THE Wild Purbeck project is to get a £1.5millon boost as one of only 12 Nature Improvement Areas in England.

Purbeck was chosen as one of the areas to share £7.5million because of its wealth of wildlife and the pressures it faces.

With internationally important heathlands, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, the Jurassic Coast, valley wetlands and much more, the Purbeck area has a large diversity of plants and wildlife.

More than 80 per cent of British mammal and butterfly species and 90 per cent of bird species can be found in Purbeck.

Funding of more than £626,000 will come from the government’s NIA programme, with the rest from a partnership of nine environmental organisations, with the bid co-ordinated by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, supported by Dorset County Council.