Dorset's heathlands once covered over 50,000 hectares, stretching from the Avon Valley in the east to Dorchester in the west. Changes in agricultural practice, conifer planting, scrub encroachment, urban expansion and road building have all contributed to a reduction in area.  Dorset's fragmented heaths total approximately 7,000 hectares today.

• About the Dorset Heaths

  The heathlands in Dorset are owned, managed and protected by law. Over 96% of Dorset's heaths are classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a designation given to the most valuable wildlife habitats. British and European laws help to conserve these beautiful open spaces for people and wildlife.

• Community involvement

  Heathlands are valuable green open spaces for local communities. Local communities can help protect their heathland sites by using them responsibly and by getting involved.

• Education

  Education plays an important role in encouraging young people to take an interest in the heathlands and to understand the importance of heath sites.

• Resources

  Many resources have been created to help inform and advise people on how to visit the heathlands responsibly. All resources are provided free of charge and many are in a digital form to download.

• Projects

  A number of projects relating to the Dorset Heaths have been or are currently running.

• 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.

• Name: Urban Heaths Partnership - Project Office
  Email: urbanheaths@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01202 642 787
  Full details for Urban Heaths Partnership - Project Office