A UNITED Nations Messenger of Peace from Dorset has given her backing to a campaign to save an area of Dorset grassland.

The Dorset Wildlife Trust led the protests after West Dorset District Council granted planning permission for a solar farm at the former transmitting station at Rampisham Down.

The charity appealed to Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles to investigate the approval by the council for the development to go ahead on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the scheme is currently on hold. Its campaign has been given added weight by conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a UN Messenger of Peace.

She has penned a letter to West Dorset District Council expressing her concern at the potential loss of the grassland site at Rampisham Down.

Dr Goodall said: “It would be really unfortunate if the lowland acid grassland of Rampisham Down in West Dorset was destroyed by a solar farm.

“I am told it is one of the largest areas of such grassland remaining in England, and I know it is protected by law. We desperately need schemes to promote alternative energy.

“I travel the globe 300 days a year talking about this need. And if the grassland of Rampisham Down was the only site suitable, then perhaps one could understand the plan to place a solar farm there. But I understand there is a suitable site on the other side of the road.

“This being the case I see no reason to destroy this area with its unique flora, and its wildlife.”

She added: “I grew up in Dorset, and I still live there. Thus I feel compelled to write, begging the West Dorset District Council to reconsider this project, and vote instead for a solar farm on the other side of the road.

“That is the perfect solution: a win for a clean energy project; a win for the environment; and a win for those who will live in the area in the future. Please help those who care to save Rampisham Down's unique grassland.”