Dolphin dessert following wildlife walk

Jurassic walkers were rewarded with the sight of a pod of dolphins on Sunday after completing a gruelling fifty miles in fifty hours for Dorset Wildlife Trust’s 50th Anniversary.  The sponsored Jurassic Challenge, one of a series of 50 for 50 fundraising events, is expected to raise over £4000 to help protect wildlife.

The walk from West Bay to Durlston Head was led in searing temperatures by Emily Newton and Nick Gray from DWT’s West Dorset Team, with walkers challenged to raise at least £50, one for every year of wildlife protection in the county. 

Nick said: “Watching the dolphins swim past was an emotional moment at the end of our Jurassic Coast wildlife odyssey.  The walkers covered much more than half of Dorset’s coastline in just two days – an admirable effort in such blistering conditions – and everyone finished in high spirits with smiles on their faces and memories to cherish.  ‘50 miles in 50 hours’ is nowhere near as easy as it sounds and we’re hugely grateful for everyone’s amazing endeavour on behalf of Dorset Wildlife Trust.”

Fiona Sansom, Supporter Development Manager at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “At the start of our 50th year, we challenged everybody who loves Dorset to raise £50 to ensure that the work of protecting the natural environment can continue into the next 50 years.  The Jurassic walkers have shown they love a challenge and done it the hard way, but people have come up with lots of different ways to raise £50.  Why not come up with your own 50 for 50 challenge and help us reach our target of 500 pledges -what better way to celebrate than to secure the future for wildlife in one of the most diverse and beautiful counties in England?”

50 for 50 challenges can be anything from holding an event to selling cakes, going vegetarian, or saving your loose change.  For more details, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/50for50