Contractors have carried out clearance work as part of the Dorset Heathlands Air Quality Mitigation Project, delivered jointly by Natural England and Dorset Council.
Why soil nutrients need to be reduced
Long-term monitoring has shown that soils close to major roads such as the A31 and A338 have accumulated high levels of nitrogen from vehicle traffic. Heathlands naturally rely on very low‑nutrient soils. When additional nitrogen builds up, it allows fast‑growing species such as birch, pine, bracken and rhododendron to dominate. These plants quickly outcompete the heather, lichens, mosses and specialist invertebrates that make heathland such an important habitat. The most effective way to restore the natural balance is to remove the upper layer of nutrient‑rich soil so that the heathland can recover.
Carefully timed and sensitive working methods
The timing of the work has been chosen carefully. Reptiles are now active and able to move away from any disturbance, and the areas being treated were surveyed in advance to assess for nesting birds. No nests were found, which aligns with the very wet conditions we’ve experienced. The contractors have worked sensitively, removing only the degraded areas while leaving healthy heather, important features such as stumps or holes and any areas that are supporting wildlife like wood ant nests.
The importance of bare ground on heathland
Creating patches of bare ground is also an essential part of maintaining a functioning heathland ecosystem. Natural England recommends at least 5% bare ground to support species such as sand lizards and mining bees, but the site currently has much less than this. Although the cleared areas may look stark at first, they will regenerate, and the long‑term benefits to biodiversity are well evidenced. Similar restoration carried out on a much larger soil‑scraping project at South Park/Boundary Lane in 2002 has shown impressive results, with the site now recognised as one of the best invertebrate and bryophyte (lichen and moss) areas in Dorset.
Protecting a Site of Special Scientific Interest
Avon Heath Country Park is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its wildlife and plant-life, and undertaking conservation work of this nature is essential to the continued preservation and restoration of this rare and special habitat.
Find out more about Dorset Heathlands Air Quality Mitigation.