A WEST Dorset initiative to improve the landscape is set to benefit from more than £200,000 of government funding.

The Greening West Dorset's Hills and Vales project organised by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership, has received £214,000 from the government's Green Recovery Challenge Fund.

The project will see Dorset AONB working with local organisations and farmers with an aim to conserve and restore some of the most well-loved and valuable landscapes in the area. This includes the restoration of nine ponds, stretches of river, lowland meadow, traditional orchards and hedgerows.

The work will also expand the natural flood management capacity of the River Asker and control invasive species in the area, such as the Himalayan balsam.

In addition, through the project, Dorset AONB will work with Litter Free Dorset to reduce litter within west Dorset between March 2021 and March 2022.

Alongside the West Dorset funding, £549,900 has also been granted to the Purbeck Heaths Large Grazing Unit initiative, also a Dorset AONB project.

Dr Phil Stirling, the Dorset AONB Chairman, said: “The Dorset AONB Team has led these two successful bids, bringing together a range of farmers and other delivery partners including Dorset Wildlife Trust, National Trust and the RSPB. This is what the AONB does best – taking a strategic role to agree priorities for action, bringing people together and drawing in new resources. We depend on these partners to get vital ‘on the ground’ work done and connecting with local communities and are very happy that these projects will support them during these challenging times.”

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced grants across the country, ranging from £62,000 to £3.8 million - to help create and retain thousands of green jobs.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “We are very proud to be part of the AONB partnership, supporting their work by hosting the team within the organisation and forming part of this bid. This award shows that working together to protect and enhance the natural environment has a whole range of benefits.”