Christmas Spruce-up for Sopley Common

Sixty students from Bournemouth University joined staff and volunteers from Dorset Wildlife Trust for a pre-Christmas ‘spruce-up’ on Sopley Common nature reserve.  More than half the first year students on environmental courses at the University got stuck in to clearing scub and invasive birch and pine from the internationally important heathland reserve and several of them found themselves taking home a ‘conservation Christmas tree’ trophy from the day. 

A first taste of conservation volunteering

Steve Davis, Volunteering Programme Manager at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “This is the first time that many of these young people had experienced conservation volunteering and they loved it.  The students were really enthusiastic throughout the day and I've had a lot of enquiries from them about further opportunities, including placements with us for next summer.  This has been a very successful introduction into practical conservation for these students, and we look forwarding to continuing our great working relationship with Bournemouth University.”

Keeping Sopley special for wildlife

The students cleared scrub from an area the size of nearly 4 football pitches, part of the vital management work to preserve the rare heathland species on the reserve.  Sopley Common, near Bournemouth Airport, is a haven for some of the rarest wildlife in Britain and one of the most atmospheric and peaceful heathland sites, despite the proximity of the A338 and the intermittent roar of jets from nearby Bournemouth Airport.  The Common, beloved of locals and wildlife alike, is home to Britain’s only year-round resident warbler, the Dartford warbler, as well as the sand lizard, not only the rarest lizard in Britain but also the most spectacular when in its bright green breeding colours.  With an exceptional number of different insects and spiders as well as special plants of this habitat, Sopley Common is protected by law as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, requiring regular management work to keep the rare heathland habitat thriving.

The next big conservation day will be at Holton Lee on 24th February 2011.  For more information, click here or ring Steve on 01202 642788.