In 2013, Queen guitarist Brian May began turning 157 acres of Dorset farmland into woodland; 9 years later, its trees and wildflower meadows were attracting more birds and small mammals

In 2013, Queen guitarist and Save Me founder Brian May began transforming 157 acres of former agricultural land in Bere Regis, Dorset, into a new woodland and wildlife reserve.

May planted the first tree during a community planting day on September 28, 2013. The scheme planned to plant more than 100,000 trees and shrubs over the following 12 months, creating a significant wildlife haven and improving the ecological habitat on land to the south of the village, as per Brian May's website.

From farmland to new woodland

The site had previously been used for intensive agriculture. May's plan was to gradually transform it into woodland and a wildlife reserve while allowing responsible pedestrian access across much of the area.


Eight fields were included in the conversion. UPM Tilhill was responsible for planting and managing the woodland, with species including oak, beech, chestnut, lime, wild cherry, spruce, Douglas fir, and walnut, along with woody shrubs.

Most of the planting was due to take place after January 1, once the farming cycle had fully stopped.

May said his concern for animals had eventually led to the founding of Save Me. He also saw the woodland as a way to reclaim land that had once been forest.

He said, "Our basic philosophy is that this land used to be forest hundreds of years ago and now I want to re-claim it on behalf of our wildlife. Eventually it will form a wildlife corridor and link on with the wildlife meadow," as quoted on his website.

Local residents joined the planting effort

The woodland was originally named “Save Me Woods,” but local residents began calling it “May’s Wood,” and the name stuck.

Residents had been consulted about the plans, with many attending a consultation day in February where they heard from May and other stakeholders involved in the project.

They were encouraged to join May and his team during the September community planting day and help plant some of the first trees.

Around 600 trees were due to be planted at the event, predominantly oak. The young trees were supplied in small cells, measuring about 20cm tall, with their roots protected in peat plugs.

The trees were easy for children and adults to handle and plant. Participants were also shown how to place protective shelters over them.

Creating space for people and wildlife

The plans included responsible pedestrian access across most areas, with gates through sections where deer fences were installed. Clear paths and rides were planned to create a diverse experience for visitors.

The woodland margins were designed with a graduated edge. Lower-growing shrubs such as viburnum, hazel, hawthorn, bird cherry and spindle were to be planted alongside areas retained and managed for wildflowers.

Save Me Chief Executive Anne Brummer described the project as the charity’s first experiment in maintaining a woodland with a natural balance for people and wildlife.

She said intensive farming had drained the land of its natural nutrients and that the large planting scheme would help give them back by introducing native trees.

May hoped future generations would enjoy the woodland

May said he wanted to create an environment where people and animals could exist together.

He said, "We have a wonderful possibility to make an environment which our children and grandchildren will grow up and enjoy in harmony with the animals around them," as quoted on his website.

The project was intended to gradually transform former farmland into a woodland habitat while giving local residents the chance to take part in planting some of its first trees.