A 50-PLUS year vision to improve nature in West Dorset is set to start next year after receive funding.

The West Dorset Wilding charity has secured a place on a funding shortlist for the Brit Catchment Recovery Project.

The scheme, one of only 34 projects in England to be shortlisted for major support in round two of the government’s Landscape Recovery funding scheme, involves 53 farmers and landowners to improve land for wildlife.

Organisers say more than 8,000 acres of land has been identified for improvement over the next two decades and more.

Over the lifetime of the scheme, the outcomes for nature will include more wetland, species-rich grassland, wood pasture, native woodland and scrub, the charity said.

It will also create space for nature to return, including an increase in the diversity and abundance of birds, insects, mammals, fish, native wildflowers and trees.

The project also aims to work with organic and regenerative farmers to improve water quality in the area’s four rivers, as well as seeking to increase the amount of carbon stored above ground and in the soil.

In addition to the work with farmers and landowners, the project will also explore deer management, look into the reintroduction of species such as water voles, and consider the use of ‘flying pigs’ – hardy pigs like Tamworths that are loaned for short periods – to help smallholders to bring more wildlife back to their land.

The project will also look to help people from within the catchment area reconnect with nature, through education and community animation.

Tim Harris, a farmer within the catchment, said: “As a farmer in the Brit catchment area I am delighted that the Landscape Recovery Project application has been successful.

“This is a golden opportunity for farmers and landowners to cooperate in farming and managing the landscape in an environmentally friendly way.

“Such large-scale projects are vitally important to both local areas and the country as a whole.”

Lauren Goringe, who also farms in the catchment area, went on: “As farmers, we really appreciate the beautiful countryside and wildlife that surrounds us and are keen to preserve and enhance this in the future.

“We are hopeful that this project will provide local farmers with the support to engage in bespoke activity to boost biodiversity, in a way that complements sustainable food production.”

Pictures by Sam Rose

Luke Montagu, chair of trustees at West Dorset Wilding and a landowner, added: “This is a great day for nature in West Dorset. 53 farmers and landowners came together with an ambitious 20-year plan to restore biodiversity across the whole Brit catchment.

“Subject to some formalities, Defra has now agreed to fund this plan and we have an extraordinary opportunity to work together to create a thriving local ecosystem by rebuilding lost wildlife habitats.”

And Dr Sam Rose, executive director for the charity, said: “This is an innovative and exciting approach to farmer-led ecosystem restoration, and our overall objective is that at last 50% of the rural parts of our catchment are under better management for nature by 2050.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

West Dorset Wilding now has to undertake a period of preparation with the government advisors, Natural England, so that work can start in earnest by April 2024.

Find out more about the project at westdorsetwilding.org/brit or by emailing info@westdorsetwilding.org.