Episode
Ep. 048: Wilder Purbeck - Connecting a Community to the "Super National Nature Reserve"
- Podcast
- Wilder Podcast
- Published
- Dec 24, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 4084
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast
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Summary
In this pre‑Christmas episode, hosts Chloe and Tom sit down with Tom Clark and Alex Brocklesby from the National Trust at Purbeck. Purbeck is one of the UK’s most biodiverse areas, yet many residents remain disconnected from the nature on their doorstep. Tom and Alex explain how varied geology; including Pool Harbour, chalk ridges and heathlands, creates an incredible range of habitats. They describe how the Purbeck Heaths, the UK’s first super national nature reserve, unites 3500hectares of heathland owned by NGOs, statutory bodies and private landowners. The conversation explores why connecting local communities to this landscape is as important as ecological restoration, highlighting systemic barriers like work pressures and lack of time. Key topics & chapter markers: Each bullet below begins with the approximate start time for that segment: [00:05] Welcome & purpose of the Wilder Podcast. Chloe and Tom explain that the podcast has evolved from documenting their family’s rewilding journey to exploring wider systemic challenges—education, community, economy and eco‑entrepreneurship. [04:20] Conservation sheep and lessons in rewilding. Chloe and Tom recount borrowing six conservation sheep, difficulties moving them between fields and why most commercial sheep aren’t suited to rewilding. Conservation breeds like the Castlemilk Moorit nibble less and promote diverse grasslands. [16:55] Introducing Purbeck’s biodiversity. Tom Clark and Alex Brocklesby describe Purbeck as one of the most biodiverse parts of the UK because of its varied geology—harbours, chalk ridges, heathlands and limestone cliffs. They note the long‑standing presence of organisations like Natural England, the National Trust and RSPB. [19:17] Super National Nature Reserve. The guests explain that…