NEW signs are helping people discover rare wildlife in Dorset this spring, thanks to Bournemouth Airport.

Some of the rarest wildlife in Britain features on the new information boards around Dorset Wildlife Trust Sopley Common reserve, which have been funded by the Bournemouth Airport Community Fund.

Nigel Brooks, Dorset Wildlife Trust warden, said: “We hope that these new signs will make people more aware of the amazing wildlife discovered on this extremely important and beautiful site.

“Living in Dorset, it is easy to take heathland for granted but this rare habitat is part of what makes the county so outstanding on a national scale. We are very grateful to Bournemouth Airport for recognising this and supporting nature conservation on its doorstep.”

The 82-acre Sopley Common nature reserve is made up of lowland heath and woodland and its wildlife includes birds such as Dartford warbler and nightjar, Britain’s rarest snake and lizard, the smooth snake and sand lizard as well as insects such as silver-studded blue butterflies, heath tiger beetles and dragonflies.

The reserve is protected by national and international law due to the rarity of its habitat.