A NEW strategy has been launched to transform the natural landscape of Dorset by 2030, with an aim to involve one in four residents.

Championed by Dorset Wildlife Trust, the ‘Wilder Dorset by 2030’ vision explores the challenges facing the county’s ecology and sets out what it aims to do to make more space for wildlife to adapt and recover.

The three main goals are:

  • Restore and expand habitats, ensuring 30 per cent of land and sea is managed for nature by 2030
  • Ensure that people and wildlife benefit from local policies, decisions and management affecting land and sea
  • Inspire people and communities to learn about Dorset’s wild places with the ambition to involve one in four people in Dorset with nature by 2030

According to the Trust, evidence shows that if 25 per cent of the population visibly take action, a social ‘tipping point’ is created and the majority then follow.

Bournemouth Echo: Upton Heath nature reserve. Picture: Mark HeighesUpton Heath nature reserve. Picture: Mark Heighes

Brian Bleese, Dorset Wildlife Trust chief executive, said: “The world is waking up to the impact of climate change and nature loss on our lives and those of future generations and awareness of the need for change has never been higher.

“[We are] here to play a vital role in leading that change and enabling people who are clearly thinking globally to take action locally.

“The ‘Wilder Dorset by 2030’ strategy will guide Dorset Wildlife Trust in ensuring the best possible outcomes, not only for wildlife and nature, which we will continue to passionately champion and support, but also in enabling people to benefit from regular contact with nature and its positive impact on health and wellbeing.”

Bournemouth Echo: Kingcombe national nature reserve. Picture: James BurlandKingcombe national nature reserve. Picture: James Burland

As reported, Dorset Wildlife Trust has already started an ambitious five-year transformation project to expand the Brownsea Island landscape thanks to funding from the government’s Countryside Stewardship Scheme.

The Trust has also set itself the goal of becoming a carbon net-zero organisation by 2030.

Visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wilderby2030 for more information about the new strategy.