Public bodies potential activities

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The potential activities below could be done by public bodies to help achieve Dorset’s nature recovery priorities. Select the titles to see what potential activities could help achieve each priority.

Priority 1 Grasslands
Priority 2 Woodlands
Priority 3 Heathlands
Priority 4 Rivers, lakes and wetlands
Priority 5 Coastal
Priority 6 Urban
Priority 7 Farming
Priority 8 Natural processes
Priority 9 Nature-based solutions
Priority 10 Nature connection
Priority 11 Species abundance and diversity

Priority 1 Grasslands

Potential activities for grasslands include:

protect and sustainably manage the few remaining species-rich grassland sites and increase connectivity between these sites and other nature-rich habitats
manage meadows and pastures to support abundant wildflowers and associated wildlife, for example, insects, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles
create more species-rich grassland habitats
adapt mowing and maintenance regimes in greenspaces, such as parks, sports fields, and grounds of hospitals or businesses, to create connected wild patches and meadows, and areas for insects to overwinter
manage road verges using ‘cut and collect’ to restore and maintain wildflower-rich habitat
reduce the use of chemicals such as pesticides and fertilisers on farmland and gardens
encourage diverse sward heights on grassland, with some areas developing into longer tussocks, pockets of scrub and keeping some bare ground to increase diversity and help join up different habitats
make existing species-rich grassland bigger, expanding them to be big enough to protect from external pressures, enhance resilience and encourage natural processes
source local seeds or green hay from existing species-rich grassland (source/arc/donor sites) to restore meadows in other places in Dorset
enhance and create hedgerows alongside species-rich grassland to help transition between grassland and other habitat types
increase species-richness of semi-improved grassland. For example, by reducing chemical inputs, adding in different native plant species, or using rotational grazing
to enhance acid grassland (former heath), use rotational and conservation grazing to develop a mix of heathland and grassland, thereby increasing habitat and species diversity and helping join up heathland fragments
when creating or enhancing grassland habitats, keep existing wet features like depressions or re-wet historically wet areas of the land

Priority 2 Woodlands

Potential activities for woodlands include:

increase species-richness of semi-improved grassland. For example, by reducing chemical inputs, adding in different native plant species, or using rotational grazing
establish new woodlands consistent with the UK Forest Standard, applying the ‘right tree, right place’ principle. Ideally create new woodland that buffers, expands and links existing woodlands, especially ancient woodlands
source and use a diverse range of bio-secure trees and plants for tree and woodland establishment projects. Use a broad and mixed palette suited to objectives. Consider the use of native, near native and non-native species to ensure resilience
restore and establish new areas of wood pasture, parkland, and traditional orchards to increase biodiversity and create corridors for species to move between adjacent woodlands. Manage these habitats to maximise diversity of species and structure, for example, restorative pruning, seasonal grazing
set up or use a community tree nursery to supply, bio-secure, locally sourced and grown native trees for community tree planting projects
enhance and create hedgerows to ensure a diverse mix of tree and hedgerow plants and stagger the management cycle
maintain active management of coppice stands and woodlands, and restore lapsed coppice woodlands, bringing these into management, delivering environmental benefits, wood products and economic benefit
support the continuation of the hazel coppice industry and related rural industries such as hedge laying, to ensure associated woodland and hedgerow management continues
where possible implement Minimum Intervention Areas to enable a more natural, unmanaged, woodland structure to evolve, this will benefit wildlife species such as bats
maintain and increase street trees to enhance the canopy cover in towns and villages (see priority 6 for more on street trees and urban forests)
in woodlands on acid soils, retain, buffer and connect heathland remnants to support species movement and restoration. Also consider removing conifers, disrupting historic drainage and developing of mire systems with scrub and wet woodland components
as part of woodland habitat creation or enhancement, keep existing wet features like depressions or re-wet historically wet areas of the land

