Dorset Council to create new nature reserve

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.