Melbury Abbas is verging on an ecological and cultural catastrophe if Dorset County Council proceeds with its proposed destruction of nearly a kilometre of protected ancient woodland in the medieval cutting called Dinah's Hollow in Melbury Abbas, south of Shaftesbury, Dorset.  The proposals will mean the destruction of 1700 plus trees some of which are fine pines and oaks over 100 years old, the destruction of a linear eco system supporting badgers, bats, deer, buzzards and many species of flora and fauna. 

Dorset County Council wish to destroy this Hollow  and  put in its place  concrete walls  and mesh.  No  trees or vegetation will ever regenerate and this ancient Dorset Holloway will be lost for ever.