Wardening
The majority of the urban heaths are owned or managed by nature conservation organisations and local authorities who are partners in the Urban Heaths Partnership. These partners employ staff who patrol and manage the heaths but their limited resources mean that greater cover is needed, particularly during the summer months.
The Urban Heaths Partnership employees three Area Wardens throughout the year to support and enhance the existing work of the Partners. The UHP also employs additional Seasonal Wardens each year to assist the Area Wardens and the Partners wherever possible to relieve the pressure on the heaths.
Particularly during the summer season (March - September) Urban Heaths Partnership Wardens have regularly patrolled the heaths and acted as a point of contact with the public, raising awareness of problems such as deliberate fire starting; enrichment by dogs and tipping; and trampling and disturbance of wildlife. They have also recorded potentially damaging incidents and monitored their effects. In addition the Wardens have assisted Dorset Fire and Rescue Service in the event of a heath fires.
Over the course of the project, feedback from members of the public has been particularly encouraging, with heathland users appreciating the additional presence on the heaths and commenting on the positive difference they have made to the condition of individual sites.
If you would like to know more about the wardening of the urban heaths, please contact the Urban Heaths Partnership office
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Name: Urban Heaths Partnership - Project Office
Email: urbanheaths@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Tel: 01202 642 787
Full details for Urban Heaths Partnership - Project Office
