THE newly-refurbished Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre in Kimmeridge officially opens this bank holiday weekend.

Situated on the shoreline near the iconic Clavell Tower, the Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) centre celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

New features, made possible through the government's Coastal Communities Fund, include a new artificial rock pool, new information panels, an interactive virtual seabed and a new shop.

More space has also been made available for activities, from kids' crafts to using microscopes to watch marine minibeasts.

DWT operations director Brian Bleese said: "We are very grateful to the Coastal Communities Fund for their generous grant, and the continued support of the Smedmore Estate, which have allowed us to make these improvements to the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, taking marine conservation awareness forwards for the next 20 years.

"Marine-related topics, such as Marine Conversation Zones and the effects of marine litter on wildlife have been a huge focus both locally and nationally, and we look forward to welcoming people to the centre for information, activities and events on these subjects.

"Our aim is to inspire and help educate visitors, so they can take an active role in helping to support local wildlife."

Meanwhile, Dorset Coastal Connections project co-ordinator Natalie Poulter said: "It is great to see our projects starting to come to fruition, particularly here at Kimmeridge where visitors have such an exciting opportunity to discover more about the wild seas of Dorset and beyond.

"The newly finished Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre is a great place to come with all your questions about the bay and what lives here, and to learn about the work being done to protect it not just for wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts, but for everyone."

The Dorset Coastal Connections project includes 18 coastal sites across the county, from Christchurch to Lyme Regis.

It is bankrolled by the Coastal Communities Fund and partner organisations, and coordinated by Dorset Coast Forum, which is accountable to Dorset County Council.

DWT is hosting its first art exhibition at the centre, in the new exhibition space as part of 2018 Art Weeks, launching on Saturday 26th May. Art displayed and available to buy will be inspired by nature in a variety of mediums.

Events at the centre during the May half term week include a guided rock pool ramble on Wednesday May 30, from 2pm – 3.30pm, and an eco-crabbing event on Thursday May 31, teaching adults and children how to catch and handle seashore crabs without harming them.

Visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/events for more information.