Community Land Transformation
Ferndown
Approx. 6 acres
The Challenge
This parcel of land lay hidden behind a residential street in Dorset, accessible only via a narrow track that frequently suffered from drainage and access problems. The site combined open pasture and mature woodland, offering no immediate development potential and presenting an increasing maintenance and liability burden for the landowner. The goal was to identify a practical, value-positive use that would eliminate risk, deliver community benefit, and generate a clean exit for the client.
Our Approach
Apex Land Management provided end-to-end project delivery, addressing both physical
and strategic constraints:
Access & Drainage Solutions: Resolved long-standing surface water and access drainage issues using low-impact interventions and improved the existing track for reliable vehicular access year-round.
Site Planning & Mapping: Conducted detailed mapping to delineate open grassland and woodland compartments, establishing clear boundaries and usage areas for future management and safeguarding.
Strategic Disposal & Community Partnership: Utilising local business partnerships, negotiated with a local special needs school seeking a dedicated outdoor learning environment, facilitating the sale and transfer for forest-school and bushcraft use.
The Outcome
Through targeted drainage improvements and sensitive land planning, the site was
transformed from a costly liability into a thriving educational and environmental resource.
• Drainage and access fully remediated
• Clear mapped boundaries for long-term management
• Sale completed to a local special needs school
• Land converted from liability to community asset
