Dorset Wildlife Trust and Natural England buy Lyscombe site

Dorset Wildlife Trust and Natural England purchased the area, which contains chalk downland and farmland at Lyscombe, 10 miles north-east of Dorchester.

The purchase is one of the largest land acquisitions in Dorset Wildlife Trust’s history.

It was made possible through funding from Natural England’s National Nature Reserves programme, and planned nutrient mitigation credit scheme, alongside donations from members and supporters of the wildlife trust.

The land is based in the Dorset Downs in an area of chalk grassland, scrub, wildflower meadows and ancient woodland. Existing designations include a 50-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) and several Scheduled Monuments including Lyscombe Chapel.

The farm on the land has practiced wildlife-friendly land management techniques- part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.

The primary interest of the partners is to see the area managed for nature recovery, with the hopes of reducing levels of harmful nutrients entering Poole Harbour.

This has seen wildlife and water quality suffer from excess nutrients as a run off from sewage, as well as fertilisers and manure applied to the farmed land. A new wetland habitat will be created that can capture nutrients.

Over the coming years, Dorset Wildlife Trust will use natural regeneration techniques blended with traditional land management to enhance habitats, support the site’s valuable downland and enable increases in wildlife abundance throughout the landscape.

Livestock will continue to play an important role at Lyscombe with the introduction of an extensive grazing regime.

Through working with neighbouring landowners and farmers, the ambition of the partners is to use Lyscombe as a nucleus from which to create a nature recovery network across the wider Dorset Downs landscape.

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive, Brian Bleese, said: “This is amazing news for wildlife in Dorset.

"This purchase represents one of the largest land acquisitions in Dorset Wildlife Trust’s history and a major opportunity to make more space for nature in the Dorset landscape, to engage people in conserving Dorset’s rich natural heritage, and to transform the land into a wildlife-rich National Nature Reserve."

According to Mr Bleese, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s natural regeneration project at Wild Woodbury has seen wildlife bounce back in just two years with over 1,600 species recorded, including nationally threatened species such as tree pipit, woodlark, and hen harrier.

Mr Bleese added: “We also look forward to improving visitor access to this stunning Lyscombe landscape, particularly on existing footpaths and rights of way to help local people and visitors to enjoy this incredibly special place.

“Opportunities will be created for people of all backgrounds and abilities to learn about and enjoy nature and help to create a wildlife haven for everyone through volunteering.”

Rachel Williams, Natural England’s Deputy Director who leads the organisation’s work in Wessex said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Dorset Wildlife Trust and others in this significant project which has the potential to substantially boost nature’s recovery in this part of Dorset."

Mark Russell, the former owner of the site, expressed his delight at the transition of Lyscombe to the stewardship of Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Mr Russell, said: “I eagerly anticipate Lyscombe becoming a haven for both nature and people and providing a cherished space for future generations to enjoy.”

To find out more about the plans for Lyscombe, visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/Lyscombe.