Chesil and the Fleet Mitigation

Information for developers, landowners and managers, find out how you can work with the Chesil and Fleet Mitigation Project to address and monitor recreational impacts and pressure. 

Chesil Beach and the Fleet is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC)1, Special Protection Area (SPA)2 and a Ramsar3 site in recognition of its exceptional ecological importance.  

Natural England suggest that the trampling of habitats and disturbance to species such as the Little Tern colony are adversely affecting the primary reasons for the SAC designation. Furthermore, recreational pressure particularly from dog walkers and water sports during the winter period is having an adverse effecting the over-wintering birds of the SPA. 

The Habitats Regulations require any development, strategic plan or policy likely to significantly affect a European site be subject to an appropriate assessment. 

National Planning Policy Framework  and Planning practice guidance  outline the procedure that should be followed in deciding whether to approve a proposal. 

Mitigation delivery

In compliance Dorset Council have agreed an avoidance and mitigation strategy through the Chesil and Fleet interim strategy.

There are two approaches in the strategy: 

1. Strategic Access Management and Monitoring - focusing on wardening, education and monitoring the strategy. 
2. Infrastructure projects - Providing facilities to manage visitor access to Chesil and the Fleet.  This includes the creation or improvement of an alternative access around the shoreline or rationalising multiple access points into one principle access point to an area of shoreline. 

How we plan to do this 

We are looking to support project applications both internally and external of Dorset Council. Proposals may range in size and nature of mitigating function. For example; a proposal may be developing new leaflets or improving access to a less sensitive greenspace for dog walking.  

Projects must demonstrate their ability to mitigate locally recognised recreational pressures.  There is currently no minimum or maximum limit of financial contribution that can be sought.  

The governance  

The allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy funding for Chesil and Fleet mitigation is overseen by a steering group made up of representative landowners and managers including Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve, Dorset Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Dorset Council and Natural England. Final sign-off lies with Senior Officers depending on the level of funding commitment.  Mitigation needs to be secured in-perpetuity to mitigate for the life of development and this is secured by using standard management agreements.  

How you can apply

If you have a project idea for mitigating recreational disturbance on the Chesil and Fleet, or would like an informal discussion then please contact the Project Coordinator with your contact details, a brief description of your project or enquiry and they will be in touch.