Could you sponsor Dorset's animals to thrive this Christmas?
The county's Wildlife Trust wants us to consider digital adoptions
We're being encouraged to support Dorset's wildlife to thrive this Christmas - while reducing our carbon footprint.
The county's Wildlife Trust has set up digital adoptions for the first time, so we can sponsor species like hedgehogs, beavers, red squirrels, barn owl and spiny seahorses living locally.
The charity wanted to cut back on plastic waste and packaging, while boosting eco-friendly initiatives.
Laura McLellan, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Head of Individual Giving, said:
“With 1 in 40 species previously present in Dorset now extinct, according to the last State of Nature report, it’s more important than ever to protect our local wildlife.
"All the proceeds from adoptions, e-cards, courses, gift memberships and commemorative plaques support Dorset Wildlife Trust’s conservation work to enhance and extend habitats for both common and rare species. Wild gifts also provide a meaningful way to connect with loved ones over a shared love of wildlife, which is so important. We need to come together to tackle the ecological and climate crises facing us and Dorset’s wildlife.”
The Trust also has alternative gift options to support the county's wildlife and nature.
That includes memberships to their reserves, or sponsoring a commemorative plaque on a Memorial tree at Brownsea.
The charity runs wildlife courses too, like fungi foraging or bird identification at Kingcombe Visitor Centre and nature themed gifts in their store at the Wild Chesil Centre on Portland.