River Stour nature walk

The ideal activity to keep the kids entertained during the holidays: come and enjoy a free guided nature walk at beautiful Bere Marsh Farm and see how we carry out riverfly monitoring.

Led by Nick Dobbs (CRT Community Engagement Officer and Wildlife Enthusiast), we'll enjoy seeing a range of wildlife along our walk and then meet the team to watch riverfly monitoring in action.

Usually only open to the public by prior appointment, we’ll walk the Angela Hughes Nature reserve – a 700m track bristling with wildlife. Be sure to look out for all manner of birds, butterflies and insects and there will even be an opportunity to look under a selection of reptile survey tins. Next we will then walk back along the North Dorset Trailway stopping off at Barn Owl Barn (BOB) to learn some fascinating facts about these enigmatic birds of prey. 

We’ll then meet up with CRT’s Jenny Ashdown and our Volunteers next to the Stour River who will describe the river fly monitoring survey they are undertaking. This will include an opportunity to look at some of the fascinating specimens they have caught before releasing them again. 

Grab a drink and bite at the Buzz Cafe Afterwards we will return to The Barn where The Buzz Cafe will be open. You will be able to buy delicious locally sourced sweet treats, hot savouries, ice cream and drinks.

Essential Information

• Free event - donations appreciated online or on the day to help support the conservation work of the CRT.
• Suitable for adults and children aged 7+.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Booking is essential as spaces are limited.
• Sturdy waterproof footwear essential. Please dress according to forecast weather conditions on the day. Suggest bringing binoculars. 
• Subject to weather, public parking in a specially designated and clearly signed field is available at Bere Marsh Farm.