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

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 Times reported that a major study has shown that four out of the five most biodiverse areas in the country are in Dorset. A National Park would help conserve and enhance these areas and increase understanding and awareness on their very special qualities. Below is an excerpt from the article written by Jerome Starkey, The Times countryside correspondent. Isle of Purbeck revealed to be UK’s little square of loveliness Half a dozen sika deer bounded down the hill, past the

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

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

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