A CHARITY has launched an appeal to protect habitats at Rampisham Down from development.

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) claims that plans to construct a large solar farm on the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) could be a threat to protected wildlife.

The site near Beaminster is the county's largest surviving area of rare acidic grassland and home to scarce communities of plants and grasses.

Chief executive of DWT, Dr Simon Cripps, said: “DWT understands the challenges facing the local area, and the need to increase prosperity across the county, but development should also help enhance plants, animals and natural spaces.

"In the case of Rampisham Down, we are currently preparing to attend a public inquiry to try and save the site from development, but we estimate that this case alone will cost DWT more than £40,000."

Plans for the solar farm were initially approved by West Dorset District Council, before they were 'called in' for an inquiry by the Secretary of State.

DWT is keen to work with others to find the best and most suitable solutions for development needs, so that development can still go ahead, and wildlife can prosper at the same time.

"This type of work is not currently funded by grants, so DWT relies on the generosity of our supporters to be able to continue looking after our special natural environment," added Dr Cripps.

"We firmly believe that development does not have to be at the expense of our precious remaining wildlife rich areas.”

The developers of the proposed Rampisham Down solar farm believe that initial results of an ecological study shows the construction is likely to have no impact on the grassland at the site.

British Solar Renewables claim the opposition to the development is based on a presumption of harm, and is ‘not supported by any scientific research’.

Giles Frampton, director of British Solar Renewables, said: “We have been very keen to bring on board all parties with a genuine interest in carrying out detailed scientific experimentation.

“It is very difficult for a developer to engage with entities who have pre-judged outcomes which they have then used to form the basis of their campaign of opposition.”

DWT needs to raise £60,000 to continue its planning work. For more information and to donate to the Defending Dorset’s Wildlife appeal, visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/planning