Nature Recovery Dorset Update 1 - July 2023

Dorset’s local nature recovery strategy will provide the framework that shows where our most valuable areas for nature currently are, and identify a range of opportunities to restore, grow and connect nature across the county. Shared priorities and practical actions will help us bring more nature into Dorset which will bring big benefits to both people and nature.

What’s been happening

We have been appointed as the responsible authority to lead this work, working with BCP Council and Natural England who have been appointed as supporting authorities. 

Our promise is to develop the strategy collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, to create the framework for delivering nature recovery right across Dorset. We will hear from environmental experts, as well as voices that can help strengthen vital connections between nature and our local communities, health and economy.

Making connections

We are gathering lots of peoples’ contact details, who are interested to know more, want to contribute to the strategy or share what they’re already doing for nature recovery in Dorset.

We will be sharing progress updates on the strategy webpage.

We are sharing ideas with other responsible authorities as part of a Southwest local nature recovery strategy regional group.

We have been meeting people and groups who are already taking action to recover nature and letting people know about Dorset’s local nature recovery strategy and how they can contribute to it. For example, we have been:

• listening to famers at the NFU Dorset Countryside Day
• hearing best practice from the Healthier with Nature programme
• learning about other nature recovery plans and projects at the Dorset Downs & Vales Conservation Forum
• meeting with neighbouring authorities and the environment agency about the Triple Axe project

We have booked a workshop at the Dorset Coast Forum conference on 27 September 2023 to discuss opportunities for including Dorset’s marine environment in the strategy.  

We’re only just getting started - if we haven’t met you or your organisation yet, then we look forward to doing so soon!

How we will work together

Everyone in Dorset can have a say on the strategy, and we hope it will lead to lots of opportunities to get involved in nature recovery locally.

We have identified 6 stakeholder categories to help us think about who we need to involve in the strategy:

• farmers and landowners
• communities
• nature and environment
• business and industry
• public bodies
• partnerships and connectors

A steering group has been set up to provide oversight of the process to prepare the strategy. The first meeting will be in late July 2023. Find out more about Dorset's local nature recovery strategy governance.

Expert advisory groups will be formed to help us deliver specific outputs for the strategy.

We will also provide opportunities for individuals and organisations to have a voice in the strategy without joining one of these groups. For example, through workshops or surveys.

Working with other organisations, we will raise awareness of local nature recovery and its role, as well as celebrating stories of local people taking action to recover nature.

Nature, farming, forestry and land use

An expert advisory group will help us explore why nature recovery is needed, the kinds of actions we might prioritise in Dorset and the places we can achieve the best outcomes for nature and people.

We will be drawing upon other strategies and plans relating to nature recovery and the local area.

Mapping and data  

An expert advisory group will get started mapping where our most valuable spots for nature currently are.

Later we’ll map the places we want to take action to restore, grow and connect wildlife. Existing data sets held locally will help develop our local habitat map, plus Defra are providing national data and further non-statutory advice on key topics.

Get involved

We'd love to hear from you. Contact us if you are:

• want to connect us with someone you know
• have any data sets, plans, strategies that you think we should know about
• working on a nature recovery project – it doesn’t need to be big
• have a question, comment, or suggestion for us

You can also send us any photos or videos of nature recovery that you’d be happy for us to use (we’ll credit you of course).

Share this update with your contacts, colleagues, and networks. The more people involved, the greater the success for people and nature.