Dorset Wildlife Trust has now legally completed the purchase of 110 acres at the heart of Upton Heath, following an extraordinary community fundraising effort. Support came from Dorset Council, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council, Kairos Philanthropy, Battens Solicitors, local MP Vikki Slade, Dorset Wildlife Trust members and supporters, and nearly 2,000 donations from the local community. With the land secured in perpetuity, Dorset Wildlife Trust is now moving into the next phase: restoring the site, strengthening its ecological health, and ensuring it becomes a thriving space for wildlife and people.
The acquisition reconnects Upton Heath into a coherent block of more than 500 acres, creating a stronger, more resilient landscape for rare species such as sand lizards, Dartford warblers and smooth snakes. With the longstanding uncertainty linked to historic minerals permissions now resolved, Dorset Wildlife Trust can begin the detailed work required to bring this neglected area back into good ecological condition. Over the coming months, Dorset Wildlife Trust will carry out ecological assessments to identify priority areas for restoration. Planned work includes tackling invasive species, restoring heathland structure, improving water management, and reducing the risk of heathland fires through targeted habitat interventions. Integrating the land into the wider reserve will ensure consistent, long-term management across the whole site.
Another key focus is the community. Dorset Wildlife Trust will explore opportunities to improve paths, access and signage, expand volunteering opportunities, and create new ways for people to experience and learn about the heath. Ensuring that local communities can enjoy the site and engage with nature, while supporting its recovery, will be central to the next stage.
Brian Bleese, Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “This is a truly remarkable achievement by a huge number of people in an incredibly short space of time. The response from the public, our partners and supporters has been absolutely overwhelming and demonstrates just how much local communities value Upton Heath and nature. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this happen. It shows what can be achieved when people come together with urgency, determination, and a shared commitment to protecting nature for future generations.”
Kate James, Chair of Kairos Philanthropy, a New Forest-based private foundation, said: “We are proud to have supported Dorset Wildlife Trust’s purchase of Upton Heath, an important site in a much bigger network of rare habitats stretching across the South of England. Nature does not recognise county boundaries, and so it is essential to restore special places like Upton Heath for wildlife, landscape resilience and the reversal of biodiversity decline across the wider region.”
Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: “We are delighted to help secure access to this important section of local health for our residents. Our contribution to Dorset Wildlife Trust’s purchase of land at Upton Heath has been made possible through funding accrued from new housing developments, specifically to mitigate their recreational impact. Bringing this land into Dorset Wildlife Trust’s ownership will enable more coordinated and effective management of the whole heath, enhancing its value for both the public and the important wildlife and protected species that depend on it.”
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “Upton Heath is one of Dorset’s most distinctive and valuable landscapes, and securing this land for the long term is a major step forward for nature and for local people. Dorset Council was proud to support this purchase alongside partners and residents, recognising that protecting and restoring spaces like this is essential to tackling the climate and ecological emergency and reversing nature’s decline.
Bringing this land into Dorset Wildlife Trust’s care means it can be managed as part of a much larger, connected heathland, supporting rare wildlife while also providing a place for people to enjoy, learn and connect with nature. This achievement demonstrates the power of partnership working and reflects our commitment to creating healthier, more sustainable communities and protecting Dorset’s natural environment for future generations.”
Photo Credit Anna Kenny
