MOTH spotting is on the agenda at a west Dorset beauty spot this summer.

The National Trust has announced a series of free family-friendly events at its sites to mark the trust's Summer of Play. 

At Hive Beach at Burton Bradstock, mindful movement and messy art classes will be available.

Working with local artist Jo Burlington and yoga instructor Leah Miles, families are invited to join sessions where they will be inspired to experience the beach in a new way. 

Events will run at 10.30am on Tuesday, August 1, 10am on Sunday, August 13 and 10.30am on Tuesday, August 15.

Places are free and must be booked in advance. 

A Hive Beach family trail will also take place later this year, on Tuesday, October 31, from 9am-4pm. 

Families can experience what is like to be a Ranger for the National Trust by taking part in the mini-ranger Trail that includes wildlife spotting, fossil hunting and map reading.  

No booking required. Get your free self-led trail leaflet and brass rubbing sheet from the National Trust Hut by the main carpark. 

Over at Stonebarrow Hill at Golden Cap, moth spotting will take place on Wednesday, August 9 at 9.30am.

Visitors will be able to see an array of moths which live on the Golden Cap Estate, with traps set the evening before by ecology experts.

No moths are harmed during the survey, and all are released safely afterwards.   

Booking is not required and those attending should meet at the Old Radar Station on Stonebarrow Hill. 

If you would rather be a smuggler, you can visit Stonebarrow Hill and complete the Smugglers Trail.

Both Hive Beach and Stonebarrow Hill have a mix of orienteering trails for all abilities.

There will also be balance bikes available to borrow on Stonebarrow Hill and den building in Langdon Woods.

At Hive Beach you can also borrow a special Tracker Pack which contains binoculars, bug magnifying jars, fact cards and notebooks for children to explore. 

Liz Flight, programme and partnership officer for the National Trust on north & west Dorset, said: “We can’t wait to welcome children and families to our outdoor sites this summer.

"We have so much to offer, please speak to our staff and volunteers on site about all our activities who will be more than happy to help and get you set up for a great day out."