Increase and enhance grassland across Dorset by creating more species-rich, larger, better-managed, and interconnected areas. 

Browse practical tips to support nature, whatever the size of your space.

Gardens and grassland

Garden path in centre with red flowers and hedges behind

Garden for Nature

Welcome wildlife to your garden or outdoor space with advice from The Parks Foundation
Pink Rhododendrom Ponticum with greenery behind

Invasive non-native plants

Identifying invasive non-native plants and preventing their spread with advice from the Royal Horticultural Society
Meadow close up with daisies

Managing meadows

Manage wildflower meadows to support biodiversity with guidance from Plantlife
Garden with purple flowers and greenhouse

Wildlife-friendly gardening

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden with support from Dorset Wildlife Trust

Tree hedges and woodland

Orchard with apple tree top right in focus

Community orchards

Planning, planting and managing a community orchard using guidance from The Orchard Project
Bluebells and wild garlic with tall trees at Milton Abbas woods

Create and manage a woodland

Create, manage and improve woodland habitats

Community tree planting projects

Deliver a community tree planting project with support and resources from The Tree Council
Row of hedges with crops in fields adjacent and a path in centre

Hedge management and care

Boost wildlife with advice from People's Trust for Endangered Species
Trees with a fountain, benches and pathway between on a sunny day

Protect and manage urban forests

Care for trees in urban areas with guidance from GOV.UK
A large oak tree within woodlands

Woodland management

Manage woodland areas with support from the UK Forestry Standard
Orchard on top of a grassy hill with blue sky

Tree planting checklist

Key considerations for planting trees including location, species and management

Water and ponds

River with gravel and grass bank and bright blue sky

Dorset Catchment Partnerships

Data, evidence and information about Dorset's river catchments from Dorset Catchment Partnerships
Water butt against a home with a stone wall

Managing rainwater runoff

Reduce flooding and create benefits for wildlife with guidance from Wessex Water
Permeable driveway with a red garage door

Permeable surfaces

Designing outdoor spaces with permeable surfaces to reduce flooding and support sustainable drainage using guidance from GOV.UK
Pond with wild flowers around on a sunny day

Pond Management Hub

Create ponds to support wildlife and improve habitats with guidance from Freshwater Habitats Trust

Photo credits

  • Wildlife friendly gardens - Dorset Wildlife Trust
  • Wildflower meadow - Steve Wallis
  • Bluebells and wild garlic - Ali Quinney
  • Orchard planting - Rowan Beecham
  • Urban forest - Janna Bloice
  • Orchard planting on Dorset hill - Ali Quinney
  • Oak tree - Ali Quinney
  • River - Dorset Catchment Partnership
  • Winton pond - Janna Bloice