Project

'Sandscapes' Heathland restoration in the Midlands

Last updated:: 07 January 2026

View of Heathland Kinver Edge Staffordshire — A view over the heathland at Kinver Edge | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Sandscapes is a nature recovery project which aims to restore and reconnect areas of sandy habitats across the three counties of Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire. Heathland, once a widespread and common component of the landscape in the Midlands, is now isolated and fragmented. More than eighty percent of this rare and special habitat has been lost in the last 200 years, through agricultural change, conifer planting, development pressures and neglect. Wildlife that rely on this type of habitat, including many insects, reptiles and ground nesting birds, are endangered or under threat of extinction.

History of heathlands

Heathlands are wide, open landscapes, dominated by scattered trees and low-growing shrubs, such as gorse, heather and grasses. Most heathland in England was created from the late Stone Age onwards through woodland clearance on naturally thin, acid soils, which allowed heathland plants, suited to the poor soil conditions, to thrive.

Heaths were kept open through human activity, primarily grazing, with some burning, timber harvesting, as well as bracken and scrub cutting for fuel or animal bedding. Without management, heathlands return to scrub and woodland - with the loss of culturally rich and rare landscapes.

The state of heathlands today

A number or surviving heathlands are managed for nature conservation, but they are disparate and small in size which makes them vulnerable to climate change. Those managed as nature reserves, including the area of heathland at Kinver Edge, are in intensive care. Rangers and outdoor teams are working hard to keep them in good ecological condition to support rare species associated with warm, sandy soils.

A view of the Sandscapes project area at Mose Farm, Dudmaston | © National Trust James Lawrence

Donate to Sandscapes

Donate to the Sandscapes project today and help us make space for nature and wildlife across the Midlands.

Why is it important to preserve or restore heathland?

Heathlands are made up of an incredible mosaic of habitats and the result is a landscape rich in wildlife. They are a haven for over half of the UK’s dragonfly species and all six of our native reptiles. The older gorse provides perches for birds like the dartford warbler, and butterflies such as the silver studded blue love young gorse and heather flowers. Heathland also provides essential cover for ground nesting birds such as the nightjar. Studies suggest that the UK is home to 60 – 75% of the world’s heath types.

The project area

Sandscapes is working to restore and reconnect areas of heathland across the three counties of Shropshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire. This includes two places cared for by the National Trust; Dudmaston, near Bridgnorth and Kinver Edge, near Stourbridge.

Dudmaston, South Shropshire

Approximately half of the three thousand acre estate at Dudmaston, sits on sandy soils. Historically, these soils have been eroding into the River Severn. Siltation (sediment build-up) and eutrophication (the over-enrichment of water by nutrients) affects the Picturesque landscape pools on the estate.

Mose Farm on the Dudmaston Estate

The sandy soils at Mose Farm, which lies at the north end of the estate, provide an ideal habitat for lots of wildlife, including many ground nesting birds, bees, butterflies and other insects.

Working alongside the tenant farmer, two hundred and forty-two acres of farmland are planned to be restored to heathland over the next ten years. Currently, this area of the farm is used to grow and harvest arable crops.

The future impact of heathland restoration at Mose Farm

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Heathland recovery at Mose Farm on the Dudmaston Estate in Shropshire — The future impact of heathland restoration at Mose Farm | © National Trust/FDA Design/Worker Drones UK

A visualisation of Mose Farm on the Dudmaston Estate in Shropshire

Kinver Edge, South Staffordshire

Kinver Edge is within a sandstone district associated with the Severn Plateau and includes much former heathland and common land. The project aims to restore heathland and wood pasture to improve habitat connectivity for wildlife.

Blakeshall Common on Kinver Edge

We are working to restore Blakeshall Common as an area of traditional lowland heath. The gains for wildlife of restoring the heathland will be significant, particularly for animals that are increasingly rare in the UK.

Currently a conifer plantation, this area offers an opportunity to deliver a restoration project that will not only provide a home for wildlife, but also ensure that it can continue to be accessed and enjoyed for recreational purposes.

The National Trust has received the support of local Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, and Natural England, amongst others, for this important nature restoration plan.

Longhorn cattle grazing at Kinver Edge, Staffordshire | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Plans for the project

To create the heathland, the Trust plans to fell some of the current non-native conifer plantation, which was planted as a crop and is reaching the end of its life. We aim to fell approximately 19 hectares (47 acres) of conifer plantation in approximately 10 years. This equates to just under a third of the conifer plantation on Kinver Edge.

