RESIDENTS may chase nature reserve status in a bid to protect a wildlife oasis.

The green lung in a built-up area of Weymouth is home to an abundance of trees and plants and is a welcome home to many creatures including bats, badgers and butterflies.

A group of residents are now joining together in a bid to protect the six-acre site in Radipole for future generations.

It is envisaged they will soon form the Friends of Radipole Community Woodland to progress their plans.

A meeting at Radipole County Primary School heard how the woodland - which is close to the school in Radipole Lane - could be made the subject of a bid for English Nature's Wildspace scheme and designated a local nature reserve (LNR).

Danny Alder, conservation and local nature reserve officer for Dorset County Council's Countryside Service, said the group could work with English Nature rangers to ensure long-term sustainability of the woodland and at the same time raise awareness of the area, encourage site management and attract funding and resources.

Sites in Dorset are soon to become LNRs thanks to successful campaigning, Mr Alder said.

These include Slop Bog at Ferndown, Castle Hill at Shaftesbury, Woolland Hill, Blandford and Riverside Meadows at Sturminster Newton.

Mr Alder said Radipole wood was home to a mixture of native trees including oak, ash, cherry, field maple, holly and hazel. Nature lovers will also find four notable Dorset plants growing there in a rich meadow community and a colony of bee orchids.

Neil Cross, 38, who lives near the wood in Ullswater Crescent and is a regular visitor to the site, said: "Things seem to be moving along now which is great news.

"About 25 people attended the recent meeting at the school and we're grateful to the Echo for publicising the event because we had some unexpected support.

There are plans for another meeting in three to four weeks. Those wishing to support the campaign should contact Danny Alder on 01305 251228.