Lyscombe nature recovery site named National Nature Reserve

A nature reserve established to improve wildlife habitats and offset the building of new homes has been designated a National Nature Reserve.

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) and Natural England bought 833 acres (335 hectares) of farmland and chalk downland at Lyscombe, north east of Dorchester, in 2024.

Natural England said the landscape, which is home to rare orchids and butterflies, would join the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves (NNR).

It is the 16th site to receive the NNR designation since the scheme was announced in 2023.

To mark the King’s coronation, Natural England said it would create 25 major nature reserves – five a year, over five years.

Lyscombe is made up of farmland, chalk grassland, ancient woodland and heritage sites, including 50 hectares of nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) chalk downland.