Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) has launched an appeal to help protect Dorset’s most precious wildlife-rich habitats from damaging development.
The most recent example of a development which is threatening a protected wildlife site, is the proposal to build a large solar station on Rampisham Down SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) in west Dorset, which is Dorset’s largest surviving area of rare acidic grassland and home to scarce communities of plants and grasses.
DWT Chief Executive, Simon Cripps said, “DWT understands the challenges facing the local area, and the need to increase prosperity across the county, but development should also help enhance plants, animals and natural spaces. In the case of Rampisham Down, we are currently preparing to attend a public inquiry to try and save the site from development, but we estimate that this case alone will cost DWT over £40,000.
This type of work is not currently funded by grants, so DWT relies on the generosity of our supporters to be able to continue looking after our special natural environment. We firmly believe that development does not have to be at the expense of our precious remaining wildlife rich areas.”
DWT is keen to work with others to find the best and most suitable solutions for development needs, so that development can still go ahead, and wildlife can prosper at the same time.
One success story of planning whilst defending wildlife is the Weymouth relief road, where the route of the proposed plan was amended to protect the wider Lorton Valley following negotiations with DWT and other organisations. The land secured through mitigation for the relief road has been integrated with the existing nature reserves and ancient woodland in the area, to create the Lorton Valley Nature Park.
DWT needs to raise £60,000 to continue its planning work. For more information and to donate to the Defending Dorset’s Wildlife appeal, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/planning. You can also text your donation: PLAN15 £5 to 70070.
