GREEN Wellies is a project run by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) offering advisory visits to smallholders and new landowners in Dorset.

Now in its second year, the project has proved hugely popular, due to its holistic approach to advising on land management. Holistic because it balances the production or amenity objectives of the landowner with habitat management to benefit wildlife and enhance biodiversity, as well as ways to improve the use of natural resources and protect historic and landscape features.

Some of the topics that have come up during visits so far are - hedgerow management and restoration, management of riverbanks, traditional orchard creation, grassland management, pond creation, woodland management, pigs and bracken control, water voles, barn owls and bats.

FWAG also run a varied events programme throughout the year, which are of great interest to landowners and smallholders. As part of the Green Wellies project this summer, a dry stone walling workshop takes place on 29th July at Fleet and includes instruction and a chance to have a go at this traditional skill, and costs £35 + vat. A guided walk aimed at those with smaller scale holdings, is being held at Lydlinch on the 15th August with FWAG Adviser Clare Buckerfield and will be a chance to learn about the management of a variety of habitats and associated species. Call 01305 251742 for information.

The project is being supported for a second year by the West Dorset Heritage Joint Advisory Committee, with funding from West Dorset District Council for free Green Wellies visits by FWAG in West Dorset. Elsewhere in Dorset Green Wellies advisory visits cost from £150, which includes membership to FWAG for a year.

The Green Wellies technical handbook, supported by Dorset Biodiversity Partnership, is also available throughout Dorset for free (p&p £5) and can be requested from the FWAG office on 01305 251742.

One satisfied client from the Bridport area says "The Green Wellies Handbook is an excellent point of reference but an on-site visit from the adviser dealing with the specific conditions of the site is even more worthwhile. Thank you."