Smooth snakes and nightjars are among the species to benefit from the restoration of Avon Heath.

A rare habitat that is home to reptiles and ground-nesting birds in Dorset is to be restored in a two-year, £1.2m project.

Dorset Council is removing hundreds of invasive pine trees from Avon Heath Country Park to help rejuvenate the heathland.

The 210-hectare site is home to all of Britain’s native reptile species, including the elusive smooth snake, along with birds including nightjar and woodlark.

Trees, scrub and other invasive species such as Rhododendron will be removed to help reverse the habitat loss.