Fundraising efforts save heathland site from sale

A "vital" parcel of land has been secured for nature conservation after a community campaign raised more than £100,000 in two weeks.

The 110-acre privately-owned plot within Upton Heath in Poole, Dorset, had previously been part of the nature reserve, but the lease had been terminated by the landowner and it was put up for sale with planning permission for mineral extraction.

The land, designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, had been due to go up for auction on 29 April, sparking a fundraising appeal.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade praised the "incredible efforts" to buy the land.

Upton Heath is regarded as an internationally-important habitat for wildlife and is home to all six of native reptiles including the rare sand lizard and smooth snake.

DWT described the section for sale as "a vital piece of land at the heart of this precious heathland".

Chief executive Brian Bleese called the success of the campaign "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."

While DWT has not disclosed the amount paid for the land, it said the public appeal had been backed with "further significant contributions from private donors".

Contributions from BCP and Dorset councils would enable the charity to secure the site "for wildlife and people in perpetuity", it added.

Nick Ireland, Dorset Council leader and cabinet member for climate, said: "This is just the start, and we'll continue to work with partners on lobbying for national funding towards the restoration of this site".

Slade, who had campaigned to have the land registered as an Asset of Community Value, said she was "thrilled" with the outcome.

Speaking in the House of Commons, she said the value for the purchase "was inflated by this permission from the 1950s which should never have applied to a site of special scientific interest".

The Liberal Democrat MP said she had written to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for further support to cover the full costs and the restoration of the site.