Queen guitarist Brian May creates a wildlife haven with 100,000 trees

Queen guitarist Brian May is known around the world for his music, but one of his lesser-known projects has helped create a haven for wildlife in Dorset, England.

In 2012, May bought 157 acres of former farmland near Bere Regis that had been earmarked for housing development. Rather than seeing the land transformed into homes, he set out to create a wildlife sanctuary where native trees and animals could thrive.

More than a decade later, the site, known locally as May’s Wood, has become a woodland reserve with more than 100,000 trees, while also providing a base for a wildlife rescue organisation. The story was recently highlighted by Upworthy.

From farmland to wildlife sanctuary

May purchased the land after plans had been discussed to develop it for housing. He worked with residents and wildlife officials to establish a different future for the property.

His vision was not simply to create a traditional woodland, but a space that could help wildlife move through the landscape.

In a 2013 BBC interview, May described his plans as creating a wildlife sanctuary that could act as a corridor for animals. He also hoped the project would become a lasting legacy for future generations.

The first trees were planted in September 2013, when May joined residents for a ceremony and planted the reserve’s first oak tree.

The woodland was designed primarily around native British species, including hazel, hawthorn, bird cherry, spindle and viburnum. Areas were also retained and managed for wildflowers, creating a more varied habitat for wildlife.

The reserve also supports wildlife rescue

More than 100,000 trees now grow here

What began as a former agricultural site has since developed into a substantial woodland landscape.

According to Upworthy, more than 100,000 trees now grow across the reserve, helping create habitat for native wildlife and adding another patch of woodland to the surrounding landscape.

The project is a reminder that conservation does not always mean protecting untouched wilderness. Restoring land that has previously been used for agriculture or earmarked for development can also create important habitat.

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