'Truly special' site named National Nature Reserve

A nature reserve established to improve wildlife habitats and offset the building of new homes has been designated a National Nature Reserve.

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) and Natural England bought 833 acres (335 hectares) of farmland and chalk downland at Lyscombe, north east of Dorchester, in 2024.

Natural England said the landscape, which is home to rare orchids and butterflies, would join the King's Series of National Nature Reserves (NNR).

It is the 16th site to receive the NNR designation since the scheme was announced in 2023.

To mark the King's coronation, Natural England said it would create 25 major nature reserves - five a year, over five years.

Lyscombe is made up of farmland, chalk grassland, ancient woodland and heritage sites, including 50 hectares of nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) chalk downland.

Nature Minister Jenny Riddell-Carpenter said: "Lyscombe is a truly special landscape, steeped in history with its archaeological wonders and now brimming with flourishing wildlife and wildflowers.

"Bringing Lyscombe into nature recovery will protect these precious habitats for the future, creating a lasting place for people and wildlife to enjoy."

DWT chief executive Brian Bleese said: "Lyscombe is one of the most significant opportunities for nature recovery ever secured in Dorset.

"This designation recognises both the exceptional wildlife and habitats already present and the enormous potential to create a thriving landscape where nature, people and farming coexist successfully."

The purchase of Lyscombe was made possible by Natural England's nutrient mitigation scheme, backed by £30m of government funding, national nature reserves funding, and donations from Dorset Wildlife Trust supporters.

Natural England previously said it would recoup the taxpayers' money by offering nutrient credits for sale to developers to offset the impact of building homes in the area.

The government said the creation of the nature reserve would enable the building of 3,700 new homes.

Conservation management at Lyscombe has included the introduction of longhorn cattle to maintain chalk grasslands and prevent scrub encroachment.

Natural England said less invasive farming techniques had led to more sustainable food production, reduced pollution into the River Piddle and improved water quality downstream.

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