Nature reserve volunteer centre approved

Plans to convert two barns into a volunteer hub and storage at a Dorset nature reserve have been agreed.

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) and Natural England bought 833 acres (335 ha) of land at Lyscombe, near Dorchester, in 2024.

Dorset Council has also approved plans to demolish farm buildings, and another building is likely to be converted into a three-bedroom private home.

DWT said it would not be creating a visitor centre or cafe at the site.

The purchase was made possible by Natural England's nutrient mitigation scheme, backed by £30m of government funding, and its national nature reserves funding, alongside donations from Dorset Wildlife Trust supporters.

Natural England previously said it would offer nutrient credits for sale to developers to offset the impact of building homes in the area, recouping taxpayers' money spent on the farm.

Natural regeneration, rewilding and traditional conservation management techniques will be used to support the downland and boost wildlife, DWT said.

DWT chief officer Brian Bleese said: "There is a proposal to offer toilet facilities and a covered space for visitors and volunteers to shelter.

"Dorset Wildlife Trust has no involvement in the sale of nutrient credits nor any input as to whom they are purchased by."

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