Nature & Wildlife | Posted on October 22nd, 2026 | return to news

Dorset Wildlife Trust launches new appeal to drive nature’s recovery across Dorset

The Help Nature Take the Lead appeal invites people across the county to support practical action for wildlife.

Building on decades of conservation experience and the success of its pioneering rewilding project at Wild Woodbury, a new appeal, Help Nature Take the Lead, will help fund habitat restoration, natural regeneration, wetland creation, conservation grazing and partnerships with farmers and landowners to create bigger, better and more connected spaces for nature across Dorset.

The Trust says there is real reason for hope. Over the last five years, lessons learned at Wild Woodbury have demonstrated how quickly wildlife can respond when nature is given the opportunity to recover. The evidence gathered there is now helping to inform wider plans for nature recovery across Dorset.

Andrew Pollard, Conservation Director at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said:
“The challenges facing wildlife in Dorset have never been greater, but neither has the opportunity to make a difference. At Wild Woodbury, we’ve seen first-hand how nature can recover when conditions are right, with wildlife returning to areas where it had previously been lost. What is most exciting is that the lessons we’ve learned can be applied far beyond a single site. We know what can work. We know that restoring and connecting habitats can help wildlife recover, become more resilient and flourish. Now is the time to take that knowledge and put it into action across Dorset.”

Through the Help Nature Take the Lead appeal, Dorset Wildlife Trust is seeking support to help expand nature recovery across Dorset, from restoring wetlands and grasslands to supporting natural regeneration and working alongside landowners to reconnect wildlife-rich landscapes.

Supporters can find out more and donate at dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.