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16 Dec 98Successful £450,000 Heathland Heritage Lottery Fund Bids
The Borough of Poole has been notified of its success in bids from the Heritage Lottery Fund to aid the purchase of two areas of Heathland in North Canford Heath.
The bids totalling £450,000 have been developed in partnership with the Borough of Poole by Dorset Wildlife Trust, RSPB, English Nature, Countryside Commission, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Herpetological Conservation Trust and The Heathwatch Volunteers and supported by the current owners of the two areas of land, W H White plc and Beales.
The Heath was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1985 in recognition of its international importance as a rare and protected habitat, supporting species such as Sand Lizard, Smooth Snake, Dartford Warbler, Nightjar and Hobby.
Mayor Cllr Graham Curtis, ward member for Canford Heath said: "It is appropriate that at the close of Poole’s 750th Anniversary, we have the opportunity to increase the Borough’s ownership on the Heath to 750 acres, safeguarding the largest remaining piece of Dorset Heathland for future generations."
Cllr Jeff Allen, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee said: "In 1991, the Council made a commitment to preserve the area of Heath in its ownership, and in 1996 became one of the few local authorities in England to receive an SSSI management award for outstanding achievement in the management of Heathland. The additional area of heathland has been actively managed by its present owners and we are confident the Borough can build on this to the benefit of wildlife using the accumulated knowledge and skills of local people. This project shows how strong partnership working by the Borough of Poole, conservation groups and local businesses can be used to protect our heritage."
John Milton, Head of Property Services 01202 633064, Nick Woods, Principal Countryside Officer 01202 261334
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