Protecting Worcestershire’s Hidden Rainforests

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In the far northwest of Worcestershire, Hanley Dingle, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is one of Britain's most important places for nature conservation. Recognised for its distinctive ecosystem, reminiscent of a rainforest, it stands testament to the natural beauty of Worcestershire.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has a rare opportunity, with your help, to secure 16 hectares (39.5 acres) of adjoining land, ensuring the continued preservation and enhancement of this vital sanctuary.

A biodiversity haven

Hanley Dingle is possibly the county’s last woodland wilderness, relatively small but incredibly precious. This 22 hectare ancient woodland, dominated by large- and small-leaved lime trees, supports a myriad of flora and fauna. Within its ancient and undisturbed habitat thrives an intricately woven ecosystem, including rare species like the ash-black slug, the land caddisfly and a woodlouse new to the UK.

Securing Hanley Dingle’s future

We have a rare opportunity to purchase 16 hectares of land adjacent to Hanley Dingle. This acquisition will not only safeguard the existing habitat but also enhance its connectivity. Brett Westwood, BBC radio presenter, author and naturalist, emphasises the importance of this land purchase:

"Hanley Dingle is the crowning glory of the Teme Valley in west Worcestershire. Its native lime trees towering over steep-sided ravines, waterfalls and tufa-rich springs evoke the spirit of the wildwood more than any place in the county I know. And the bigger, the better! The resilience of this precious place will be boosted enormously by the acquisition of adjoining land to allow special plants and animals to extend their range and to let this unique woodland, which has been around for hundreds if not thousands of years, to breathe and to prosper for generations – this is conservation foresight at its very best."

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Temperate rainforests

Temperate rainforests are characterised by their cool, moist climates and are home to diverse plant and animal life. These ecosystems are incredibly rich in biodiversity, providing habitats for species that thrive in humid conditions. The mosses, ferns, liverworts and lichens found here are crucial for the health of the forest, contributing to nutrient cycling and water retention. Protecting and expanding these rainforests is essential for preserving their unique ecological functions and the diverse array of species they support.

Future restoration and habitat creation

Our restoration plans for the new land reflect an understanding of the ecological importance of woodlands and the urgent need to preserve and extend these vital habitats. Most of the new land will transition into woodland, with the planting of large- and small-leaved lime trees intermixed with oak, field maple and wild service trees. This new woodland creation will bridge the northern edges of Hanley Dingle to the willow-lined banks of Shortwood Brook in the south.

Currently under cultivation, the four fields stretching from north to south present a remarkable opportunity. We have a chance not only to buffer and expand Hanley Dingle but to also to create a mosaic of new habitats, including high forest patches, open woodlands, meadows, glades and scrublands. These diverse habitats are essential for supporting a wide array of wildlife from butterflies and birds to amphibians and dragonflies.

Key species to be conserved and encouraged

Large- and small-leaved lime trees: emblematic of Hanley Dingle, these ancient trees support a unique ecosystem, providing habitat for numerous species of insects, birds and fungi.

White admiral butterfly: these striking butterflies will benefit from the creation of open woodlands with glades and rides, finding nectar sources and breeding grounds.

Woodland birds: blackcaps, chiffchaffs and garden warblers will benefit from the creation of open woodlands with glades and rides, finding nesting sites, insects for food and suitable habitats for breeding.

Land caddisfly: known for their unusual land-based lifecycle, this rare species will find a more stable habitat in the expanded reserve, helping to preserve their population.

A national priority

The landmark State of Nature 2023 report shows that nature is continuing to decline at an alarming rate across the UK, which is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has worked tirelessly since we were formed over 55 years ago to protect important sites for wildlife. We now own or manage over 3,100 acres of land and provide advice to land managers across a further 100,000 acres. To reverse the decline in nature, we must do more by acquiring, protecting and restoring land for wildlife.

In line with our commitment to preserving 30% of land for nature by 2030, the Trust is actively raising funds for the acquisition of land next to the nationally important Hanley Dingle nature reserve. Acquiring the adjacent land offers a rare opportunity to extend and safeguard Hanley Dingle for generations to come.

How you can help

In 2019, the owners of the land adjacent to Hanley Dingle nature reserve approached the Trust with an offer to sell the land, which progressed in late 2023. The new land has been purchased on our behalf by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation through their Land Purchase Fund. We are now fundraising to secure the funds necessary to purchase the site from them. We need to raise £470,000 through a combination of public appeals, corporate pledges and charitable grants.

Thank you for considering supporting this vital project. Together, we can create new habitats and protect Worcestershire’s rainforest, ensuring its unique biodiversity thrives for generations to come.