The following summarises the case for the Dorset & East Devon National Park. “Dorset and E Devon is the outstanding candidate for National Park status” This view is widely supported and is based on: The outstanding quality of the environment and landscape which embraces the UNESCO World Heritage “Jurassic” Coast - the only World Heritage designation for the natural environment in England (that for the Lake District relates to local culture); Dorset contains much of what is le

Two innovative farm diversification schemes have been given the green light by the South Downs National Park Authority. These projects illustrate how a National Park’s policies and their positive, constructive approach to land management can help farming businesses and landowners benefit from diversification. Work has now started to create a rural business park anchored by the Wiston Estate Winery. The plans include demolishing, converting, and extending the current winery an

A paper by Alison Tingley, Liaison Officer to the South Downs Land Managers Group, offers a range of practical Case Studies that illustrate how farmers and landowners have been helped for example to diversify and adapt farm buildings. It notes the important roles played by the South Downs Land Managers Group whose membership includes those who are members of the CLA and NFU. It notes where more progress is needed and offers lessons for the future. Read Alison Tingley's Case S

Below is an excerpt from an article on the South Downs National Park website. “We want to introduce ourselves to the people who enjoy spending time here and end the perception that farmers are old-fashioned or unapproachable.” Dominic Gardner is part of a network of National Park farmers staring in short films about their work. “Being a farmer makes you very aware that we’re only here for a short time but what we do can have a massive impact,” says Dominic Gardner, who runs L

In the 1930s Cyril Diver led an ecological study on Studland Heath that set new standards in the science of ecology. In 2013/15 the National Trust revisited the site and the data through its largest and most ambitious Citizen Science project to date. This is their story… Click Here to download the article #casestudy #biodiversity #purbeck #nationalpark #environment #wildlife #dorset #marine

Poole Harbour is nestled in one of the most bio-diverse corners of the UK. Read about the exciting project to encourage ospreys to breed here. Click Here to download the case study. Image of an osprey in Poole Harbour; courtesy of Peter Moore #wildlife #casestudy #biodiversity #purbeck #nationalpark #environment

The following case study, the fourth in a series, describes how the National Trust works with partners to restore a beautiful, healthy environment for nature and people in Purbeck’s important lowland heaths. Click Here to download the case study. Image of Stoborough Heath; courtesy of Mark Bauer #casestudy #dorset #nationalpark #environment #purbeck

In the following case study, the Thomas Hardy Society concludes that we have a duty to look after the landscape of Hardy’s novels for future generations to share, to love and enjoy, and by doing so to continue to appreciate and understand the natural world and heritage he valued. “The best possible way to preserve this unique literary environment is through the creation of a Dorset National Park, including all those parts of the County described herewith – and so important to

The Dorset coast is one of the most important areas for rock climbing in Britain and attracts many visitors from across the UK and from overseas. There is a wide variety of climbing available, and the mild climate of the South Coast allows climbing all year round. Climbing has a long heritage in Dorset. Sport Rock climbing started in the 1960s on the limestone sea cliffs near Swanage, which extend for 8 km between Durlston Head and St Aldhelm’s Head. DOWNLOAD THE CASE STUDY H

Dorset’s early heritage is nationally and indeed internationally outstanding. This case study on the archaeology of The Isle of Purbeck from around 9,000BC to 1066 illustrates this. We are most grateful to Lilian Ladle MBE, Visiting Fellow at Bournemouth University, for writing this case study specially for us. It will further inform our submission of evidence to Natural England. A Dorset National Park would have the responsibility and opportunity for promoting awareness, und