Priority 3 Heathlands

Potential activities for heathlands include:

protect existing heathland sites, managing them to improve their condition and increase connectivity between fragmented sites
manage heathland to have a varied structure of heather and bare ground and to stop the colonisation of invasive plant species. For example, through light extensive grazing, mowing, heather and turf cutting, and some licenced small-scale burns. Burning is often not the most appropriate management method, licencing, consultation and regulations must be followed before burns
expand and connect current and potential heathland sites so they are big enough to protect from external pressures and encourage natural process
manage some open areas in forests, such as heathland, wetland and peatland, to provide a network of habitats for wildlife, connected with existing habitats beyond the woodland site
reduce the risk of fires to protect precious heathland habitats and prevent wildfire spreading to nearby homes and communities. For example, raising awareness that it’s illegal to barbecue on heathlands or sharing practical advice for people to protect their homes from wildfire
reduce pressures from recreational disturbance on heathlands. For example, providing suitable alternative natural greenspaces (SANGs) and raising awareness of ways people can enjoy heathlands responsibly by continuing the work of Dorset Heaths Partnership
managing heathland sites with high levels of air pollution by more frequent heath management, more intensive grazing or soil stripping to take away nutrient rich soil and invasive plants and create bare ground. Continue wider efforts to protect heathlands from air pollution
as part of heathland habitat creation or enhancement, keep existing wet features like depressions or re-wet historically wet areas of land

Priority 4 Rivers, lakes and wetlands

Potential activities for rivers, lakes and wetlands include:

restore and enhance chalk streams and winterbourne streams and the important species they support
create buffers of different plants, trees and woodlands along the river corridor (riparian planting or water body buffering) to create a diverse structure of shady areas to keep rivers cool and warmer open areas for fish spawning
reconnect rivers to their historic floodplain and re-establish dynamic wetland habitats
carry out river restoration. For example, re-meander rivers that have been straightened to allow the water to take a natural path or put natural materials into the river channel to slow the flow of water (leaky dams)
create, restore or protect priority ponds and adjacent habitats to provide homes for rare and endangered species
remove man-made barriers in rivers that restrict fish movement or provide ways to swim around them. This in turn could lead to restoration of much larger areas of habitat that were lost due to the barrier. This may require coordination with multiple organisations and relevant permissions to be in place
restore and ‘re-wet’ peatlands to provide wildlife habitat and act as sponges that filter water to improve water quality, regulate water flow, increase flood protection and improve carbon storage
introduce mixed age cyclical reed cutting into reedbed management plans where possible, creating mixed age reed stands and enhancing habitats. Explore the potential to use materials from reedbed management to supply bioenergy, or once water quality improves, the thatching industry to help reduce its carbon footprint
use permeable materials if creating hard surfaces in urban areas, such as driveways, to direct rainwater into soakaways and back into the ground rather than the wastewater system. Avoid sealed surfaces like concrete and artificial grass that water runs over quickly and into drains
use sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in towns and villages, such as rain gardens, swales, street trees and ponds to slow and clean water, and provide wetland or boggy habitat
reduce the risk of prescription medication reaching and polluting waterways, by taking medications according to prescription and using pharmacies to dispose of any medications that are no longer required
support communities where free-living beavers are present through the Dorset Beaver Management Group by providing advice on management requirements in response to beaver activity
reduce the volume of water abstraction from the chalk aquifer, to support nature recovery of chalk streams

Priority 5 Coastal

Potential activities for coastal include:

reduce nutrients entering coastal waters through changes to farming practices, development and wastewater treatment
reduce pressures from recreational disturbance, for example, helping water sport users understand how to enjoy the coast without disrupting sensitive habitats and species
create new areas of intertidal habitats such as salt marsh and mudflats in response to sea levels rising against fixed flood and coastal erosion defences (coastal squeeze)
design habitat creation into flood defence and other coastal engineering works, for example, artificial reefs, rockpools and sand dunes
create new coastal habitats inland as part of managed realignment to accommodate and compensate for the expected shift of coastal systems towards the land as sea levels rise
for coastal areas with high numbers of people visiting, use a mixture of methods to make more space for wildlife, such as changing access patterns to give wildlife more space, or creating areas for wildlife on nearby land that will be less disturbed, for example, ground nesting habitat for birds on adjacent undisturbed fields
seek to restore lost coastal habitats such as seagrass beds, oyster reefs, saltmarsh and sand dunes as improvements in underlying environmental conditions allow
pull back from intensive farming in fields close to cliff edges, to create space for cliff top habitats and wildlife to survive and move as the coastline recedes through cliff falls and landslips

