Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has secured a vital conservation milestone, thanks to the extraordinary support of local residents. Nearly 1,000 individuals rallied behind an urgent appeal, helping the Trust secure a vital wildlife haven in the heart of the New Forest.

The newly acquired 11.1 hectares (28 acres) Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), in the Lymington Valley, expands the Trust’s existing Lymington Reedbeds Nature Reserve.

The prime wildlife habitat is also a critical link in the Trust’s ambitious Forest to Foreshore vision, which aims to create a continuous corridor of protected landscapes, from Roydon Woods Nature Reserve to the Lymington and Keyhaven coast.

The land features a rich mosaic of habitats, including high quality fen, wetland and wet woodland, with the Lymington River running through it. The river provides an essential environment for sea trout and the critically endangered European eel, highlighting the area’s importance for freshwater and migratory species.

This now protected area is the last remaining stronghold for water voles in the lower Lymington Valley, and supports a diverse array of wildlife including otter. It is also home to bird species such as kingfisher, reed bunting, reed warbler and Cetti’s warbler, which are frequent visitors.

The urgent fundraising appeal struck a chord as 925 of the Trust’s supporters, the vast majority of whom were Trust members, responded generously to raise the funds needed to purchase the site and begin managing it for nature’s recovery. In addition to the extraordinary support from local individuals, the initiative was also backed by a £50,000 donation from Southern Co-op, long-time partners of the Trust.

John Durnell, Director of Nature-Based Solutions at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, praised the community’s response: “Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is incredibly grateful to Southern Co-op and all the members and supporters who so generously responded to this urgent fundraising appeal.

“This incredible result shows the power of community and shared purpose. With this land, we can create a safer future for some of the New Forest’s most threatened species, and move a step closer to realising our Forest to Foreshore vision.”

Mark Smith, Chief Executive at Southern Co-op, said: “We’re fully committed to supporting nature recovery and we’re proud that our donation has helped to facilitate this vital land purchase, ensuring that nature and wildlife can thrive for generations to come. As we celebrate the UN’s International Year of the Co-op, this collaboration highlights the power of co-operation to create a sustainable future.”

The Trust’s ambitious Forest to Foreshore vision is at the forefront of safeguarding vulnerable species, protecting vital ecosystems, and tackling pressing challenges such as climate change and habitat fragmentation.

The newly acquired site strengthens the Trust’s commitment to protect and restore nature, ensuring greater connectivity for wildlife and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

The Trust will now begin conservation management of this ecologically important site, ensuring its long-term survival as a haven for wildlife.