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Dorset Wildlife Trust launches new Nature Reserves Fund

Dorset Wildlife Trust is thrilled to announce the launch of its Nature Reserves Fund, a new initiative to protect, enhance, and expand some of Dorset’s most precious wildlife habitats.

From the hazel dormouse to the marsh fritillary butterfly, Dorset’s wildlife faces increasing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. Dorset Wildlife Trust manages 42 nature reserves spanning 1,950 hectares which are home to thousands of species and vital for maintaining biodiversity. The new fund will enable Dorset Wildlife Trust to safeguard these habitats, helping wildlife to thrive whilst restoring degraded landscapes and making more space for nature.

Currently, it costs Dorset Wildlife Trust £2,277 each day to maintain and manage their reserves. This is over £800,000 every year. The hard, ongoing work required to protect them is becoming more challenging in the face of rising costs. The Nature Reserves Fund, which will run for as long as nature needs it, reflects the fact that work on nature reserves is continuous. Every season, come rain or shine, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s staff and volunteers venture out to get the job done.

Steve Masters, Reserves Ecological Manager at Dorset Wildlife Trust, commented on the importance of the new initiative:

“I see first-hand the effort it takes to make sure nature reserves continue to support wildlife. It gives me great hope to see the fruits of our reserves staff and volunteers’ labour, like more dragonflies darting around Upton Heath’s ponds and dormice settling into nest boxes at Bracketts Coppice. But it takes planning, equipment, and hard work to make it happen and I know how much more there is to do to restore wildlife diversity and abundance in Dorset. We need your help now to continue our fight to safeguard these special places for future generations and inspire more people to appreciate and support Dorset’s natural heritage.”

The Nature Reserves Fund offers individuals, businesses, and communities a meaningful way to contribute towards protecting their local wildlife. Whether through one-off donations or ongoing support, every contribution will make a tangible difference.

To donate to the Nature Reserves Fund, please visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturefund. You can also contact the Trust directly by email: enquiries@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or by calling 01305 264620. Individuals and organisations interested in partnership opportunities are also encouraged to reach out for more information on how they can play a role in protecting Dorset’s wildlife and wild places.

Photo Credit: Danny Green 2020VISION