Dorset’s waterways are under growing pressure from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Agricultural run-off and sewage discharges are damaging rivers, seas and harbours causing algal blooms that harm wildlife and disrupt ecosystems. Under 15% of Dorset’s rivers are in favourable ecological condition, putting species such as beavers, otters, kingfishers, and water voles at risk. Over 90% of the UK’s wetlands have disappeared in the last century. These habitats, among the most biodiverse in the UK, support rare wading birds, amphibians, and dragonflies, while storing carbon, reducing flooding, and filtering pollutants. 

Across its 42 nature reserves and the wider countryside, Dorset Wildlife Trust works with landowners and conservation partners to restore river flows, create wetlands, and improve water quality. Volunteers are central to these projects, carrying out surveys, practical conservation work, and habitat restoration. 

The campaign builds on previous successes. At Wild Woodbury in Bere Regis, pioneering restoration of the River Sherford headwaters created resilient wetlands, improved water quality, and supported wildlife including lapwings, snipe, frogs, dragonflies, and freshwater invertebrates. At Kingcombe Meadows, restored ponds have boosted biodiversity, supported amphibians and insects, and provided vital breeding and feeding grounds. Tadnoll & Winfrith Heath is the next phase — building on lessons learned at Wild Woodbury, the Trust is rewetting and restoring floodplains to expand wetland habitats, improve water quality, and support a wider diversity of wildlife.  

Donations to the Water for Wildlife campaign will fund practical restoration work, including building leaky dams, ditch-blocking, and re-establishing natural river flows, bringing cleaner water, climate resilience, and richer biodiversity back to Dorset.