The Trust’s geographic area
includes most of the communities in the Purbeck district of
Dorset, with the exception of Lytchett Minster, Upton, Swanage
and the parishes between Studland and Worth Matravers. Click
on the map to see the area in more detail.
Click map to enlarge
If you're not familiar with this
beautiful part of Dorset, and want to know more about the
area,
click here.
PROJECTS - Priory Meadow
Priory Meadow is situated in the parish of Arne
on the south bank of the River Frome, opposite The Quay, which is
arguably Wareham's best known spot. To see a map,
click here
As
well as being within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's also
part of an Area of Special Scientific Interest. These factors had
stopped anything happening on the site for many years, and it had
become heavily overgrown with brambles.
In a generous gesture the landowner offered the
site to WDDT on a long lease at a nominal cost. Initially we both
hoped that the area could simply be turned into a neat garden, giving
residents and visitors a place to sit and admire the view.
Unfortunately, the restrictions that had already stopped any other use
of the site also stopped us doing this.
Rather
than just give in we have tried instead to create an area where people
can look over the adjacent water meadows, and can see and learn about
the plants and animals that inhabit them.
We worked hard with English Nature and Purbeck
District Council to reach agreement on what could be done, and we had
invaluable help with the design from
Dorset Wildlife
Trust.
We've also had an inspiring amount of help from
the local community. This has ranged from individuals who've worked on
the site, to suppliers who've let us have materials at cost price or
less, to contractors who've worked for little or no profit, or even
for nothing, and to organisations who've given donations. In
particular we had a very generous donation from Mrs Eve Edmunds, in
memory of her late husband Maurice, who is commemorated on a plaque.
We're just a group of
local volunteers, and we can always use more help
As
well as being within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's also
part of an Area of Special Scientific Interest. These factors had
stopped anything happening on the site for many years, and it had
become heavily overgrown with brambles.
Rather
than just give in we have tried instead to create an area where people
can look over the adjacent water meadows, and can see and learn about
the plants and animals that inhabit them.
We've also had an inspiring amount of help from
the local community. This has ranged from individuals who've worked on
the site, to suppliers who've let us have materials at cost price or
less, to contractors who've worked for little or no profit, or even
for nothing, and to organisations who've given donations. In
particular we had a very generous donation from Mrs Eve Edmunds, in
memory of her late husband Maurice, who is commemorated on a plaque.