REGULAR visitors to heathland in Purbeck, East Dorset and Poole are needed to back an organisation dedicated to protecting the land.

Members of the Urban Heaths Partnership are calling on those who enjoy the countryside to join the group.

The partnership was launched to help prevent threats to heathland, such as arson, disturbance of ground-nesting birds, fly-tipping and erosion of the soil.

Firefighters from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will host two free Heath Watch information events for those interested in joining up.

The first will take place at Hamworthy Fire Station in Blandford Road from 2pm until 4pm on Saturday, May 21.

The second is planned for Saturday, May 28, and will take place from 1pm until 3pm at Wareham Fire Station in Encombe Road.

Amy Gallagher, an area warden for Purbeck, said: “We welcome everyone who can dedicate a small amount of their time to helping protect these precious areas.

"If you would like to join us in our mission to protect our beautiful environment, then we would very much like to hear from you.

"The training we give volunteers is about providing information on the best way to report what they see, and the information the emergency services need to respond to incidents as quickly as possible.”

The Urban Heaths Partnership is made up of 14 organisations, including Dorset Police, the fire service, councils, Natural England and the National Trust.

Members work to protect Dorset's heathland by hosting educational activities in the community.

For more information on the free Heath Watch information events, or to book a place, call (01202) 642787 or email urbanheaths@dorsetcc.gov.uk