Priority 6 Urban

Potential activities for urban include:

use wildlife-friendly gardening practices in homes, businesses, community growing projects, churchyards and similar spaces
adapt mowing and maintenance regimes in green spaces such as parks, sports fields, and grounds of hospitals, schools or businesses. Create wild patches and meadows, and areas for insects to overwinter
create sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) features in towns and villages, such as rain gardens, swales, street trees and ponds to slow water and provide wetland or boggy habitat
increase other kinds of urban greening such as living walls and green roofs, on both existing and new buildings, or other infrastructure such as bus shelters
create more nature-rich spaces in nurseries, schools, colleges and universities. For example, gardens or allotments for students to grow plants and food, and wildflower strips around sports fields
sustainably manage existing trees in towns and villages, replacing these where they are removed or lost due to age or disease
increase tree canopy cover by establishing and maintaining more trees in gardens, parks, and along streets, focusing on areas that have the lowest tree equity scores. For Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, follow the guiding principles outlined in BCP Urban Forest Strategy
maintain and establish new fruit trees and orchards within public spaces. And establish related community groups and ways for people to use the fruit and care for the trees
increase the use of hedges, rather than just fences and walls, around homes, gardens, and public open spaces
continue and expand Dorset’s successful ‘cut and collect’ approach to road verge management, to restore and maintain wildflower-rich habitat
manage verges, hedgerows and trees alongside road and rail infrastructure to create wildlife corridors and consider installing green crossings to reduce habitat fragmentation
explore opportunities to convert underused streets or neglected areas into small ‘pocket parks’
use permeable materials if creating hard surfaces in urban areas, such as driveways, to direct rainwater into soakaways that flow back down into the ground instead of the wastewater system and therefore reduce flood risk. Limit use of sealed surfaces like concrete and artificial grass that water runs over quickly, flowing into drains and the wastewater system
use water butts to catch rainwater and use this to water plants during drier months. This water is good for the garden as it’s rich in nutrients and helps conserve drinking water
increase natural darkness by using timers and movement sensors on household and street lighting, to reduce light pollution that disturbs the natural rhythms of wildlife, for example, bats, birds, insects. Choose lights that are not too bright and warmer shades, then position the lights as low as possible and pointing downwards rather than into the sky
make nature recovery a key consideration in development, following policy and guidance on biodiversity net gain, green infrastructure, urban greening, sustainable drainage systems (SuDs), sustainable/active travel, landscape character, suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANGs), and habitat restoration on minerals and waste sites
consider and mitigate impacts on bats and birds before starting any renovation or repair works on buildings or structures, so that species can continue using the site once the works are complete
protect and enhance green corridors that connect up nature areas to help wildlife travel through towns, and often provide trails for people to travel along too

Priority 7 Farming

Potential activities for farming include:

reduce or stop chemical use such as fertilisers, pesticides and some veterinary medicines for livestock that persist in livestock dung
work with neighbouring farms and other partners to coordinate nature recovery activities across the landscape and share equipment and knowledge. For example, by joining a farmer cluster or landscape scale recovery project
manage habitats to provide biodiversity net gain units or nutrient mitigation credits
support initiatives that improve marketing of local sustainable produced food, and help connect farmers and consumers
support farmers and land managers to work together to enable efficient woodland management, sale of timber wood products and best practice on management and biosecurity

Priority 8 Natural processes

Potential activities for natural processes include:

allow water to flow naturally across the landscape, for example, re-meander straightened rivers, stage zero river restoration, restore small flushes and ponds, and recreate wet areas within other habitats like grassland, woodland and heathland
allow trees and woodlands to establish through natural colonisation where seed sources are present or through succession, rather than planting
use informed naturalistic or rotational grazing management to mimic natural grazing patterns of wild herbivores
use browsing animals, that eat woody vegetation rather than grass, to prevent the whole landscape becoming closed canopy woodland and keep some open habitat areas

