A PURBECK resident has set up a campaign in a bid to save a meadow after getting wind that the National Trust is reportedly considering selling up.

Clayton Meadow at the Glebe Estate in Studland was gifted to the Trust in 1998 by Dame Barbara Clayton, a pathologist who was passionate about wildflowers, who intended that it be maintained as she had done.

However, the organisation is now looking into potentially selling the plot, which was never developed, to raise funds – much to the dismay of locals.

Mike Cheesman, who lives adjacent to the meadow, told the Echo: “I believe the NT’s motives are to maximise their revenues at the expense of the loss of this rare piece of habitat.

“Clayton Meadow won’t be the first time the NT has been involved in selling land in controversial circumstances.

“They’re a powerful and rich organisation with enormous reserves. Surely they should not be destroying such a rare piece of meadow?”

The 77-year-old retiree said the organisation has been very ‘tight-lipped’ over plans and accused them of using ‘hardball tactics’.

Since the Second World War 97 per cent of British wildflower meadows have been lost, with supposedly many habitats at risk at Clayton.

An invertebrate survey carried out in May showed the meadow hosts 88 different wild plant species, including Dorset notables. Alongside 20 yellow meadow ant hills, 40 different types of insect, adders, slow worms and common lizards can be found on the quarter of an acre site.

The National Trust said it was yet to make a decision on the site.

“The land at the Glebe Estate, Studland, was left to us with conditions it could be sold," said a spokesman.

“Should the site no longer have nature conservation interest, to raise funds for purchasing other chalk down land within the Isle of Purbeck which would have wider nature benefits over a greater area.

“We’re currently undertaking a full survey of the nature value of the site before making any decisions about its future.”

Visit change.org/p/national-trust-save-clayton-meadow