Major New Plans for Lyscombe Farm Nature Reserve in Dorset

Dorset Wildlife Trust has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Lyscombe Farm near Piddletrenthide into a thriving hub for conservation and community engagement. Proposals include...

• The conversion of farm buildings into a volunteer centre and a residential unit.

• The demolition and redevelopment of unused structures to establish a modern volunteer hub.

• Transforming the farmyard into a wildflower meadow and creating a car park for up to 24 vehicles to improve accessibility.

These enhancements aim to support ongoing conservation efforts while providing better facilities for visitors and volunteers.

How one conversion may look (Image: Dorset Wildlife Trust)

Lyscombe Farm: A Key Conservation Site with Unique Features

Acquired in March 2024 by Dorset Wildlife Trust and Natural England, Lyscombe Farm is a 335-hectare nature reserve boasting:

• Chalk downland, grassland, wildflower meadows, and ancient woodland.

• Significant environmental designations, including a 50-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and several Scheduled Monuments like Lyscombe Chapel.

The site is also part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to wildlife-friendly land management.

The nature reserve offers nitrate credits, enabling projects to offset environmental impacts on water systems flowing into the RAMSAR-rated Poole Harbour, which is struggling with nutrient pollution from agriculture and housing developments.

Community Involvement and Next Steps for the Project

Access to Lyscombe Farm is via a private lane off Drake’s Lane, connecting Cheselbourne and Piddletrenthide. Dorset Wildlife Trust encourages public feedback on the planning application, which is available on the Dorset Council website under reference 2024/06549.

Comments on the proposals are open until January 10th, 2025. With these developments, Lyscombe Farm is poised to become a leading example of sustainable land management and community-supported conservation.

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