The Slop Bog Guardians
" To preserve
and protect the character of Slop Bog Local Nature Reserve
by maintaining a balance between the views of the local
community and national conservation strategies".
In 2003, local residents
around the Slop Bog area received news that a large tree
felling exercise was to take place. On site meetings were
held raising objections to the plans. As a consequence,
a properly constituted committee meeting was held on 7th
March 2003 and the Slop Bog Guardians arose.
Modifications to the original
felling plans were taken as a result and our role as Guardians
(more than 'friends' we felt) took root. In the succeeding
two years, a rapport has evolved between ourselves and the
Countryside Rangers in which a respect for each other's
views has been a major factor in progressing and enhancing
the Local Nature Reserve. The name Slop Bog appears uninspiring
but here lies a jewel in our midst.
The
Slop Bog Guardians assist with:
• wildlife monitoring
• practical work
• general site patrols
• informing about site based projects
• raising funds for projects
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Our main achievement has
been in bringing together local people in a common cause.
Friendships have developed, skills recognized, talents fostered
and problems discussed in harmony rather than antipathy.
Our success in obtaining a Grant approaching
£18,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund has been achieved
as a consequence of much research and hard work by our dedicated
team of Guardians.
Over a prescribed two year time scale from October 2005
detailed plans for the further development of Slop Bog are
to be put in hand.
Any assistance during this period would be gratefully appreciated
- why not consider joining
us in the preservation of this uniquely natural area.
Status and Designations
Slop Bog is part of the
Slop Bog and Uddens Heath Site of Special Scientific Interest
(notified in 1985). During 2004, much of the wet and humid
heath were deemed in favourable condition with the dry heath
near favourable condition. Definition 'favourable - adequately
conserved so to meet its conservation objectives, however,
with scope for enhancement.
• Within a Green Belt
• A Local Nature Reserve (declared December 2002)
Lies within English Nature's
Dorset Heathlands Natural Area and as such is a :
• Special Area for Conservation
(European Union Habitats Directive)
• Species Protection Area (European Union Birds Directive)
• Ramsar
