Heathland restoration aims to reduce wildfire risk

Hundreds of acres of wildlife habitat has been destroyed by fires this summer

Five protected heathland sites are to undergo restoration work to help reduce the risk and severity of wildfires.

Throughout summer 2025, firefighters tackled multiple major heath fires in Dorset which destroyed hundreds of hectares of wildlife habitat.

The project will see invasive scrub and coniferous trees removed from lowland heaths in Verwood, Ferndown and Upton.

The work aims to reduce the amount of fuel available and encourage native broadleaf species which are more fire resistant.

The project, led by Dorset Council, is focusing on Stephens Castle, Dewlands Common North, Slop Bog, Parley Common and Pine Clump - all Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Dorset's heaths are home to Nightjar, Woodlark, and all six of Britain's native reptiles, including the Smooth Snake.

Dorset's heaths are home to the elusive nightjar

The restoration involves removing selected trees and invasive species such as Rhododendron to allow native heathland plants - especially heather - to thrive.

Timber removed will be used for construction, fence posts and woodchip for energy production.

Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland said: "As custodians of a significant portion of the world's remaining lowland heathland, we have a responsibility to restore and safeguard these habitats.

"Heathlands not only support rare species but also play a role in tackling climate change, with their soils acting as powerful carbon sinks.

"And with climate change making wildfires more frequent and intense, it's more important than ever that we manage these landscapes carefully."

The project is being supported by funding from Natural England and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.