REGARDING the letter in the Dorset Echo on February 11 we would like to make the following comment.

Tadnoll and Winfrith Nature Reserves are fantastic sites for wildlife and are both nationally and internationally protected for the rare lowland heathland habitat found there, as well as the many associated rare plants and animals.

This winter we have undertaken work which has been funded and supported by Natural England in order to safeguard the future of these important heathland sites and restore areas of both heath and mire.

Some of this work has involved the clearance of Birch, Pine and Alder trees which have over the years encroached on to the rare heathland and mire which have compromised the biodiversity of the site. Heathland is one of Britain’s most precious habitats, one which supports species not found elsewhere. Dorset has a special responsibility for heathland conservation at a time when it has been recognised that the world is facing an ecological emergency.

These areas, once re-instated will provide vital habitat for many of the UK's rarest heathland wildlife.

We appreciate that seeing our conservation teams removing trees from nature reserves can be surprising but would like to reassure the public that this work is part of a structured management plan designed to improve the habitat for wildlife. Clearing trees from heathland sites to remove shading and promote regeneration of specialist heathland species is a tried and tested procedure used by many conservation organisations to help secure good quality biodiversity for the future.

Please do get in touch with DWT if you need any further information on 01305 264620.

Sally Welbourn

Communications Officer

Dorset Wildlife Trust