Lyscombe becomes newest national nature reserve
Site on the Dorset Downs inspired Thomas Hardy
A Dorset landscape full of rare orchids and butterflies that inspired Victorian writer Thomas Hardy has been named England’s newest national nature reserve.
More than 330 hectares of important habitats at Lyscombe on the Dorset Downs – equivalent to 468 football pitches – have been marked out as an area of focus for conservation and nature restoration by the government body Natural England.
Located north of Dorchester, the landscape is home to ancient woodland and chalk grassland flora, including at least six different species of orchid such as pyramidal and bee orchids, as well as rare chalkhill blue butterflies.
Lyscombe becomes the 16th site to be declared a reserve under the “King’s series of National Nature Reserves”, created to mark Charles’s lifelong support for the natural environment, with 25 new protected areas planned by 2028.
Tony Juniper, chairman of Natural England, said: “The King’s Series of National Nature Reserves is taking Nature recovery to a new level, showing what can be achieved when people and organisations come together in common cause, and not only for the benefit of wildlife, but people too.
“The declaration of the Lyscombe National Nature Reserve gives recognition to this unique mosaic of chalk downland and woodland, connecting up amazing wildlife-rich habitats while also creating new opportunities for all of us to connect with nature, and for generations to come.”
With its rolling hills and valleys, the Lyscombe landscape inspired Thomas Hardy’s novels, including Tess of the D’Urbervilles and Far from the Madding Crowd.
Natural England said the site has the potential to act as a significant area for nature recovery across the wider 5,700-hectare Dorset Downs landscape, creating bigger, better and more connected spaces for wildlife.
The chalk habitats were formed up to 100 million years ago, with more recent history still found on site, including remains of ancient settlements, the medieval Lyscombe Chapel and a 16th-century Priest’s House, the organisation said.
Declared in partnership with Dorset Wildlife Trust, the “national nature reserve” designation aims to recognise the nature recovery work already under way across the landscape but also celebrates benefits delivered beyond its boundaries.
This includes sustainable food production through less intensive farming in the area and the reduction of historic pollution into the local River Piddle, securing water quality improvements into the catchment downstream.
Brian Bleese, chief executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “This designation recognises both the exceptional wildlife and habitats already present and the enormous potential to create a thriving landscape where nature, people and farming coexist successfully.”
Nature minister Jenny Riddell-Carpenter said: “Lyscombe is a truly special landscape, steeped in history with its archaeological wonders and now brimming with flourishing wildlife and wildflowers, including rare orchids and butterflies.
“Bringing Lyscombe into nature recovery will protect these precious habitats for the future, creating a lasting place for people and wildlife to enjoy.”