PART of Dorset's attractive landscape is as much at risk as tropical rainforests and volunteers are being sought to help it survive.

Over the last 150 years, 75 per cent of lowland heath has been lost to development, land improvement and scrub encroachment.

The RSPB's Arne nature reserve in the Purbecks is a prime example of Dorset's remaining heath, of which 20 per cent of the European total is found in the UK.

Staff are engaged in an on-going battle against invasive species such as pine, birch, bracken and rhododendron and need the help of volunteers if they are to win.

"Without careful management the heaths you see at Arne today would disappear along with all of the specialist wildlife that relies on them to survive," said assistant warden Mark Singleton.

"Heathlands are living landscapes, man has always managed them in the past by grazing livestock and subsistence living and more recently for their unique bio-diversity," he said.

A whole range of wildlife relies on the habitat to survive, including the Dartford warbler, the nightjar, all six British reptile species and a variety of insects.

Arne boasts the rare Erica ciliaris (Dorset heath) heather, found just there and in parts of Brittany and Scandinavia.

As winter approaches the RSPB team turns its attention to winter habitat management and the start of monthly volunteer work parties.

"We undertake many jobs during the winter, which are vital to sustaining the open heath and we rely heavily on the goodwill and hard work of volunteers," said Mark.

They can learn more about the heath, its management and wildlife as well as meeting like-minded people and doing some healthy outdoor work.

Work parties take place on the first weekend of each month starting on October 2. For more information call 01929 553360.

First published: September 29