Volunteer centre planned for nature reserve

A volunteer centre is planned for one of Dorset's significant nature reserves.

Dorset Wildlife Trust wants to create a "volunteer hub" at Lyscombe Farm near Piddletrenthide on the site of vacant farm buildings.

The trust is also hoping to convert a farmyard into a meadow and create a car park for up to 24 vehicles.

The nature reserve has 335 hectares (830 acres) of chalk downland, grassland, wildflower meadow and ancient woodland.

The former working farm, 10 miles (16km) north-east of Dorchester, was acquired by trust and Natural England in March last year.

In May, the previous Conservative government said the reserve's new ownership would enable the building of about 3,700 homes due to its environmental benefits to the nearby Poole Harbour - which is Ramsar-rated, meaning it is a wetland of international importance .

Current designations on the farm include a 50-hectare (125-acre) Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) and several scheduled monuments, including Lyscombe Chapel.

For several decades, the farm has practiced wildlife-friendly land management techniques within the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and under the new ownership will continue to work, in partnership, with adjoining landowners.

Access to the site is via a private lane off of Drake's Lane, which runs between Cheselbourne and Piddletrenthide.

Comments on the proposals are open until 10 January.

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