“You can’t put a price on nature. You can’t quantify the uplifting effects of a walk in the Peak District or the way your soul soars at the sight of a stormy Cornish cliff. Except, it turns out you can: it’s worth almost £5 trillion a year. Economists have calculated the mental health benefits of the world’s national parks and concluded that on this measure alone they provide services amounting to a significant proportion of global GDP. And that is before you consider all the

A Briefing Update The Glover Review was asked to consider how our designated landscapes (National Parks and AONBs), could do even more for our communities, local economy and environment in the 21st century. It proposes that Dorset as well as the Cotswolds and Chilterns should be considered for National Park status. Many organisations and individuals across Dorset and further afield hope the Dorset Council will seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a National Par

The following discussion on BBC Politics South sets out why the proposed Dorset & East Devon National Park is the outstanding candidate to be England’s next National Park. The discussion includes supportive contributions from John Glenn, the Conservative MP for Salisbury and a Treasury Minister, and Alan Whitehead, the Labour MP for Southampton Test and the opposition spokesperson on Energy and Climate Change. #dorset #government #environment #eastdevon #video #nationalpark #

Our latest newsletter includes updates on key developments including the Glover Review, a feature on Dorset’s climate emergency and a summary of the economic benefits and opportunities which a National Park would bring to all of Dorset. Read the newsletter HERE. #dorset #newsletter #environment #government #support #marine #farming #nationalpark

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

The Dorset National Park Team congratulates all those successful in the local elections. We look forward to working with the Dorset Council and communities to secure Dorset’s long-overdue National Park, a designation that would keep our environment special and help our communities and economy to be thriving, successful and sustainable. Dorset’s environment and heritage are loved by the people of Dorset: 94% of Dorset residents say a high-quality natural environment is of grea

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 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

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

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