Dorset Council has purchased 13 acres of land near Blandford to transform into a wildlife haven and is looking for volunteers to help plant trees and hedges.
The land, which is currently arable fields and woodland, adjoins the Green Flag award winning Milldown Nature Reserve and North Dorset Trailway near Blandford.
The aim of the land purchase is to create new habitat and wildlife corridors to support the survival of one of the rarest bats in Europe, the Greater horseshoe bat. The project will see hedgerows restored, a wildflower meadow established, and more trees planted.
This purchase has been made possible through our Habitat Compensation Fund, using money secured through developer contributions. With extra funding for the project coming from Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme (administered by Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), Blandford Forum Town Council and Dorset Council.
The new nature reserve will provide crucial habitat for adults and juvenile bats from the nearby Bryanston Site of Special Scientific Interest roost, whilst also supporting other bat species and a host of other wildlife.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:
“Protecting and restoring Dorset’s natural environment is one of the council’s key priorities.
“This recent land purchase is an excellent opportunity to create much needed habitat for Dorset’s wildlife, whilst providing more access to the countryside for residents.
“We are determined to work with partners to promote the recovery of nature and tackle the ecological emergency.”
To kickstart and celebrate this superb addition to Dorset’s greenspace, we will be holding a volunteer tree and hedge planting event on the weekend of 21st and 22nd January at the site.
Members of the public are invited to come along from 10am on either or both days to help with the planting. Volunteers will need to wear stout shoes or boots and bring their own spade.
To find the event, follow signs from the Milldown Carpark (DT11 7FU) where council rangers will be on site to guide you.
Donations of £40 (+vat) for the 70 trees being planted are being taken by Blandford Forum Town Council, contributions can be made via their online form.
Further volunteering opportunities will be available later in the year.
You can find out more about the steps we are taking to tackle the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) on our website or by visiting our social media pages.
Join us in helping to bring reality and decency back by SUBSCRIBING to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1Ll1ylCg8U19AhNl-NoTg and SUPPORTING US where you can: Award Winning Independent Citizen Media Needs Your Help. PLEASE SUPPORT US FOR JUST £2 A MONTH https://dorseteye.com/donate/
