Ideal site for nature reserve (From Thisisdorset)

Ideal site for nature reserve

11:02am Thursday 1st February 2007

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OVERGROWN scrubland could be transformed into a Portland tourist attraction.

Verne Yeates - 16 hectares of steep slopes overlooking Chesil Beach from Fortuneswell - is an 'ideal candidate' to become a Local Nature Reserve, according to a feasibility study.

Dorset Ecological Consultancy has found rare butterflies and plants and important historical features on the land surrounding Tillycombe and directly beneath Portland Heights viewpoint.

Now, its feasibility study recommends cleaning up the area, adding information boards and inviting local schools to help manage and study the site.

The report, written by Bronwen Bruce and Sophie Tweddle, states: 'Historically, the site has two main features.

'The Redoubt consists of a raised flat square of land that was used in Victorian times as a parade ground by soldiers based in the Verne Citadel.

'The second feature is the remains of the old Portland Railway, or Merchants' Railway, which runs through the site and includes several stone bridges and relict walls.' The report warns valuable pieces of local history will be lost unless the scrubland is cleared and managed.

It states: 'The site is highly valued by local people, both aesthetically and for recreational purposes.

'It also provides the setting for a viewing point to the south, which is widely used by coach tours and tourists for gaining a view over Chesil Beach and Portland Harbour.' To attract visitors it is suggested the area could be linked to the proposed Portland Quarry Trail, a path running along tramway gullies and through tunnels across the north of the island.

The feasibility study found the rare adonis blue and silver-studded blue butterflies on the land and nationally scarce plants including early gentian and dwarf mouse-ear.

It states: 'The whole area has been greatly altered by man's past activities and the site can very much be seen as a man-made feature.

'The site has great potential for education and could provide excellent opportunities to study history and nature.' The Verne Yeates Nature Reserve, which could be re-named after consultation with local residents, is due to be discussed at a Portland Town Council meeting in February.

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