The Species Survival Fund is aimed at helping to halt and reverse the decline in species abundance by preserving vital habitats and creating nature-rich landscapes. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Making Space for Nature project is one of twenty conservation projects across the UK which will each receive a share of the £25 million Species Survival Fund. 

A wide range of project sites across Dorset include a brand-new nature reserve at Lyscombe, Brownsea Island Lagoon, recently acquired meadow land at Kingcombe National Nature Reserve and near West Holme. The project will restore meadows, wetlands, and orchards and create wood pasture, grasslands, and ponds. All these habitats will drive species recovery.  

The project will help Dorset’s rural economy too, by creating four new full-time jobs, plus two traineeship opportunities. Chief Executive, Brian Bleese, Dorset Wildlife Trust chief executive said, “These are great career opportunities for people that share our passion and dedication for creating a wilder Dorset, we want to hear from people who want to make a difference for nature and the environment.” The project will also use locally based contractors for much of the habitat restoration work helping to maintain and strengthen countryside skills. There will also be interesting volunteer opportunities and many ways in which local communities can get involved. 

This project is funded by the Government's Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency