Despite the hot and dry conditions of July, Cranborne Chase National Landscape volunteers have continued to make a remarkable contribution across the area, supporting wildlife conservation, improving public access and helping community projects thrive. From surveying hedgehogs in hidden chalk valleys to creating accessible spaces for local residents, their dedication has been a shining example of community action in the landscape.
Hedgehog Camera Survey reaches collection stage
July marked the collection phase of our Hedgehog Camera Survey in conjunction with the National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme and People’s Trust for Endangered Species, with volunteers returning to retrieve 30 wildlife cameras that had been deployed across a chalk downland site for over a month.
To avoid the hottest part of the day, the team gathered for an early 9am start before heading out in small groups armed with hats, maps and calibration poles. Thanks to a well-organised and systematic approach, collecting the cameras proved quicker than the original deployment.
Each camera required careful recalibration before removal. Volunteers used striped calibration poles to trigger photographs across multiple points within the camera’s field of view, ensuring any slight movements caused by weather, vegetation growth or even curious sheep could be accounted for during data analysis. They also recorded collection times and noted anything that might affect the survey results.
Set within a beautiful chalk downland valley that is not normally accessible to the public, the survey area offered volunteers a rare opportunity to spend the morning immersed in one of the Chase’s hidden landscapes. Their hard work is helping to build a clearer picture of local hedgehog populations and the habitats they depend upon.
Helping Project Manna grow
Following the successful construction of large accessible raised beds and an impressive composting area last month, volunteers returned to Project Manna to continue transforming the site’s growing spaces.
The team focused on tackling weeds and preparing a substantial area for the installation of a new fruit cage. With warm weather encouraging rapid growth, keeping on top of weeds has become especially important, preventing newly cleared ground from quickly reverting to a tangled jungle.
Volunteers also took advantage of the welcome shade provided by nearby woodland to create an accessible pathway leading down to the river. This new route will help more people enjoy and connect with the outdoor spaces at Project Manna, making the site even more welcoming and accessible for all.
Supporting conservation grazing in Damerham
Our volunteers have continued their work on a smallholding in Damerham, helping with fence line clearance and the installation of ClipEx fencing components along the edge of a wood. These improvements are helping to prepare the site for the introduction of pigs, which will play an important role in managing vegetation and supporting the smallholding’s conservation aims.
Fortunately, the task offered plenty of shade during the recent spell of hot weather, making conditions a little more comfortable. As an added bonus, the team were rewarded for their efforts with generous supplies of hot dogs, French Fancies and Angel cake, proving once again that volunteer days often come with a few unexpected perks!
Opening up bridleways in Broad Chalke
Volunteers have been helping to improve access along several bridleways in Broad Chalke, tackling sections that had become heavily overgrown and were no longer accessible by tractor. Armed with hand tools and plenty of determination, the team worked to cut back encroaching vegetation and reopen these difficult-to-reach stretches of route.
This work forms part of a wider effort, with Broad Chalke Parish Council and a local farmer also contributing to improvements along the bridleway network. Together, these combined efforts are helping to ensure that riders, walkers and other users can continue to enjoy safe and accessible routes through the countryside.
By reaching areas that machinery simply could not access, volunteers have played a vital role in maintaining these important rights of way and strengthening connections between people and the landscape.
A new viewpoint at Win Green
One of the recent volunteering highlights was the installation of a substantial new oak bench at the summit of enigmatic Win Green in partnership with the National Trust.
The bench, one of two generously donated through Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet series, now stands proudly at one of the most iconic and cherished local landmarks within the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Installing it was no small task. Volunteers worked hard to remove the existing bench from the notoriously challenging chalk and flint ground before excavating two large holes to secure its replacement. We then proceeded to mend a broken fence on the right of way.
Standing at 277 metres (909 feet), Win Green is the highest point on Cranborne Chase, crowning the Dorset and Wiltshire downs like an ancient sentinel. Its distinctive shape and commanding position offer breathtaking panoramic views across the surrounding countryside, with the coast and even the Isle of Wight visible on exceptionally clear days. The summit is marked by a trig point and stone cairn and is steeped in history, with evidence suggesting it may once have been the site of an Iron Age hillfort.
After a morning of digging, lifting and careful installation, volunteers were delighted to enjoy a well-earned picnic lunch on the newly installed bench. Even more rewarding was seeing visitors already making use of this new perch above the downs, giving them a chance to pause, rest and connect with the landscape.
Whether supporting wildlife surveys, improving access, helping community projects flourish or enhancing some of the Chase’s most treasured viewpoints, our volunteers continue to make an extraordinary difference. Their enthusiasm, skill and commitment are helping to care for the Cranborne Chase National Landscape for both people and nature, and we thank every one of them for their contribution.
Get involved
Inspired by what our volunteers have achieved this month? Whether you’re interested in practical conservation, wildlife surveying, access improvements or supporting community projects, we’d love to welcome you to the team. No previous experience is necessary, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, improve your wellbeing, and make a real difference to the landscapes, wildlife and communities of Cranborne Chase.
To find out more about upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit our Volunteering page or contact our Ranger, Melissa – melissahowell@cranbornechase.org.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!