A NEW team of wildlife experts and enthusiasts has taken over the task of helping roll out one of the largest conservation projects in the area.

The Great Heath Living Landscape has been awarded £2.7million HLF funding and £2m from local fundraising and will link two outstanding areas of natural heritage from the Wild Purbeck Nature Improvement Area to the New Forest National Park.

Two community conservation officers, Sally Wright and Katie Wilkinson, access ranger Bev Lagden and learning and interpretation officer Nicky Hoar will be out at schools, wildlife events and offering volunteering activities in the area.

“This project is a unique chance for us to help protect rare wildlife in Dorset, but also encourage local people to get involved and learn about the wildlife around them,” said Nicky.

The first in a programme of events is Summer Birds of Brownsea taking place on the Poole Harbour island on Friday, June 20, from 11am to 1pm. For more information call 01202 692033 or 01202 709445.