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 to about 7,000 hectares today.

• About the Dorset Heaths

  Over 96 per cent of Dorset's heathlands are now protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a designation given to the most valuable wildlife habitats. The importance of Dorset's heathlands is recognised in European law, with many heaths being designated as Natura 2000 sites.

• Conservation issues

  The main threats to Dorset's heathlands are urban pressures, lack of management and fragmentation. There is also concern over responsible heathland use with the new rights of open access.

• Cultural background

  Contrary to popular belief heathland is not a 'natural' habitat but an ancient man-made landscape created and maintained by its use by people for over 4,000 years.

• Wildlife

  Because the development of heathland took place over a long period of time, nature readily adapted to this relatively gradual change. The vast range of heathland management activities resulted in a diverse landscape from bare ground to a variety of heather stands with small patches of trees. This diversity provided a rich and varied home for wildlife.

• Heathland sites

  The Urban Heaths Partnership covers the majority of South East Dorset. Geographically the project area extends from the Purbecks in the west to Christchurch in the east and up to Verwood in the north. Within this vast area 56 heathland Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) have been identified as most at risk from local urban pressures.

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