TWO areas of natural beauty near Dorchester have been combined to become England's newest National Nature Reserve (NNR).
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Kingcombe Meadows and Powerstock Common have been recognised by National England as gold-standard havens for wildlife - and have been combined to become the new Kingcombe NNR.
It comes more than 30 years after the national 'The Farm That Time Forgot' campaign to save Kingcombe Farm.
The farm, in the heart of Kingcombe Meadows' unimproved grassland, was in disrepair when its owner died - and broken up into lots sold at auction in 1987.
However, fundraising by Dorset Wildlife Trust and campaigners saw the purchase of several lots - leading to more of the original land being accrued, which also lead to the farm becoming a functioning organic pesticide-free business.
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Dorset Wildlife Trust’s chief executive, Brian Bleese said: "The designation of Kingcombe Meadows and Powerstock Common as Kingcombe National Nature Reserve is a wonderful tribute to the many people who nurtured it for many years.
"The NNR status gives us a huge opportunity to engage and inspire more people to get involved with nature and to build links with communities."
NNRs are designated by Natural England and are acknowledged as rare and precious areas, protecting some of our country’s most important places for wildlife and geology.
Natural England chair, Tony Juniper said: "The NNRs are the jewels in nature’s crown and adding one more, at Kingcombe, is a cause for celebration.
"These wonderful natural areas are vital not only for the wide ranges of species of animals and plants that live in them, but also in creating opportunities for everyone to connect with nature and the health and wellbeing benefits that come with that.
"The working organic farm at the heart of this beautiful place is a brilliant example of working in harmony with nature."
Combined the new NNR encompasses 309 hectares of grassland, woodland and scrub habitat either side of the River Hooke. The two areas remain Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
The new NNR features marsh fritillary butterflies and wildflowers such as bee orchids, pepper saxifrage and devil's-bit scabious, and its patchwork of woodland edges, scrub and scattered trees provides perfect conditions for foraging bats.
A network of ponds supports amphibians, with toads, frogs and all three species of native newt breeding on site.
Dorset Wildlife Trust restored Powerstock Common by removing conifers, planting native trees and allowing a mosaic of rich wood-pasture habitat to regenerate with the help of the resident cattle and ponies.
NNRs provide ‘natural laboratories’ for ecologists and researchers, advancing our understanding of particular species, habitats or natural processes.
The designation also helps secure a future for these sites as part of a growing national Nature Recovery Network, connecting sites to provide vital space for nature to spread and regenerate.
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