We are absolutely delighted to share some truly landmark news: thanks to your extraordinary generosity, we have secured the purchase of a vital parcel of land at the heart of Upton Heath - and we have reached our fundraising target. This achievement belongs to every single person who donated, shared the appeal, or championed the cause. You have helped save one of Dorset’s most precious heathland landscapes for wildlife and for people, forever.

When we launched the appeal, the land was heading to auction with a historic minerals permission attached, placing it at real risk of damaging extraction and long‑term habitat decline. Yet the community responded with remarkable speed and passion. In just two weeks, supporters raised over £100,000, unlocking major contributions from Dorset Council, BCP Council, and private donors.

Rare species such as sand lizards, Dartford warblers and smooth snakes now have a secure future. This land forms a crucial ecological corridor within the wider Upton Heath Site of Special Scientific Interest, and its protection will allow us to restore neglected heathland, reduce wildfire risk, and improve access for local communities.

Our Chief Executive, Brian Bleese, summed it up perfectly when he said he was “totally overwhelmed” by the response. This is more than a land purchase - it is a powerful statement of what can be achieved when a community comes together for nature.

From all of us at Dorset Wildlife Trust: thank you. Your support has protected a vital landscape, strengthened nature recovery in Dorset, and ensured that Upton Heath will continue to thrive for generations to come.

We look forward to sharing the next steps as restoration work begins.

If you didn’t make a donation but would still like to support work for wildlife at Upton Heath and across Dorset, you can make a donation to Dorset Wildlife Trust's Nature Reserves Fund. 

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