SOUTH Western Railway has awarded a grant of £39,252 to Dorset Wildlife Trust for various projects. 

The trust will put the money towards working with residents to revitalise and connect spaces for nature around Poole and Hamworthy railway stations and along the old line to Corfe Mullen. 

The stations at Poole and Hamworthy together with the Castleman Trailway form the gateway to Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Upton Heath nature reserve and onto Happy Bottom and Lytchett Bay.  

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s wilder communities officer Anona Dawson said: “This funding will help increase their reach and ours by working within communities to improve the green spaces where they live for the benefit of nature and people in an era of devastating climate and ecological emergency.  

“Through this project we intend to connect people with nature, listen to local needs, provide advice and training and contribute to the costs of getting started in undertaking nature enhancements.” 

Georgia House, SWR’s sustainability manager added: “We are committed to becoming biodiversity net positive by 2030 and encouraging a greener future for the south west.  

“The landscapes around our stations are vital habitats for nature and biodiversity, so we are delighted to support Dorset Wildlife Trust’s project and the local communities who work hard to protect and enhance their local green spaces.”