MOD joins the fight to enhance heathland in the South Downs National Park

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has joined a major new project to help enhance important heathland in the South Downs National Park.

A British Army training area since the mid 1880s, Longmoor and Woolmer Forest is run by Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). Its training area consists of 1783 hectares of primary lowland heathland habitat.

Longmoor and Woolmer Forest form a significant heathland area as it is the only site on the British Isles where all our native reptiles and amphibians can still be found, including the natterjack toad, great crested newt and adder. 

Lt Colonel R G Bishop MBE, Commander DTE SE said: “DIO’s top priority is to support our Armed Forces as they prepare for operations. However, we must balance this with vital conservation activity which allows us to run a large Defence estate and retain its natural beauty and diversity.

“We aim to strike a careful balance between providing training facilities which our soldiers need and taking care of this important landscape – both for present and future generations.”

Heathlands are dependant on the actions of conservation bodies like the National Trust and Wildlife Trusts, for their management. Conservation work includes the mechanical cutting of heather, controlled winter burning, tree and scrub clearance and livestock grazing.

The heathland is managed by the MoD for military training, though important conservation management is carried out by the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, who operate a grazing scheme there, and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, who manage specific areas of habitat for sand lizards and natterjack toads.

Margaret Paren, Chair, South Downs National Park Authority, commented: "We are delighted that the Defence Infrastructure Organisation has joined the Heathland Partnership which is committed  to protecting the rich and diverse heathland habitats, such as the Longmoor and Woolmer area which has a wealth of wildlife as well as a fascinating history of cultural heritage.”

Contact Details:

For more information please contact the press office on:

Tel: 01730 811785, Mobile: 07557 853277

Email: press@southdowns.gov.uk