For your Valentine: Dorset Wildlife Trust suggests adopting a squirrel or seahorse

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DTW) say it is the perfect alternative gift for the wildlife lover and at just £20, an adoption pack will be one to cherish.

The popular red squirrel adoption scheme has been running for over 20 years, and proceeds go towards ensuring the habitat on Brownsea Island in Dorset is maintained to support a population of 200 red squirrels. The island in Poole Harbour is one of only a few places in Southern England where these enigmatic animals can be found and visitors are often able to see them jumping from tree to tree and searching for nuts on the woodland floor.

The equally loveable seahorse also captures the hearts of many people and it’s one of the most recognisable species of marine wildlife in the UK. A big part of the struggle to protect Dorset’s marine habitats to support species such as seahorses, is that they are largely unseen. Donations from the seahorse adoption scheme will go straight into the Marine Conservation Fund, which specifically focuses on protecting our unseen marine world for the benefit of our seahorses and other marine wildlife who need good habitat to survive.

Sally Welbourn, communications officer at DWT said, “If you feel like you are buying the same gifts for your loved one each Valentine’s Day, then this is the year to try something different. The recipient will receive a box of goodies they can treasure, safe in the knowledge that your donation is making a difference to wildlife in Dorset. Make this Valentine’s Day the year you declare your love for wildlife!”

The red squirrel adoption pack, sponsored by John Lewis, includes: adoption certificate, red squirrel photograph, a pin badge, a fact sheet, an update from the DWT Brownsea Island warden and a soft toy red squirrel.

The seahorse adoption pack includes an adoption certificate, seahorse facts leaflet, a pin badge, a leaflet about marine protection in Dorset and a soft toy seahorse. It also costs just £20.