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Kimmeridge Wild Seas Centre

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Destination Kimmeridge is a project that improved 'rights of way' access links between the Wild Seas Centre and The Etches Collection in Kimmeridge. These access improvements and walking trail were completed in Spring 2022.

Find out more at Destination Kimmeridge.

Funding for this project transformed the Kimmeridge Marine Centre into the ‘Wild Seas Centre’, a gateway to Dorset’s new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). New innovative displays bring the marine environment to life, raising awareness of its value and attracting new visitors to Dorset’s Coast and Seas.

The Fine Foundations Wild Seas Centre refurbishment was led by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. The transformation is now complete with the official opening taking place in May 2018 in preparation for the busy summer season.









The Wild Seas Centre has innovative displays that provide virtual access to the underwater world and enable visitors to explore the seabed and diverse wildlife that lives in Dorset’s amazing marine environment. Features and events include:

  • A new welcome/retail area.
  • An engagement/exhibition space for activities.
  • Attractive information and artist-designed panels.
  • Improved outdoor signage to direct visitors from the car park to the centre.
  • New leaflets promoting the Wild Seas Centre and the Kimmeridge Bay snorkelling trail.
  • The snorkel trail activity was made more accessible by introducing the hire of new, full-face snorkel masks, which have been very popular with less-confident snorkelers.
  • Between April and November 2018, there were 32 public events delivered from the new centre. These included new events designed to reach new audiences, for example, 'Walk and Draw' sessions with a local artist.

A seasonal Engagement Officer (for summers 2017 and 2018) was also recruited as part of this project to promote participation in learning, recreational activities and engaging new audiences. A full programme of targeted events for visitors were organised and delivered over both summers.

Dorset Wildlife Trust volunteers played a vital role in kick starting the centre improvements with two volunteer work parties held in November 2017. During this time the outside of the building was tidied up and painted, and the inside was prepared for the installation of new displays.













Photos: Volunteers painting the outside & preparing the inside of the Marine Centre for new displays

Community Engagement

A community consultation drop-in session was held in October 2017 at the Etches Collection Museum, in Kimmeridge to find out the views of local people on the themes and topics that would attract visitors to the centre. The volunteer team at the Centre were also consulted at their annual meeting in October 2017.

Who paid for this project?

Refurbishing the Kimmeridge Marine Centre was part of the ‘Coastal Connections - People and Places’ bid to the Coastal Communities Fund and received £59,000 towards its costs from this successful bid, granted in April 2017. The remainder of the costs were provided by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and private contributions. Dorset Coastal Connections is a portfolio of 18 projects across Dorset, which seek to improve access, digital connectivity and public spaces helping to ensure a thriving coastal economy in Dorset.

Location

The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre is located by the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay, postcode BH20 5PE. Access to the bay is via a private road which there is a £5 toll charge for. For more information about visiting the centre phone 01929 481044 or visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/kimmeridge















Destination Kimmeridge is a project that improved 'rights of way' access links between the Wild Seas Centre and The Etches Collection in Kimmeridge. These access improvements and walking trail were completed in Spring 2022.

Find out more at Destination Kimmeridge.

Funding for this project transformed the Kimmeridge Marine Centre into the ‘Wild Seas Centre’, a gateway to Dorset’s new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). New innovative displays bring the marine environment to life, raising awareness of its value and attracting new visitors to Dorset’s Coast and Seas.

The Fine Foundations Wild Seas Centre refurbishment was led by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. The transformation is now complete with the official opening taking place in May 2018 in preparation for the busy summer season.









The Wild Seas Centre has innovative displays that provide virtual access to the underwater world and enable visitors to explore the seabed and diverse wildlife that lives in Dorset’s amazing marine environment. Features and events include:

  • A new welcome/retail area.
  • An engagement/exhibition space for activities.
  • Attractive information and artist-designed panels.
  • Improved outdoor signage to direct visitors from the car park to the centre.
  • New leaflets promoting the Wild Seas Centre and the Kimmeridge Bay snorkelling trail.
  • The snorkel trail activity was made more accessible by introducing the hire of new, full-face snorkel masks, which have been very popular with less-confident snorkelers.
  • Between April and November 2018, there were 32 public events delivered from the new centre. These included new events designed to reach new audiences, for example, 'Walk and Draw' sessions with a local artist.

A seasonal Engagement Officer (for summers 2017 and 2018) was also recruited as part of this project to promote participation in learning, recreational activities and engaging new audiences. A full programme of targeted events for visitors were organised and delivered over both summers.

Dorset Wildlife Trust volunteers played a vital role in kick starting the centre improvements with two volunteer work parties held in November 2017. During this time the outside of the building was tidied up and painted, and the inside was prepared for the installation of new displays.













Photos: Volunteers painting the outside & preparing the inside of the Marine Centre for new displays

Community Engagement

A community consultation drop-in session was held in October 2017 at the Etches Collection Museum, in Kimmeridge to find out the views of local people on the themes and topics that would attract visitors to the centre. The volunteer team at the Centre were also consulted at their annual meeting in October 2017.

Who paid for this project?

Refurbishing the Kimmeridge Marine Centre was part of the ‘Coastal Connections - People and Places’ bid to the Coastal Communities Fund and received £59,000 towards its costs from this successful bid, granted in April 2017. The remainder of the costs were provided by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and private contributions. Dorset Coastal Connections is a portfolio of 18 projects across Dorset, which seek to improve access, digital connectivity and public spaces helping to ensure a thriving coastal economy in Dorset.

Location

The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre is located by the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay, postcode BH20 5PE. Access to the bay is via a private road which there is a £5 toll charge for. For more information about visiting the centre phone 01929 481044 or visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/kimmeridge















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Page last updated: 05 Jul 2022, 03:49 PM