Senior advisors Clare Buckerfield and Alex Butler facilitate a group of five farmers who are working together to improve grassland habitats, the hedgerow network, soil health, ponds and woodlands and benefit key species including Adonis Blue and Corn Bunting. The cluster group is funded by the Dorset AONB Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme.

After the group was established, habitat plans were devised for habitat restoration on all five farms. This work will create new habitats for priority species identified within the area. FWAGSW advisers carried out downland butterfly surveys and recorded Adonis blue, Small heath, and skippers. The Corn Bunting survey identified nine breeding territories. Training and events have taken place on herbal leys and managing chalk downland for pollinators.

Group Training