The Dorset Council has declared a Climate Emergency and is being urged to recognise that this is also an emergency for Dorset’s ecology and environment. This emergency calls for fresh thinking and a new strategic vision about the linked challenges of climate emergency, environment, and ecology. Dorset’s exceptional biodiversity, geodiversity and landscape diversity are spectacular and world class. They are a vital national as well as local asset. Yet Dorset’s environment and

The following makes the case for Dorchester and its landscape to be included in the Dorset & East Devon National Park. The full report can be found HERE. Dorchester and the boundary of the proposed Dorset and East Devon National Park: why Dorchester and its landscape setting should be included within the proposed National Park. Executive Summary. 1. Should a National Park be designated, the Dorchester Civic Society wishes to see Dorchester and its surrounding landscape settin

The Dorset Council has declared a climate emergency. The next Council meeting will discuss climate change and also preparations for the Local Plan required by 2024. In both these areas, the proposed Dorset National Park would be a close, supportive partner for the DC, and bring additional resources and wider benefits for all rural Dorset, regardless of the area of the National Park. The Proposed Dorset National Park The Dorset National Park Proposal was submitted in response

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

Our latest newsletter includes an update on the Glover Review of Designated Landscapes (a great opportunity for Dorset), information on how a Dorset NP would work to benefit communities and also includes answers to some frequently asked questions. Click here to read the newsletter. #dorset #nationalpark #government #farming #newsletter #economy #environment #biodiversity

In the 70 years since the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949, a high proportion of England’s most outstanding landscapes and important natural habitats have become “Designated Landscapes.” But more remains to be done, including securing a National Park for Dorset & East Devon. The government-appointed Glover Review, as part of its wide-ranging review of Designated Landscapes, is considering whether to recommend possible new designations. The Review Panel

Dorset CPRE supports the designation of a Dorset National Park Getting out and about around Dorset's outstanding countryside and coast, and our towns and villages, is a tonic and a boost to our health and wellbeing, whatever the season or the weather – says Dorset CPRE. National research finds that having access to the countryside and green spaces is important for physical and mental health, and CPRE supports calls by the Rural Services Network and others for more sustainable

This report by Cumulus Consulting outlines the benefits that National Park designation could deliver for Dorset’s economy. It assembles and summarises evidence from a range of sources to make a compelling case for a National Park that would benefit all of Dorset. It notes, for example, how a National Park would strengthen Dorset’s brand, providing major opportunities for a range of businesses, how it would strengthen efforts to attract inward investment as well as secure incr

The proposed Dorset National Park is the most significant business opportunity to present itself to Dorset in a generation. It would provide a boost for our tourism industry all year round, help spread the benefits across Dorset and help manage existing tourism pressures. THIS SHORT NOTE summarises some of the evidence. Abbotsbury Village, Dorset. #wildlife #dorset #nationalpark #economy #environment #news

A new paper by Phil Belden (former Director of Operations at the South Downs National Park) discusses how the South Downs has approached the key relationship with the farming and land management community at both the local and strategic level. Under the SDNP Local Plan, new policies are supportive of farming, including enabling diversification to increase its long-term viability, construction of new agricultural and forestry buildings, and facilitating the re-use of redundant

Our latest newsletter includes a welcome for the Glover Review of Designated Landscapes (a great opportunity for Dorset), notes how a Dorset NP would work in partnership with the new Dorset Council, and features recent articles - including in Dorset Life. Click here to read the newsletter. #dorset #tourism #localgovtreorg #nationalpark #economy #devolution #purbeck #magazine #newsletter

By Professor Michael Dower, CBE Last month’s edition of Dorset Life concluded that “almost irrespective of the detail, a Dorset National Park would be good for Dorset.” This has now become a live issue, following the announcement by Michael Gove that he has asked Julian Glover to lead a national review including the potential for new National Parks. This review, which I strongly welcome, offers Dorset the opportunity to complete unfinished business from 70 years ago… as I kno

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

A Dorset National Park will be a strategic asset and partner for the Dorset Council, communities and business. It will promote a thriving and successful, living, working rural Dorset. National Parks are a proven and successful business model for a rural economy where sustainable growth is linked to caring for our greatest economic asset - our environment and natural capital. The Government in its 25 Year Environment Plan (YEP) notes the achievements of National Parks in suppo

See the new and updated introductory leaflet about the National Park proposal HERE. If you would like copies, for example, to circulate to local councillors and societies, please let us know and we’ll get them to you. If your local council or society would like a talk about the National Park proposal, please let us know. Dorset & East Devon National Park Team #newsletter #25yearplan #nationalpark #economy #environment #news

This will be an important year as we look forward to Natural England's next evaluation of the proposal, submitted in 2013, for a National Park, covering the Dorset and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and what remains of Thomas Hardy's Egdon Heath. Do please help spread the word about the great opportunities a national park offers to our communities and businesses (including farmers, landowners and all those in the tourism sector) as well as conserving

A study by Kyle Dyett, Professor Davide Parrilli and Dr Ishmael Tingbani at Bournemouth University has concluded that a Dorset National Park could add considerable value to the county's economy including through stimulating additional annual visitor spend worth several million pounds. It notes that the marketing power and international brand recognition of a National Park would help extend the visitor season and benefit the economy across Dorset. >> CLICK HERE TO READ THE UN

The Dorset National Park Team welcomes the government's commitment to "Conserve and enhance the natural beauty of our landscapes by reviewing National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) for the 21st century, including assessing whether more may be needed." Dorset's case for National Park designation is strong and amply demonstrated, as evidence and studies on this website show. We look forward to Natural England's further assessment of the proposal later th

The Secretary of State has said that he is minded to approve proposals for a move to 2 unitary authorities: one for the conurbation and one for Shire Dorset. Any reduction from 9 councils to 2 aims to improve efficiency, save costs, reduce staff and councillors and free up assets so as to improve the financial position and provision of services across Shire Dorset. The proposed Dorset National Park would be an asset and an efficient, close partner to the Unitary and help deli

The Pressures on Rural Dorset For many decades Sir David Attenborough has stated his concerns about the effects of population growth on our planet. In his view, there is no major problem facing our planet that would not be easier to solve if there were fewer people; and no problem that does not become harder with ever more people (1). In the September issue of the Dorset Wildlife Trust's e-newsletter, its Chief Executive, Simon Cripps, repeats this concern: "Too many people o