Dorset farmers, landowners and organisations help shape new plan for nature

Organisations, landowners and farmers came together last month to help shape a new plan to protect and restore nature in Dorset.

Through a series of events, Dorset Council heard from local farm businesses, landowners and members of the Dorset Local Nature Partnership (LNP) on what they think should be done to make nature bigger, better and more joined up in the county.

The events form an important part of the council’s efforts to create a local nature recovery strategy for Dorset.  This new plan for nature, which is being prepared by Dorset Council with the help of BCP Council and Natural England, is funded by Defra and will help show where action is needed to improve, protect, and grow areas for wildlife across the county.

Over 245 people attended the events, where they had the opportunity to learn more about nature recovery, how they can support it, and the projects already being delivered in the county.  During the sessions, attendees also had the chance to input into the plan and hear more about the funding available to help deliver it locally.

The UK government has tasked each county in England with preparing a Local Nature Recovery Strategy, to help support its target of protecting 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. Once finalised these strategies will be joined together to form a national nature recovery network.

Bridget Betts, Dorset Council’s Environment Policy and Partnership Manager, said:

“The Local Nature Recovery Strategy presents an exciting opportunity for Dorset’s residents, communities, and organisations to set shared priorities for nature locally.

“These recent events proved to be a great forum for people working in and around our natural landscapes to share knowledge, experience, and ideas on how we can protect and restore nature.”

Martin Whitchurch, BCP Council’s Greenspace & Conservation Strategic Lead, said:

“Throughout these events, we’ve been hearing from people and projects that are already making huge strides in protecting and restoring nature in our county. 

“Dorset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy will help join this work up, showing where efforts are succeeding and where more work is still needed to build, protect and enhance habitats for wildlife. 

“By working together on this strategy, we can all play our part in helping wildlife thrive in Dorset for years to come.”

For more information on the development of Dorset's Local Nature Recovery Strategy and future opportunities to help shape it, please visit the Dorset Council website.