Dorset Wildlife Trust say they are delighted to announce that they have secured the purchase of a vital parcel of land at the heart of Upton Heath, following an extraordinary community fundraising effort backed by local MP Vikki Slade, together with strong partnership and financial support from Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. This acquisition safeguards one of Dorset’s most ecologically significant heathland landscapes from the risk of mineral extraction and long‑term habitat decline.
The land, which had been due to be sold at auction with a historic minerals permission, forms a crucial ecological corridor within the wider Upton Heath Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its protection ensures the future of rare and threatened species including sand lizards, Dartford warblers and smooth snakes.
Following the launch of a public appeal, Dorset Wildlife Trust raised over £100,000 from the community in just two weeks, with further significant contributions from private donors. Dorset Council and BCP Council will provide major contributions, enabling the charity to secure the site for wildlife and people in perpetuity.
Brian Bleese, Chief Executive at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said:
“I am totally overwhelmed by the amazing response from the local community, our partners and supporters in response to this urgent appeal to save Upton Heath. This is a landmark moment for nature recovery in Dorset. Thanks to the generosity of the public and the commitment of our partners, we can now restore this neglected area of heathland to help wildlife thrive, reduce wildfire risk, and improve access for local communities. This land will now be protected for wildlife and for people, forever.“
Dorset Council Leader and Cabinet member for Climate, Cllr Nick Ireland, added:
“This is a really important moment for Dorset. Upton Heath is a special place for wildlife and for local people, and this purchase means it can now be properly cared for as one joined‑up nature reserve.
“By acting now with our partners, we’ve helped secure a nationally important habitat, reduced future risks like wildfire, and protected a place that so many residents value for walking, nature and wellbeing. At the heart of the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy is everyone coming together to help our special habitats and landscapes recover.
“This purchase of Upton Heath is a strong example of organisations and communities all coming together to make a lasting difference. This is just the start, and we’ll continue to work with partners on lobbying for national funding towards the restoration of this site.”
Dorset Wildlife Trust will now begin restoration work to reinstate heathland management, improve public access, and deliver long‑term conservation benefits across the tenth largest area of heathland in Dorset.
