There are 18 farms (covering 900ha) owned and tenanted by Dorset Council within the Dorset and Cranborne Chase National Landscapes, all of which have potential to contribute to the recovery and expansion of ecological networks across Dorset. Prior to 2021 most farms had not had any form of ecological assessment so, under guidance from Dorset Council’s Natural Environment Team (NET), this was the starting point – to identify the existing biodiversity value of the land and potential improvements to enhance biodiversity. The purpose is to help tenants make the most of future environmental grants and funding opportunities.

The ecological baseline surveys were conducted by DERC in 2022 and 2023 and for each farm or cluster of farms, we recorded the key ecological features for protection and enhancement. The survey reports also set out opportunities to restore and create habitats that would help deliver climate and ecological emergency targets for water quality, carbon sequestration, natural flood management and climate resilience driven by the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Over 350 hedgerows were assessed of which 60% were identified as Significant Dorset Hedgerows, containing eight or more native shrubs over their length, making hedgerows an important ecological and landscape feature. Many had mature hedgerow trees – mostly Oak with some Ash and Maple. Mature trees support many other species, including several Red Listed lichens, Barn Owl and Tawny Owl nesting sites and opportunities for roosting bats. 

High quality species-rich grassland of county importance was confined to steep slopes on a few farms in the west of the county where Knapweed, Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Corky-fruited Water-dropwort and Devil’s-bit Scabious were found.  However, most farms had watercourses, another key habitat feature, often with small streams fringed by narrow areas of woodland. These act as ecological corridors allowing bats, birds and mammals in particular to move through the landscape.

The farm reports produced by DERC will be used by Dorset Council in discussion with tenants for on-the-ground delivery of habitat and species projects. With appropriate funding, these could include:

• additional hedge/small copse planting or natural regeneration in field corners;
• creating small wetland areas, improving water quality and contributing to natural flood management;
• planting new standard trees in hedgerows which will become the future veteran and ancient trees of the countryside, supporting a wealth of pollinators and birds such as barn owls;
• restoring herb-rich pastures on steeper land or in areas of rough grazing to support wildflowers, pollinators and small mammals. 

The work was funded through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) grant scheme matched with funds from Dorset Council’s habitat compensation framework. In the past council farms have been seen as a commercial asset and a first step for new farmers but, with targeted work, they will also become important sites for biodiversity and conservation.

Nikki Taylor (Principal Ecologist, Dorset Council) and Bryan Edwards (DERC Ecologist)