Heathland and moorland
These wild, open landscapes stretch over large areas and are most often found in uplands. Although slow to awaken in spring, by late summer heathland can be an eye-catching purple haze of heather…
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Bird ID Course: Heathland
Learn about 3 amazing birds to spot in Dorset's heathland this spring
Wildfire on Upton Heath highlights extreme fire risk to Dorset’s heathlands and wildlife
A major wildfire broke out on Upton Heath last week, underlining the extreme fire risk currently threatening Dorset’s heathlands due to prolonged dry weather.
Heathland and mire restoration at Tadnoll & Winfrith nature reserves
This winter Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) will be undertaking heathland and mire restoration at Tadnoll and Winfrith nature reserves as part of a large-scale restoration project. The project,…
New training opportunity to look after heathland in Dorset
Supported by funding from the Magnox Ltd Socio-economic Scheme, Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) is delighted to announce the launch of a three-year Heathland Heritage Traineeship programme.
Precious Peatlands
Peatlands are one of our most important habitats, providing homes for rare wildlife and locking up carbon, helping us tackle climate change. But in the UK over 80% are damaged. Partly due to our use of peat as a compost and using it to grow products such as house plants and mushrooms. The Wildlife Trusts are campaigning to keep peat in bogs and not bags.
The valiant nightjar
As spring arrives, Dorset’s heathlands, including Upton Heath, become vital nesting grounds for some of our rarest birds, such as nightjars. Dr Lesley Haskins explains why following the Heathland…
A million-pound project to restore Dorset’s peatlands.
Dorset Peat Partnership, led by Dorset Wildlife Trust, has been awarded a £750,000 grant from Defra's Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme, matched by £250,000 from other funders and…
Adder
Our only venomous snake, the shy adder can be spotted basking in the sunshine in woodland glades and on heathlands.
Woodcock
Sometimes known as the snipe of the woods, the exquisitely camouflaged woodcock is mainly nocturnal, hiding in the dense undergrowth of woodlands and heathlands during the day.
Whinchat
The whinchat is a summer visitor to UK heathlands, moorlands and open meadows. It looks similar to the stonechat, but is lighter in colour and has a distinctive pale eyestripe.
Spiked shieldbug
The spiked shieldbug has fearsome shoulder projections or 'spikes' and a predatory nature. This brown bug feeds on caterpillars and other insects in woodlands and on heathlands.