Abundance and diversity of local species increases so that sustainable populations are reached and maintained, while invasive non-native species are controlled.
This priority is about giving all wildlife opportunities to thrive, by creating a network of diverse, naturally functioning and joined up grassland, woodland, wetland, heathland and coastal habitats across the county, supported by more nature-friendly land management practices across all the surrounding farmland, towns and villages. This will be achieved by combining potential activities listed under a number of the priorities.
More species abundance means an increase in the total number of each species. And more species richness means an increase in the number of different species. Together these result in more species diversity. Rather than just aiming for high numbers, the focus of this priority is on species having big enough populations to be maintained over the long term to help the ecosystem function. Without enough overall wildlife (biomass) then there is a risk that food chains will collapse.
As well as increasing local species diversity, there is a need to reduce or remove invasive non-native species whose presence is a common threat to native wildlife and the habitats covered by the other priorities.
This priority focuses on supporting habitats and their species to be resilient to pests, disease, and ongoing changes in our climate, acknowledging that some species will reduce or move away, and some new species will arrive from other areas that no longer provide their required climate.
Some land management activities benefit some species more than others, as part of planning activities it is important to consider if the intended outcome is to increase overall species diversity or abundance, or to support a specific species.
More species abundance means an increase in the total number of each species. And more species richness means an increase in the number of different species. Together these result in more species diversity. Rather than just aiming for high numbers, the focus of this priority is on species having big enough populations to be maintained over the long term to help the ecosystem function. Without enough overall wildlife (biomass) then there is a risk that food chains will collapse.
As well as increasing local species diversity, there is a need to reduce or remove invasive non-native species whose presence is a common threat to native wildlife and the habitats covered by the other priorities.
This priority focuses on supporting habitats and their species to be resilient to pests, disease, and ongoing changes in our climate, acknowledging that some species will reduce or move away, and some new species will arrive from other areas that no longer provide their required climate.
Some land management activities benefit some species more than others, as part of planning activities it is important to consider if the intended outcome is to increase overall species diversity or abundance, or to support a specific species.
Nature recovery in action
A project to control Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed was carried out in the River Axe catchment.
Himalayan balsam is considered problematic and invasive as it outcompetes native plants, provides poor soil stabilisation due to its shallow roots, can alter water flows on rivers, and spreads rapidly. It responds strongly to nutrient availability and therefore can be a problem near farmland and water courses where nutrient input is often higher. Working with Natural England, the Dorset based European Conservation Action Network (EuCAN) volunteers worked alongside contractors over a 5-year period to tackle the invasive species problem on the main River Axe.
The giant hogweed was dealt with by contractors removing the flower and seed heads offsite in heavy-duty plastic sacks for disposal by incineration. The Japanese knotweed was tackled by contractors using one application of a glyphosate-based herbicide in September and the Himalayan balsam was removed through pulling, cutting, strimming, and brush cutting by both volunteers and contractors.
This work initially led to a reduction in Himalayan balsam, but, as soon as the funding stopped the problem returned. This example illustrates why it’s important to prevent invasive non-native species at source, because efforts to control them can be expensive and are required
long-term.
Himalayan balsam is considered problematic and invasive as it outcompetes native plants, provides poor soil stabilisation due to its shallow roots, can alter water flows on rivers, and spreads rapidly. It responds strongly to nutrient availability and therefore can be a problem near farmland and water courses where nutrient input is often higher. Working with Natural England, the Dorset based European Conservation Action Network (EuCAN) volunteers worked alongside contractors over a 5-year period to tackle the invasive species problem on the main River Axe.
The giant hogweed was dealt with by contractors removing the flower and seed heads offsite in heavy-duty plastic sacks for disposal by incineration. The Japanese knotweed was tackled by contractors using one application of a glyphosate-based herbicide in September and the Himalayan balsam was removed through pulling, cutting, strimming, and brush cutting by both volunteers and contractors.
This work initially led to a reduction in Himalayan balsam, but, as soon as the funding stopped the problem returned. This example illustrates why it’s important to prevent invasive non-native species at source, because efforts to control them can be expensive and are required
long-term.
Potential activities
See what activities people can carry out to help achieve this priority. These activities are a guide and are not exhaustive, as there are many small activities involved in habitat management and restoring ecosystems.
The activities and Dorset’s nature recovery maps provide a starting point, but additional land management and ecological advice will often be needed to support activities on individual sites.
The activities and Dorset’s nature recovery maps provide a starting point, but additional land management and ecological advice will often be needed to support activities on individual sites.