The Dorset Wildlife Trust is urging people to help local wildlife this Christmas by adopting a Studland seahorse or even a Brownsea Island red squirrel.
Residents can adopt both or either of these animals for a year to help fund the trust’s conservation work to protect these species and their natural habitats.
This year there is the option to either donate via email or the post.
Studland seahorses
The Studland seahorse population has seen decline over recent years – and the money from the adoptions will help go towards the Marine Conservation Fund.
In 2019, Studland Bay was designated as a conservation zone by the government, singling it out for protection.
Among the types of seahorse that call Studland their home are the spiny seahorse and the snout-nosed seahorse.
A Dorset Wildlife Trust spokesperson said:
“Following the designation of the Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone, we are working with the fishing community to increase understanding of Dorset’s seahorse populations.
“We will also continue to work with decision-makers to ensure Studland’s seahorses are protected and management plans are put in place. Your adoption will help us to do this.”
Anyone who adopts a seahorse will receive a pack including a certificate, facts about the seahorses, a leaflet about the conservation efforts, a pin badge and a cuddly seahorse toy.
Brownsea Island red squirrels
Red squirrels can be a rare sight these days and Dorset’s Brownsea Island is one of the few places to spot them.
As a result, the trust works hard to ensure their habitat remains in good order. This is what the adoption money would help support.
A spokesperson explained:
“Red squirrels are native to the UK but are a lot rarer than their grey cousins. They live in a few special places across the UK thanks to reintroduction projects.”
Similar to the seahorse adoption scheme, anyone who donates to help the red squirrels will receive an adoption pack with information, a certificate, a pin badge and, of course, a soft squirrel toy.
How to adopt
Anyone who wants to adopt one of both of these fantastic creatures can find the online form on the Dorset Wildlife Trust’s website.
This includes the option to send the adoption package as a gift.
These adoptions can also be sent overseas, but anyone who wishes to do this should call the Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620 or email mail@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
