A large-scale heathland restoration project will begin this autumn across five Sites of Special Scientific Interest in East Dorset, aiming to protect rare wildlife while reducing wildfire risks.
Led by Dorset Council and supported by Natural England and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the work will restore lowland heathland, an internationally rare ecosystem that is home to species such as Nightjars, Woodlarks, and all six of Britain’s native reptiles, including the Smooth Snake.
Restoration will take place at Stephens Castle and Dewlands Common North in Verwood, Slop Bog and Parley Common in Ferndown, and Pine Clump in Upton. These sites have been threatened by invasive scrub and self-seeded conifers, which reduce biodiversity and increase the risk of fires.
The project will involve removing species such as Rhododendron, Pine, and Gorse, which are highly flammable, while encouraging native broadleaved trees to grow. These trees are more resistant to fire and will act as natural firebreaks.
Councillor Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, Performance and Safeguarding, said: “This project is vital for protecting Dorset’s unique natural heritage and reducing the risk of wildfires that threaten both wildlife and local communities.”
He added that heathlands also play a role in tackling climate change by storing carbon, and that careful management will create safer, more resilient landscapes.
Dorset Council has worked closely with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to prepare fire response plans. Earlier this summer, a wildfire training day was held at Avon Heath Country Park for heathland managers, led by fire crews.
Wood removed from the sites will be reused for construction materials, fence posts, and carbon-neutral energy production. This will help reduce the need to import timber and support Dorset’s sustainability goals.
The restoration is also part of wider efforts to boost nature recovery across the county, which supports the four country parks that together attract more than 1.6 million visitors each year.