Priority 9 Nature-based solutions

Potential activities for nature-based solutions include:

establish and maintain more native trees in towns and villages to improve air quality, provide shade from extreme heat, increase carbon storage, improve water quality and provide natural flood management. Increase tree canopy cover in all urban areas, especially areas that have the lowest tree equity scores
follow a natural flood management (NFM) approach to protect, restore and emulate the natural functions of catchments, floodplains, rivers and the coast
create or restore wet habitats in floodplains to help store flood water and catch nutrients and sediments before they enter rivers. These areas can also provide healthy food for livestock to graze during drier weather, and become havens for pollinators and other wildlife. Beavers can be part of the process of creating expanded wetland habitats
use permeable materials if creating hard surfaces in urban areas, such as driveways, and limit use of sealed surfaces like concreate and artificial grass that water quickly runs over into drains. By redirecting water into natural soakaways, rather than the wastewater system, can help reduce flood risk and reduce the number of storm overflow discharges
use sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in towns and villages, such as rain gardens, water butts, swales, street trees and ponds to slow and clean water, and provide wetland or boggy habitat. This can help reduce flood risk and reduced the number of storm overflow discharges
enhance and create habitats to help mitigate climate change, natural habitats capture and store carbon. Peatland, broadleaved woodland and saltmarsh are examples of habitats that tend to be larger carbon stores, but many other habitat types provide some carbon storage, and a variety of habitats is needed for a functioning ecosystem
enhance and create hedgerows that slow the flow of water across the landscape, which helps reduce flood risk and improve water quality by reducing the amount of sediment and pollution in rivers. Hedges are also a carbon store, as well as providing wildlife habitats and corridors
create buffer strips near waterbodies on farms to reduce sediment and chemicals entering water
include fire dependable lines, ponds and emergency service access routes within heathland to reduce wildfire risk, increase the ability to contain fires, and improve resilience to climate change
maintain and increase green social prescribing, supporting people to take part in nature-based activities that can help improve health and wellbeing
embed the importance of nature recovery across all organisations so that senior decision-makers champion nature and consider nature-based solutions as part of decision making

Priority 10 Nature connection

Potential activities for nature connection include:

showcase and champion the huge range of activities already happening for nature recovery in Dorset, and celebrate the people involved to help inspire others
continue and grow Dorset’s strong history of partnership working. For example, farm clusters, catchment based approach, and landscape recovery projects. Use this strategy as a tool to help target collaborative efforts, working together across sectors by listening without judgement, sharing knowledge and pooling resources
share advice to help develop and implement a land management plan, if one is not already in place. For example, for farmers, landowner, land managers, community groups, town and parish councils, schools
support rural skills development and rural workers to strengthen the nature-based local economy. For example, business hubs, affordable housing tied to local forestry or agriculture, promoting sustainable tourism and linking with the outdoor activity sector
host farmer or forester led events to learn more about sustainable practices
share successes and learning from trailblazing transformational landscape scale projects and enhance the collective efforts of farmers and landowners
support local farmers, landowners and land managers in their asks to government regarding support for sustainable farming or forestry practices
use public sector resources to carry out nature recovery projects as demonstrators (for example, nutrient mitigation or county farms), then champion the private sector to drive delivery
work with architects, builders and roofers to raise awareness of potential impacts of development on wildlife and the benefits of seeking ecological advice early in the design process
provide training to landscape architects and grounds maintenance teams on wildlife-friendly gardening practices
collaborate with recording groups and citizen scientists to explore how they can help measure progress and promote opportunities for more people to get involved, from annual wildlife count days to regular wildlife monitoring groups
share information on what people can do to help wildlife at home. For example, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s wildlife-friendly spaces award, BCP Council’s Nature Pledge Support communities to understand and celebrate any changes happening through habitat restoration. For example, information signs on footpaths and near projects, or volunteer days
raise awareness of ways people can enjoy nature, while minimising pressures this can put on wildlife. For example, Dorset Dogs Continue the work of the Partnership Against Rural Crime to raise awareness of what a wildlife crime is and how to report it and how to report it
build on existing provision of nature related activities in nurseries, schools, colleges and youth clubs. For example, increase forest school for all students, assembly packs for eco clubs to deliver, trips to natural spaces and farms, on-site growing of food, plants and trees, resources for educators to embed nature recovery themes across all lessons/subjects, geo-caching
continue and expand the variety of nature-related activities in communities across Dorset, giving more time for people to connect with nature or get involved in nature conservation. For example, community gardening, pond-dipping experiences, natural arts and crafts, mindfulness sessions, outdoor physical activities
maintain and increase green social prescribing, supporting people to take part in nature-based activities that can help improve health and wellbeing, meet a diverse range of needs, and foster nature connectedness
acquire long-term funding to support project development, capital investment and ongoing maintenance of interventions
raise awareness of new funding for nature recovery activities and increase support to access funding where needed, for example, farm advisors, community fund finder
provide a clear approach for monitoring and reporting, so everyone can understand what ‘good’ looks like for different habitat types and species, and how to report on their activities to help track progress
maintain centralised mapping service where local people can view information about habitats, opportunities for nature recovery, and completed projects
include sustainable farming, sustainable forestry and land management and conservation courses in local college curriculum
provide guidance to help developers consider sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) at an early stage of design and planning, and how these can provide multiple benefits for water quality and biodiversity
make more space for nature nearby people’s homes, especially in areas where it is estimate 30% or less of the population live within a 300m walk of nature

