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.
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.
Hambledons: Here to help
Feel free to take a look at our other blog posts here and view our full range of quality services here.
Comments