THE National Trust has taken management control of three National Nature Reserves (NNR) in Dorset – including one in Purbeck.

The three sites include part of Hartland Moor in Purbeck, where the National Trust is now responsible for most of the NNR, the Iron Age hillfort at Hambledon Hill near Blandford and Holt Heath near Wimborne, where almost all of the site is now under National Trust stewardship.

The conservation organisation said it would ensure the sites “become the best they possibly can be” and that access across the sites would continue and conservation management practices would protect the vulnerable habitats.

The National Trust is recognised as one of the few organisations able to look after NNRs, particularly with their high archaeological and ecological interest. It will work with Natural England to ensure a sustainable future for the sites.

David Bullock, head of nature conservation for the National Trust, said: “These National Nature Reserves are beautiful, and full of natural and cultural riches. Personally I cannot think of a better example of the way culture and nature have intertwined over millennia to produce something of such great beauty than Hambledon Hill - and this is just one of them.

“They are all very different in character but have some of the most special plants and animals in the UK as well as stunning things like spectacular hillforts, ancient trees, miles of heather and vast bogs with insectivorous plants,” he added.

Around a quarter of all National Nature Reserves under National Trust management are in the South West. Other sites include Leigh Woods, Dunkery and Horner Wood, parts of Cotswolds Commons and Beechwoods, Studland and Godlingston.

Simon Ford, National Trust nature conservation advisor for the South West said the transfer of authority for these three sites was “a real recognition of our conservation management principles and the work of our conservation teams”.

Ben Le Bas, senior adviser for Natural England, added: “The National Trust has well-proven experience in nature conservation and will undoubtedly manage these areas excellently. Natural England’s close working with the National Trust in Dorset is a reflection of an England-wide partnership between many of the organisations that manage National Nature Reserves.”