Making space for wildlife in Dorset

In order to address the ecological and climate crises, and build the Nature Recovery Network, Dorset Wildlife Trust has acquired 170 hectares of land near Bere Regis. In consultation with the local community, and using rewilding principles, the landscape will be transformed from being intensively managed.  

The vision for the project includes the creation of 12 hectares of new community woodland and 30 hectares of new wetland, alongside a new community orchard, space to grow food sustainably, plus room for visitors and locals to explore the wild and forge a deep connection with nature.  

This flagship project aims to provide inspiration and guidance for further rewilding projects around the country, so data gathered in these early stages is crucial to inform and support similar projects, opening up new space for wildlife throughout Britain and beyond. 

Using rewilding principles on this large site will mean that species such as yellowhammers and orchids, already present on site and nearby, will gain the space and restored habitat they need to thrive. 

Rewilding and rewetting land on this scale will also contribute to tackling the climate crisis by increasing the amount of carbon held in healthy soils, woodlands and wetlands, and reduce the problem of nutrients entering the internationally important Poole Harbour downstream. We are establishing monitoring systems to measure the change over time to demonstrate the impact and help advise other land managers. 

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