Supporter groups in Dorset

Two volunteers in National Trust jackets sit at a picnic table on Studland Beach, sharing drinks and cake — Share your passion for the National Trust with likeminded people | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Across Dorset, you’ll find welcoming supporter groups who are united by their passion for the work of the National Trust. Whether you want to get hands on helping with conservation work in the great outdoors, or enjoy special talks and visits to places like Corfe Castle and Max Gate, there’s a group for you.

Why join a supporter group?

Getting together with other National Trust enthusiasts, members and volunteers who feel passionate about the same things is priceless. Sharing unique experiences and finding out more about the places you care about is what being part of a local National Trust supporter group is all about.

From listening to expert talks and going on behind-the-scenes tours to taking relaxing holidays or restoring natural habitats in the great outdoors, you’ll be part of something amazing. Supporter groups promote and assist the National Trust’s work within their local area and raise money for conservation and development projects through all kinds of events.

Bournemouth National Trust Volunteers

Thinking about volunteering and want to be part of a group? Bournemouth National Trust Volunteers (BNTV) help staff with hands-on involvement, organising conservation days and weekend events. Activities range from installing new fencing and gates to planting and coppicing.

BNTV is a group of people who love to get involved in outdoor activities, helping to maintain and improve the natural environment, working under the guidance of a ranger. They meet at various National Trust properties in Dorset including Kingston Lacy and Brownsea Island, usually on a Sunday. Two or three times a year they venture further afield to Stourhead in Wiltshire for a weekend.

Members are from a range of age groups and come from different walks of life. Anyone over 18 who’s reasonably fit is welcome to become a member.
To see what work parties are coming up and find out how to become a member:

visit their website at www.bournemouth-ntv.org.uk

join the group’s Meetup

A volunteer wearing red work gloves smiles with an armful of dried bracken — A volunteer clears bracken on Brownsea Island | © National Trust Images/John Miller

The Golden Cap Association

The Golden Cap Association takes its name from the highest cliff on the south coast of England – Golden Cap – which is part of the Jurassic Coast and of outstanding ecological and geological importance.

For more information and to join the Association:

call the chairperson on 01308 459855

email

visit their website at www.goldencapnt.org.uk

The Purbeck Association

Since 1987, the Purbeck Association have promoted and supported the National Trust in Purbeck through a range of social activities.

The Association have around 400 members – they live mainly in and around Purbeck, but anyone who would like to support the work of the National Trust here is welcome to join.

The Purbeck Association host a year-round programme of outings to a wide variety of destinations including quizzes, meals, boules and barbecues. They also run holidays between one and five nights, and monthly talks through the winter.

Funds raised pay for work and environmental research studies on land looked after by the National Trust in Purbeck, including Corfe Castle, Studland Bay and large areas of surrounding countryside. In recent years the Association have provided funds for new wooden benches, stone waymarkers on the South West Coast Path and a viewing platform.
To get involved or find out what’s on:

email the Association

call 01929 552872

visit their website at www.purbecknt.org.uk

Family members young and old walk on grass paths between flower beds with the red brick house of Max Gate behind — Visiting the garden at Max Gate in spring | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

South Dorset Association

The South Dorset Association was established in 1994 for supporters of the work of the National Trust. Everyone is welcome to join, and you don’t need to be a National Trust member.

The Association covers from Evershot in the north west, Blandford Forum in the north east, Ringstead Bay in the south east and West Bexington in the south west. This includes Portland, and the areas around Dorchester and Weymouth.

Around 600 members get together to share their support of the Trust, with regular talks, lunches, quizzes and day trips. Recent talks in Weymouth have included ‘The Story of Annie Keats – First World War Nurse’, and ‘Dorset Shipwrecks and Maritime Archaeology’.

All these activities raise money to fund National Trust projects both locally and nationally. Recently the Association have funded new garden seating and planters at Max Gate, a brass-rubbing trail for young visitors at Clouds Hill, and virtual tours of Clouds Hill and Max Gate for visitors with limited mobility.
For more information on upcoming events or to join the Association, get in touch:

call 01305 851922

by email

visit the website at www.southdorsetnt.org.uk