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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.

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.

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.

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.

A group of walkers being led on a walk by a National Trust Ranger at Marsden Moor

All about supporter groups

Find more information on supporter groups and up-to-date contact details for each group.

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PDF

Supporter group directory 2024 

Use the supporter group directory (PDF) to find membership enquiry contact details and links to group websites for further information.

A view of Corfe Castle in the distance overlooking the surrounding countryside in the morning light, Dorset
Area
Area

Dorset 

Discover an island, coastline and hidden gems. Explore a castle, cottages and a home inspired by an Italian palace. Dorset has everything you need for a fun filled visit, so start planning your day out.

A volunteer clearing bracken in the woods at Studland Bay, Dorset
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Article

Volunteering opportunities at Studland Bay 

Volunteers play a big part in caring for habitats and helping visitors across Purbeck and we are always looking for friendly and passionate people to join our teams. Come along to our Purbeck volunteer recruitment event on Saturday 20 January to learn more.

Tree planting at Kingston Lacy, Dorset
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Article

Volunteering at White Mill 

Find out all you need to know about joining the volunteer team at White Mill, from the kinds of work our volunteers help out with to how to get in touch if you’d like to apply

A volunteer wearing red work gloves smiles with an armful of dried bracken
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Article

Volunteering and community work on Brownsea Island 

Volunteers are vital in supporting special places such as Brownsea Island. We now have a full compliment of fantastic volunteers for the 2024 season.

A volunteer talks to visitors at Kingston Lacy, Dorset
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Article

Volunteering at Kingston Lacy 

There are numerous ways that you can volunteer with the National Trust at Kingston Lacy. Find out how to join our team.