Fundraiser set up to protect West Dorset's Kingcombe Nature Reserve
Dorset Wildlife Trust wants to raise ÂŁ135,000
A huge public fundraising appeal's been set up by Dorset's Wildlife Trust, to protect and improve Kingcombe National Nature Reserve (NNR).
The charity's looking to bring in ÂŁ135,000 to create a 5,000 hectare nature recovery network.
That'll give local wildlife the 'chance to spread out', as the species living there are becoming overcrowded.
Kingcombe’s 'Wild Energy project' will help to support dormice, otters, kingfishers and orchids, along with rare species like grey long-eared bats and marsh fritillary butterflies.
The project would see hedgerows replanted, rivers rewilded, ponds managed and meadows created, allowing billions of wildflowers to grow, making a home for mammals, insects and amphibians.
The area was given NNR status in 2021 by Natural England, combining the nature reserves at Kincgombe Meadow and Powerstock Common, to create a 309 hectare area of meadows, woodland and scrub habitat, on either side of the River Hooke near Toller Porcorum.
Brian Bleese, Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust said:
"Making the most of the abundance of species already found within the Kingcombe NNR, we can give wildlife the best possible opportunity to breed, feed, and move freely beyond boundaries, creating new connections over a massive area.
"Nature is capable of extraordinary recovery and by unleashing Kingcombe’s wild energy, we’ll be allowing it to do just that. Every single donation will help to create, restore and expand these natural habitats and achieve our ambitious vision of a Dorset rich in wildlife, valued and nurtured by everyone."
You can donate to the Kingcombe's Wild Energy Appeal, through the Dorset Wildlife Trust website.