A WEST Dorset nature reserve is being expanded to encourage rare and threatened wildflowers to grow.
Ryewater Farm Nature Reserve near Corscombe is to be expanded following the purchase of 4.45 acres of land neighbouring the existing site, so it can be restored to a species-rich grassland.
The expansion comes after a substantial grant was obtained from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with a successful fundraising appeal by charity Plantlife and the combined fundraising approach has enabled the immediate purchase of the land.
Paul Rowland, Conservation Land Manager, Plantlife, said: “Meadows support more priority wildlife and species than any other habitat – they are essential to life.
“Restoring this land to favourable condition will help us transform it to a species-rich ecosystem, protecting wild plant species, such as common spotted orchid, pignut and yellow rattle, alongside the dormice and protected bat species that live there.
The initial work to clear the site of waste will take place when weather and ground conditions are suitable, as the site becomes too wet and inaccessible to carry this out over the winter.
Other work will include fencing to prepare the site for future conservation grazing following species surveys and a hay cut. The site will be monitored to measure the biodiversity and habitat quality over time.
Hannah Salmon, Head of Individual Giving, Plantlife, added: “This purchase could not have been made possible without the substantial grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and generous donations of our members and supporters.
“Safeguarding this reserve and managing it into the future is not only a massive win for nature but for communities in and around Dorset, now and for generations to come.”
The original Ryewater Farm Nature Reserve is a 38-acre nature reserve that is a haven for a diverse range of plants and fungi.
It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation and an important area of species-rich wildflower meadows.
Over the last 30 years the meadows at Ryewater Farm have increased in plant diversity with key species, including Yellow Rattle, Common Spotted Orchid and Common Knapweed.
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