Many trees, like oaks and silver birch will remain, as will some of the conifers such as Scots pines, to provide diversity of habitat, for example to create corridors for bats. Keeping some of the conifers will also provide woodland walks and screen the surrounding views, allowing more space and light to help young native trees to grow. Any proceeds from the sale of the timber will go straight back into caring for Kinver Edge and Blakeshall Common.

The heath will be grazed by traditional longhorn cattle at certain times of the year, a docile breed, to maintain the heath and create a rich habitat structure, similarly to other areas of heath on Kinver Edge.

Heathland restoration at Blakeshall Common

See how the area at Blakeshall Common will change over time to support and attract lots of rare plants and wildlife.

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Kinver Edge Blakeshall heathland restoration BEFORE visualisation — Heathland restoration on Blakeshall Common Kinver Edge | © FDA Designs / Worker Drones UK

Today

The area at Blakeshall Common is currently an ageing conifer plantation which was planted in the 1960s as a timber crop.

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Kinver Edge Blakeshall Common heathland restoration AFTER — Heathland restoration on Blakeshall Common Kinver Edge | © FDA Designs / Worker Drones UK

After tree removal

The National Trust plans to remove 19 hectares of conifer trees to restore the former heathland landscape. The methods used to restore and manage heathland can look dramatic, and seemingly at odds with access and the current emphasis on tree planting and environmental concerns. Over time, a rare and special landscape will emerge to support an array of plants and wildlife.

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The methods used to restore and manage heathland can look dramatic, and seemingly at odds with access and the current emphasis on tree planting and environmental concerns. Over time, a rare and special landscape will emerge to support an array of plants and wildlife. The long-term plan for the expansion of heathland on Kinver Edge will be extremely beneficial for many endangered UK species such as Woodlark, Dartford Warbler and Nightjars and many types of reptiles, inlcuding slow worm, adder and rare species of butterfly.

Historic images of the lowland heath at Kinver Edge

Before the Second World War, large areas of Kinver Edge were lowland heath. This open habitat was scattered with trees and low growing shrubs which provided sources of food and shelter for many species of wildlife.

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A view of Kinver Edge in Staffordshire in the 1930s. — A view of Kinver Edge in the 1930s. | © Peter Hodges

Early 19th century photograph of Kinver Edge

This photograph was taken from Compton Road looking towards the Rock Houses. This rare, open habitat was lost after the Second World War when conifer trees were planted for timber production.

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Pink-flowered heather at Ludshott Common, East Hampshire — Heather flowers in late August on Kinver Edge | © National Trust Images/Rachael Warren

Frequently asked questions about Blakeshall Common

Our proposal at Kinver is to remove approximately 19 hectares of conifer plantation in over 10 years. The area at Blakeshall Common was previously lowland heath before post war planting. Broadleaf trees such as oak, birch and rowan that are also present with in the plantation will be retained for habitat and landscape value as in previous restoration work that took place in 2014. We will also keep some of the conifers, such as the scots pines, for aesthetic reasons and for diversity of habitat, for example to provide corridors for bats. 
The National Trust is committed to increasing tree and woodland cover across the nation, with our goal of planting 20 million new trees by 2030. What is most important is having the right tree in the right place, and for the right reasons. Only by doing this can we address both the biodiversity as well as climate crises.

At Kinver Edge, the priority habitat is heathland and wood pasture, rather than maintaining an ecologically poor conifer plantation. Only by restoring the historically and ecologically appropriate environment can we fulfil our obligations as a conservation organisation.

The National Trust is planning to plant trees across the region that would offset the amount of carbon released by the proposed felling and heathland restoration by more than three times.

Trees, although important for offsetting carbon, are not a panacea and many other natural processes including open heathland, mud flats, peat bogs, algae and seaweeds sequester carbon far more effectively. Large areas of the Edge will remain as woodland to provide important habitats in their own right.
GPS collars are fitted to the cattle to enable farmers to draw virtual field boundaries using an app on their smartphone. The 'No Fencing' system allows the farmer to control and restrict the cows' access to areas of sensitive habitat. The collars detect and respond to the boundaries and alert the cows with a series of musical tones as they graze close to a virtual fence. If they persist, as a last resort, a small electric pulse dissuades them from leaving the grazing zone. Farmers can track each animal and always know where they are.
There are 7km of permissive horse riding routes across Kinver Edge. Less than 10% of these (600m) pass through the heathland restoration area. There will be a gate at each end for riders to use.

