults.

Locally, there is a walk on Dunyeats Hill (14th May, 10.00 am, Merriefield Ave., 2nd Cul de sac) - probably HCT, 391319 - and that same afternoon there is a walk round Upton Country Park (2.30 pm, 672625 or 261334). For seashore lovers, next Saturday has the lowest tide of the year. Several formal events (01929 421111 for details)

Poole's 'Team up to Clean up' week is from 1st to 7th June, with several volunteer groups in action. If you want to join in, Liz Williams (261747) will provide help.

Useful numbers:

Other useful wildlife web sites for wildlife news in this area are:

• http://www.greenlink.co.uk/
• http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset
• http://www.dorsetbutterflies.com

Prepared for Broadstone.net by
dudley.hull

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