Explore Kingcombe Meadows and the amazing minibeasts living in the River Hooke.

Take a walk on the reserve with time for regular pauses. We will stop at a beautiful stretch of the River Hooke and use nets to sample the invertebrates living in the water.

Wellies or crocs (children and adults) are essential as the river bed is stony.

Kingcombe Meadows is teeming with wildlife. The nature reserve is managed as a working farm, grazed by cows, sheep and Exmoor ponies, without the use of modern agricultural practices. The result is a patchwork of fields of unimproved flower-rich grassland, broken up by thick hedges, streams, ponds, ancient green lanes and wooded areas spreading up the valley either side of the River Hooke. This river supports a wide range of wildlife and we will be exploring the minibeasts that live in the river!

This event is suitable for families.

Tickets are £4 charged per child, accompanying adults go free.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Please book a ticket for all members of your party. All parties must purchase a child's ticket.

Please be aware that there may be areas of uneven, steep, and muddy ground. As this is a stream dipping event, a change of clothes is also advisable!

Dorset Wildlife Trust partner cafe The Kitchen at Kingcombe will be open and offers a delicious range of food and drinks. Please see their Facebook page for latest opening times and seasonal menu.

Parking is available on site.

Photo: Daisy Meadowcroft

Description supplied by the event organiser.