New initiative launched to protect Dorset’s wildlife habitats

Dorset Wildlife Trust has announced the launch of the new scheme, known as the Nature Reserves Fund.

The fund offers individuals, businesses, and communities a meaningful way to contribute towards protecting wildlife, whether through one-off donations or ongoing support.

Currently, Dorset Wildlife Trust manages 42 nature reserves spanning 1,950 hectares which are home to thousands of species and vital for maintaining biodiversity.

The new fund will enable Dorset Wildlife Trust to safeguard these habitats helping wildlife to thrive whilst restoring degraded landscapes and making more space for nature.

Steve Masters, the trust’s reserves ecological manager, said: “I see first-hand the effort it takes to make sure nature reserves continue to support wildlife. It gives me great hope to see the fruits of our reserves staff and volunteers’ labour, like more dragonflies darting around Upton Heath’s ponds and dormice settling into nest boxes at Bracketts Coppice.

"But it takes planning, equipment and hard work to make it happen and I know how much more there is to do to restore wildlife diversity and abundance in Dorset. We need your help now to continue our fight to safeguard these special places for future generations and inspire more people to appreciate and support Dorset’s natural heritage.”