Environmental Stewardship of the Bailiwick of Stoborough

The Liberty of Stoborough, historically located in the parish of Holy Trinity, spans approximately 2,670 acres, including 150 acres of water, and was long governed as a distinct manorial liberty within the ancient Hundred of Winfrith in Dorset. Situated on the Isle of Purbeck—a region renowned for its exceptional biodiversity—Stoborough today forms an important part of the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve, declared in February 2020 as the largest lowland heath NNR in England. This vast protected landscape covers 3,331 hectares (8,231 acres) and integrates the existing reserves of Hartland Moor, Stoborough Heath, and Studland & Godlingston Heath, along with new conservation lands stretching from Grange Heath to Studland, and from the Arne peninsula to Norden. Within this protected environment, Stoborough Heath itself comprises roughly 500 acres of rare heathland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to diverse wildlife including Dartford warblers, nightjars, rare reptiles, marsh species, and unique Purbeck heath flora.

Stoborough also lies within the celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast, one of the world’s most important natural heritage landscapes representing 185 million years of geological history, fossil-rich formations, and globally significant coastal ecosystems. The Lordship of Stoborough, today stewarded by Commissioner George Mentz, actively supports the long-term preservation of the region’s rivers, marshes, lakes, forests, beaches, harbours, and wildlife habitats. Through this stewardship, the ancient Manor and Liberty of Stoborough continue their historic role in protecting and sustaining one of Britain’s most ecologically valuable and culturally significant environments.

Who Manages the Stoborough Region Today

Ecology • Heritage • Stewardship of a UNESCO Landscape

Key Organisations Overseeing the Stoborough Landscape

Forestry England (FE)

Forestry England manages extensive woodlands, heathlands, and conservation areas across Purbeck.
In the greater Stoborough region, FE is a primary land steward, overseeing forests, trails, habitat restoration, and public access infrastructure.
Home | Forestry England

The National Trust (NT)

The National Trust is a major landowner in Purbeck and a cornerstone partner in the management of the surrounding nature reserve. NT oversees key areas near Stoborough including Studland, Godlingston Heath, and the Arne peninsula, providing conservation leadership and visitor engagement.
nationaltrust.org.uk

Natural England

As the UK Government’s statutory advisor on the natural environment, Natural England supports the long-term ecological and habitat strategy of Purbeck Heaths and Stoborough’s SSSI designations, ensuring protection of rare species and heathlands.
naturalengland.org.uk

RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)

Large areas around Stoborough—including Arne, Hartland Moor, and the wetlands leading into Poole Harbour—are managed or co-managed by the RSPB, a critical conservation partner safeguarding bird habitats, marshlands, and coastal ecosystems.
rspb.org.uk

The “Wild Purbeck Partnership”

Landscape-Scale Conservation Involving Stoborough

In 2012, major landowners formed the Wild Purbeck Partnership to manage heathlands, forests, rivers, and coastal ecosystems across the Isle of Purbeck—including the Stoborough region—under a single landscape vision.
The partnership includes:

• Forestry England

• National Trust

• RSPB

• Dorset Wildlife Trust

• Natural England

• Local councils and advisors

Its Shared Vision

“To allow Purbeck’s wild landscapes—including Stoborough—to evolve naturally, guided by ecological processes, for the benefit of nature and people.”

The partnership coordinates work across property boundaries, ensuring that heathlands, wetlands, forests, and river systems are restored and protected on a landscape scale.

Practical Stewardship & Responsibilities

Forest & Heathland Care

Forestry England and conservation partners maintain:

• Healthy woodland and heathland ecosystems

• Trail systems and public access routes

• Fire prevention measures

• Control of invasive species

• Reintroduction and protection of rare flora and fauna

Wildlife & Habitat Restoration

The National Trust, RSPB, and Natural England jointly protect:

• Rare heathland species (nightjars, Dartford warblers, sand lizards, smooth snakes)

• Marshlands feeding into Poole Harbour

• Wetland and river habitats along the Frome and Piddle valleys

Visitor Access & Community Engagement

Visitor centers at Arne, Studland, and Purbeck sites provide:

• Educational programs

• Volunteer opportunities

• Guided walks and interpretation of Purbeck’s unique ecosystems

These efforts ensure that Stoborough remains both wild and welcoming.

Relationship With the Manor & Historical Title

Separate from public land management, the historic Manor & Liberty of Stoborough—a documented jurisdiction since 1086—holds cultural and ceremonial significance.

The Modern Lord of Stoborough

The Lord of the Manor & Liberty of Stoborough, Commissioner George Mentz, maintains the historic manorial institutions including:

• The ceremonial Court Leet

• Historic Bailiff appointments

• The Honorary Mayor program

• Preservation of the manor’s heritage, records, traditions, and ancient identity

A Mission Rooted in Custodianship

The manorial role emphasizes heritage stewardship, complementing the ecological work of the land-management agencies.

George Mentz’s mission is to support:

• The conservation of Stoborough Heath

• Purbeck’s rare landscapes

• The region’s environmental and cultural legacy

• Education about ancient Wessex traditions

• Charitable engagement benefiting local people, schools, and wildlife reserves

Stoborough: A UNESCO & Nationally Protected Landscape

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Jurassic Coast”

Stoborough lies within the geographic zone of the UNESCO Jurassic Coast, celebrated worldwide for:

• 185 million years of geological history

• Fossil-rich cliffs and formations

• Rare habitats, dunes, and marshlands

• Global scientific and educational importance

Part of the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve

Declared in 2020, the Purbeck Heaths NNR is the UK’s largest lowland heath national reserve—over 3,331 hectares (8,231 acres).
Stoborough contributes significantly to this reserve through:

• Stoborough Heath SSSI

• Connecting wetlands

• River habitats

• Heathlands adjoining Arne, Hartland Moor & Studland

The Liberty of Stoborough includes approximately 2,670 acres, and sits adjacent to or within the broader protected mosaic of Purbeck’s world-class natural environment.

Stewardship Today: Heritage + Ecology + Public Benefit

The modern approach to Stoborough’s stewardship balances:

• Ecological restoration

• Preservation of the historic liberty and manorial identity

• Public access and education

• Charitable engagement

From rare reptiles to ancient river meadows, from coastal wetlands to medieval court traditions, Stoborough remains a living landscape where natural beauty and history are preserved for future generations.