We've just heard about Bere Marsh Farm near Child Okeford - thanks Di for bringing this to our attention. We're excited to hear that the Countryside Restoration Trust has recently taken ownership of the farm.
Here's what they say on their website
"On 30 June 2020 we completed the purchase of Bere Marsh Farm, just outside Shillingstone and on the River Stour. This was nearly 5 years after we first visited, and fell in love, with the property.
It is a fantastic farm with a history of hope and conservation. It lies close to the village of Shillingstone. The River Stour runs alongside, and often over it when the floodplain does what floodplains are supposed to do flood. Just beyond is Hambledon Hill, a big chunk of chalk rising to over 600 feet — a place of incredible history, botany and geology."
Read more on their website here: https://www.countrysiderestorationtrust.com/bere-marsh-farm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BereMarshFarm/
Yes we noticed the signs appealing for funds to restore the beautiful old barn for barn owls there, as we walked past the other day on the Trailway. It's very exciting. I had already noticed the hedgerow planted for dormice a while ago as we cycled past, but have only just come across the Countryside Restoration Trust and am feeling hopeful after reading up about it. I think they own 15 farms in England now.