Dorset countryside inland team (West)

The Inland team (West) manages a number of sites in West Dorset ranging from Local Nature Reserves in the West to heathland in the East

The Inland Team (West) is based at Thorncombe Woods, just outside Dorchester, and consists of the Area Ranger, Assistant Ranger, an apprentice and a number of dedicated volunteers. Together we manage a number of sites in West Dorset as well as local trails (Wessex Ridgeway, Frome Valley Trail, Brit Valley Way).

We carry out practical conservation work including woodland management, heathland management and grassland management, work to improve and maintain public access, work with local schools, colleges and organisations to help students understand the natural world and help to inform the public about Dorset's beautiful countryside through on site interpretation and the web.

What's going on now?

Thorncombe Woods

As part of our commitments within our Environmental Stewardship agreement with Natural England we are undertaking works for the long term restoration of ancient woodland and heath.

Removal of invasive Cherry Laurel and Rhododendron
Thinning of Birch to open up canopy to improve diversity of stand structure
Heathland restoration including reduction in scrub, encouragement of heathland plants and grazing Black Heath and Duddle Heath with Dartmoor ponies to suppress scrub regeneration.

Jellyfields

The circular path around the reserve has been resurfaced with stone. This will ensure a much better path surface and will enable easier access throughout the site. We apologise for any inconvenience during the works, I'm sure you all agree now it is finished it was well worth it.

Hilfield Hill

We have recently improved forestry access infrastructure with the help of monies from the AONB to allow us to better carry out forestry operations that will see a long term transformation of the woods from conifer back to broadleaf. This is in agreement with Natural England as part of our Environmental Stewardship agreement for the site.

Turners Puddle Heath

Installation of cattle grids to allow the reintroduction of grazing, as well as the removal of invasive species, and scrub management at Turners Puddle Heath to ensure the return of favourable condition for this site of special scientific interest (SSSI)

Blackdown

Plans to restore large areas of heath and grassland surrounding Hardy's Monument, known as Blackdown have been published.

Blackdown lies within the Dorset AONB at the highest point of the 17 mile South Dorset Ridgeway. The site is of considerable national and international importance for its biodiversity, archaeology plus local history and heritage. It is domineered by the 72-foot-high Hardy Monument, which is owned by the National Trust. The monument was built from Portland stone in 1844, in memory of naval commander, Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy, who lived nearby in Portesham.

Last year, 117 hectares at Blackdown were purchased by Dorset County Council with the support of Natural England, AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), Pasty Wood Trust and West Dorset District Council. Following a year-long consultation, involving stakeholders and local communities, the management plans have now been published. The aim of the plan is to protect and enhance the existing area, ensuring the sustainability of local species.

Dorset County Council is committed to sustaining the woodland which will be preserved for biodiversity and timber production with the long-term aim of returning it to native broadleaf woodland. Copies are available at Dorchester Library and at the Forestry Commission Regional Office in Exeter (call 01626 890666).

See electronic version of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) at Blackdown:

If you have any comments or questions about our work please don't hesitate to contact us.

Get involved

Would you like to get involved? We have a number of different volunteer roles from those working with the rangers on a daily basis, others for the occasional event, and those that act as our eyes and ears at various sites.

Friends of Groups - Thorncombe Woods, Turners Puddle Heath, Jellyfields and Bothenhampton Nature Reserves

We are trying to establish friends of groups at Thorncombe Woods, Turners Puddle Heath, Jellyfields and Bothenhampton nature reserves. If you are interested please contact the Area Ranger for more details. Members would regularly meet at their chosen site to carry out practical conservation and site management tasks

Weekend Warden - Thorncombe Woods

Act as an ambassador for Dorset Countryside while out and about in the woods. We aren't looking for much in the way of time commitment, perhaps just while walking your dog on a Saturday or Sunday. In return we offer a uniform and training; the aim is to act as a visual deterrent for people carrying out activities detrimental to the environment and being a point of contact for public information.

Wessex Ridgeway

Adopt a short section of the Wessex Ridgeway and carry out maintenance/repair roles as a volunteer ranger. Work would include path clearance, repair of gates, stiles, and signs; all training, tools and equipment will be provided.

Hope to see you soon.