A “vital” parcel of land has been secured for nature conservation after a community campaign raised more than £100,000 in two weeks.

The 110-acre privately-owned plot within Upton Heath in Poole, Dorset, had previously been part of the nature reserve, but the lease had been terminated by the landowner and it was put up for sale with planning permission for mineral extraction.

The land, designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, had been due to go up for auction on 29 April, sparking a fundraising appeal.