Woodland wildlife under threat

Dorset’s wet woodlands have been identified as one of its most threatened wildlife habitats. Despite the huge range of wildlife that relies on them, little is known about this special habitat, which has been disappearing because of tree felling and drainage. Now Dorset Wildlife Trust is taking action with its Wet Woodlink Project, which will investigate the wildlife of some of Dorset’s best examples along the Rivers Hooke, Piddle and Frome.

Why are wet woodlands so special?

Emma Brawn, Conservation Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “You could say that this is the British version of the rain forest because it is so rich in wildlife of all kinds, some of it very visible such as fungi and trees, but also including many rare insects and amazing mosses. The Wet Woodlink Project will help to uncover the mysteries of this little known landscape so that we can protect the wildlife that depends on it.”

Over this autumn and winter, the project will focus on identifying and mapping wet woodlands, with wildlife surveys following in spring 2011. The wildlife to be surveyed will include Bechstein’s bat, fungi, mosses, plants and rare invertebrates, some of which rely entirely on this habitat.

How can I get involved?

Dorset Wildlife Trust can also offer help and advice to landowners who own wet woodlands. The Wet Woodlink Project is supported by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership Sustainable Development Fund. Emma added: “We can only help to save this habitat if we know more about it. We want to find out where the wet woods are so we would love to hear from anybody who can help with this. ”

You can contact the Wet Woodlink Project at www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wetwoods or ring Emma Brawn on 01305 264620.

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Notes to Editor

For more information please contact Emma Brawn at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620.
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About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Dorset Wildlife Trust was founded in 1961 to protect the wildlife and natural habitats of the county and now has over 25,000 members and manages over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve.

The largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues. It leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.