This funding has enabled the Trust to almost double the size of the reserve and increase the amount of chalk grassland by four times, transforming its ability to protect one of the UK’s rarest habitats.

The expanded Coulters Dean, which is located near Buriton in Hampshire, will safeguard extraordinary wildlife, from dazzling butterflies to beautiful wildflowers including 11 species of wild orchid such as the rare Bee and Fly orchids. This fragile habitat, with its vibrant wildflowers, butterflies, and birdlife, is a haven of biodiversity that will now thrive for generations to come.

The newly acquired land, previously intensively farmed, is already showing signs of recovery. Under careful management, it will become a flourishing extension of the reserve, reconnecting fragmented habitats and creating vital corridors for wildlife.

Debbie Tann MBE, Chief Executive of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “The expansion of Coulters Dean has been a long-held ambition for many years. This is not just a triumph for conservation but a beacon of hope for some of the UK’s most threatened species.

“Thanks to the generosity of our members, Southern Co-op and the vision of those who left a gift in their Will, Coulters Dean will now remain a sanctuary where nature can flourish. This investment ensures a brighter, more connected future for wildlife across Hampshire.

"The Trust would also like to thank the Barnett family at Buriton Estates for their positive engagement during this process, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the years ahead."

Southern Co-op, who have supported the Trust as corporate partners for the past 15 years, donated £50,000 to make the land purchase dream a reality. This latest donation, which is in addition to the existing funding the company provides for the Trust’s Wilder Communities initiative, came as part of Southern Co-op’s 150-year anniversary celebrations in 2023/24.

Mark Smith, CEO of Southern Co-op said: “We’re thrilled to have contributed to this vital land purchase, which not only protects a haven for nature and wildlife to flourish but also reinforces our commitment to addressing the climate and nature recovery imperative. By safeguarding these ecosystems, we’re investing in a healthier planet for future generations - a responsibility businesses must embrace. Together, we’re proving that economic success and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.”

Debbie Tann MBE added: “We’re hugely grateful for our brilliant partnership with Southern Co-op. Corporate partners and members have a major role to play in nature’s recovery and Southern Co-op set a great example for others to follow.”

Chalk grassland is an internationally rare and ecologically significant habitat, found only in north-west Europe. Half of the world’s chalk grassland is located in the UK, with a significant portion nestled within the warm and dry southern counties of England. With as many as 40 plant species in every square metre, it has vastly more biodiversity than the other type of grassland in the country. 35 of Britain's 56 butterfly species are found on chalk grassland.  

At Coulters Dean Nature Reserve, this precious habitat flourishes alongside areas of broadleaved woodland. Classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the reserve highlights the vital role Hampshire plays in safeguarding chalk grassland’s exceptional biodiversity.