A newly established stretch of countryside near Bere Regis provides locals with a peaceful place to connect with nature, all while playing a vital role in protecting Dorset’s rare heathland habitats.
Situated just off the A35, this green space is part of Wild Woodbury, a 170-hectare site managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT). Wild Woodbury represents England’s first large-scale community rewilding project, designed to encourage ecological recovery and public engagement simultaneously. The area is officially recognized as a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), created to redirect foot traffic from sensitive heathlands in the region.
Funded through developer contributions managed by Dorset Council, Wild Woodbury balances conservation with community needs. Visitors will enjoy amenities including parking, walking trails, dog waste bins, and future plans for features such as a food forest and a large communal table intended for workshops and gatherings. While the land is predominantly left to regenerate naturally, maintained pathways ensure easy and responsible access.
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Local input played an integral role in shaping the site, with children from Bere Regis Primary School and residents helping to design elements that reflect the community’s values and aspirations.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, praised the initiative: “This project perfectly illustrates how nature recovery and public access can coexist. By providing an alternative natural space, we are protecting the nearby heathlands that support many of Dorset’s treasured wildlife species.”
He added, “Dorset Wildlife Trust’s restoration of Wild Woodbury creates an accessible gateway for people to experience rewilding efforts without impacting delicate heathland ecosystems. Developer funding has been pivotal in creating this valuable community resource, demonstrating how development and conservation can thrive together.”
To celebrate the site, Dorset Wildlife Trust will hold an open day on Saturday, November 15, from 10am to 3pm. Activities include guided walks at 11am and 1pm, community tree planting, and opportunities to learn more about ongoing rewilding efforts.
Since its launch four years ago, Wild Woodbury has recorded over 1,900 species — a 600-species increase — thanks to habitat restoration techniques like stage-zero river restoration and the introduction of free-roaming cattle, ponies, and pigs.
The site’s goals extend beyond biodiversity; it aims to improve water quality, store carbon, and support Dorset’s broader heathland conservation strategy, helping ensure these fragile landscapes thrive for generations to come.