New initiative to restore nature in Dorset gets underway

An exciting new initiative aimed at restoring, enhancing and connecting spaces for nature in Dorset has officially launched.

Led by Dorset Council, Nature Recovery Dorset has been collectively created to bring together and drive forward local action for nature.

The UK is now classed as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.  And although Dorset is home to lots of nature areas and all sorts of plants and animals, over the years wildlife has declined and many areas for nature have been split up or lost.

Through Nature Recovery Dorset, the council and its partners aim to celebrate what’s already being done for nature, identify opportunities to do more, and help everyone work together to make nature in Dorset bigger and better. 

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said:

“Earlier in the summer we declared a nature emergency to highlight the need for urgent action to halt the decline of nature in Dorset. 

“As a council, we are already taking significant steps to put the natural environment at the heart of our plans and decision-making processes. But to make a real difference in the county, collective action will be key.

“Nature Recovery Dorset is something everyone can get involved in.  Whether you’re a school or a farmer, a landowner or a business, your efforts count.  And I urge everyone who is either already actively involved in nature recovery or interested in contributing to join the Nature Recovery Dorset network today.”

The new initiative encourages residents, community groups, schools, farms, businesses, and landowners to sign-up and share how they are making space for nature in the county. By mapping and promoting these activities, Nature Recovery Dorset aims to celebrate and connect current efforts and inspire others to do more.

This forms part of wider efforts to develop a local nature recovery strategy for the county.  Funded by Defra, this new plan for nature will guide actions to improve, protect, and expand wildlife areas across Dorset. 

To help create this plan, the council is particularly keen to hear from farmers, landowners and land managers who are already doing something to help nature recover on their land or are planning to do something in the next 10 years.  These activities will then be mapped to show where future funding should be targeted to achieve the most for nature in our county.

To learn more about Nature Recovery Dorset and how to get involved, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/nature-recovery.