Following feedback from local horse riders, the legal bridleway that crosses the land will not enter the heathland area and there will be a full off-road circuit that riders can do without passing through any gates or grazing. New permissive horse routes, which don't pass through the restoration area, were introduced at Kinver after the consultation with riders in 2019.
The longhorn cattle are owned by the same grazier who already grazes a large area of the land we look after on Kinver Edge. There will be a low stocking density and no calves or breeding males, and whilst we'd always advise people to be vigilant around any livestock, this breed of cattle is usually docile. This herd spend their lives around the public and are very used to being with people, dogs and horses.

There are also plenty of woodland trails that don't enter the grazed area at all - some that are permissive horse tracks and others that are just for walkers.
There are times of the year and certain areas of sensitive habitat, including the heathland, where dogs need to be kept on a lead.

Every year, from March to July, the amazing wildlife that call Kinver Edge home begin to breed. It’s vitally important that you keep your dog on a lead during this period. You'll come across signs that tell you where you need to take the lead when you're out walking.

Longhorn cattle graze the heathland from May to September. They are generally docile animals but please keep on a lead if you come across the cows on your walk.

There are miles of footpaths across Kinver Edge where dogs are welcome to explore off lead, all year round.

Take a look at this map to discover on and off lead zones at Kinver Edge.
The majority of species that live in the conifer plantation will thrive in the heathland, and many will benefit from the creation of several kilometres of 'woodland edge' habitat. We are however leaving in over half of the conifers to provide corridors for bats. Overall, we will see an increase in biodiversity and the number of species that live here, and conservation organisations such as RSPB, Wildlife Trusts, and Butterfly Conservation support these plans.
We have secured a conservation grant from Natural England to carry out the felling and will also sell the wood we fell. As a conservation charity the profits made from the sale of timber will go directly back into caring for Kinver Edge. In effect, the National Trust is ending the ‘commercial operation’ by restoring the heathland, rather than replanting quick-growing, tightly spaced trees to provide an on-going source of timber for sale.

Latest news

February 2026

New woodland planted at Dudmaston Estate

Thousands of trees will be planted in an ambitious new project due to create 185 hectares of new woodland and wood pasture by 2027. Delivered in partnership with the Forest of Mercia Community Forest and Quatt and Park farm tenants, it is fully funded through the UK Government’s national Trees for Climate programme.

The scheme will establish more than110,000 native trees, new hedgerows and wildflower-rich pasture, forming a mosaic of habitats designed to boost biodiversity, improve climate resilience, and strengthen ecological connectivity across the landscape. It is due to absorb around 45,000 tonnes of carbon, and create richer habitats for birds, insects, mammals, and plant life.

two men plant sapling trees on farmland — Tree planting on the Dudmaston Estate | © National Trust

Contact us

Email

If you've got a question about the project or you'd like to give us some feedback, please get in touch.

sandscapes@nationaltrust.org.uk

Natural England is the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England. They help to protect and restore our natural world.

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The Wildlife Trusts is an independent charity made up of 46 local Wildlife Trusts in the UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney.

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History of heathland and its future restoration in Comer Woods on the Dudmaston Estate

History of heathland in Comer Woods on the Dudmaston Estate

Working with the Wildlife Trust

Purple Horizons is a partnership project extending across up to 12,000 hectares on the fringes of the West Midlands conurbation and focusing on restoring and connecting fragmented heathlands to create a mosaic of heathlands, wetlands, woodlands and grasslands.

Sprigs of bright purple bell heather against a blue sky on the Yorkshire coast.

'Sandscapes' Heathland restoration in the Midlands

History of heathlands

The state of heathlands today

Donate to Sandscapes

Why is it important to preserve or restore heathland?

The project area

Dudmaston, South Shropshire

Mose Farm on the Dudmaston Estate

The future impact of heathland restoration at Mose Farm

Kinver Edge, South Staffordshire

Blakeshall Common on Kinver Edge

Plans for the project

Heathland restoration at Blakeshall Common

Today

Historic images of the lowland heath at Kinver Edge

Early 19th century photograph of Kinver Edge

Frequently asked questions about Blakeshall Common

How many trees are you felling?

The National Trust is planting more trees to help combat climate change. Why are you cutting them down at Kinver Edge?

What is a plantation woodland?

What do you mean by 'priority habitat'?

Why is it necessary to graze cattle?

Why are the cows wearing collars?

Will the work affect the bridleway/horse access?

Will this affect the bike track/freeride park?

I walk my dog/ride my horse here regularly and I'm concerned about the cattle being present?

Will I be able to let my dog off the lead?

What about the current wildlife that lives in the conifers?

How are you funding this? Are you doing it to make money?

Latest news

New woodland planted at Dudmaston Estate

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