Lyscombe

Dorset Wildlife Trust and Natural England made an exciting purchase of 335ha to rewild in 2024. Nestled within the breath-taking Dorset National Landscape (formerly Dorset AONB), this expansive landscape boasts a treasure trove of chalk downland, lush scrub, vibrant wildflower meadows, and ancient woodlands. 

The land acquisition presents an opportunity to create more space for nature and restore natural processes across the landscape whilst opening up more access for people to enjoy this stunning place. 

Kick Starting Rewilding 

Natural regeneration will be used alongside traditional conservation management, such as tree planting, to restore and enhance the habitats. This will create a more varied mosaic of grassland, scrub and wood pasture habitats. Low intensity grazing is planned to mimic natural grazing. 

Restoration works will take place along the Little Piddle, a tributary of the River Piddle, to restore fen meadows and reduce nutrients flowing into Poole Harbour. The project will also demonstrate how more traditional conservation of designated sites can fit within a larger rewilding led project. 

Works are planned to improve the infrastructure of the site to encourage more public access and recreation.