Priority 11 Species abundance and diversity

Potential activities for species abundance and diversity include:

create a network of naturally functioning diverse habitats across the county, supported by more nature-friendly land management practices across all the surrounding areas by delivering the activities listed under all the other priorities in this strategy
make simple changes across Dorset to help increase species abundance, such as herbal leys and diverse seed mixes on farms, encouraging natural regeneration of woodlands, and leaving wilder areas in parks and open spaces
use wildlife-friendly gardening practices. For example, peat-free compost, hedgehog house, not using chemicals or slug pellets
use local and native species when creating new spaces for nature as part of building development, but also consider new species where these provide a similar ecological function and are suited to the built environment Undertake targeted and sustained control of non-native and invasive plants and animals, for example, rhododendron, Himalayan balsam, snowberry, sour fig, cotoneaster, Japanese rose, giant hogweed and mink
coordinate landscape sale management of sustainable deer populations to improve the ecological condition of semi-natural habits, supporting the natural regeneration of trees, woody shrubs and ground flora, and to protect agricultural crops. Control muntjac deer, as a non-native invasive species. Within both Wareham and Purbeck focus management actions upon sika deer populations
monitor tree stocks for pests and disease, and where impacts are high, adapt woodland management plans and practices to respond
coordinate shared approach to respond to ash dieback across land ownership boundaries
if plants or trees are lost to disease, re-plant with more resistant species but make sure these perform similar ecological functions and are native if possible
explore options for landscape scale management of grey squirrel populations and deliver this to improve ecological condition of woodlands and reduce pressures on other animals, such as mammals and birds. Include an evaluation of the feasibility for pine marten reintroduction
stop the spread of common wall lizard into new areas, particularly heathland. Raise awareness of how to identify the species and what people should do if found. Carry out surveys of new or spreading populations, to control before they become established
control Alpine newt, survey populations and stop their spread into new areas. Raise awareness of what people should do if they spot them and how to avoid accidentally helping them spread
raise awareness of how to quickly identify areas with newly colonised sour fig and rapidly control and remove the species to prevent it spreading
when managing and restoring habitats, be aware that climate change may make conditions suitable for different species, and that may have knock-on impacts on other species and processes in complex and dynamic ecosystems
use native plant and tree species to support the local food web and wildlife, but also support the use of new species and varieties where these enhance ecological function and resilience to pests, diseases, climate change and extreme weather
ensure diversity in age, species and structure of the habitat to help species adapt to climate-related pressures and/or disperse to new areas Increase connectivity between habitats to enable species to move in response to new climate pressures
raise awareness of species that might arrive in Dorset due to climate change or reintroduction projects to help people recognise them, understand why they have arrived and the potential benefits they might bring

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