Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council have completed a major air quality monitoring project to help protect the county's internationally important heathland habitats from traffic pollution.
Between August 2025 and January 2026, 15 trained volunteers collected monthly air samples at 14 heathland sites near busy roads. Laboratory analysis measured levels of nitrogen dioxide and ammonia — two pollutants linked to vehicle emissions and agricultural activity.
The findings revealed that ammonia levels exceeded thresholds known to harm lichens and mosses at every site monitored. Heaths near the A338, A35 and Alderney/Wallisdown roads recorded the highest pollution levels.
Using the data, heathland sites have been categorised by risk level, with mitigation work already under way at Avon Heath, Upton Heath and Matchams View. Restoration methods include removing invasive vegetation and scraping away nutrient-rich topsoil to encourage heathland plant regeneration.
The data will also be used to assess the air quality impact of new developments in the area.
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