Nature Recovery Dorset Update 2 - July 2023

We have committed to develop Dorset's local nature recovery strategy collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, hearing from environmental experts, as well as voices that can help strengthen vital connections between nature and our local communities, health and economy.

Governance structure

Responsible authority/supporting authority group

As responsible authority, we are working closely with BCP Council and Natural England, who are our supporting authorities. A small group of officers from these organisations meet regularly to coordinate delivery of the work programme. 

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. To help us think about who we need to involve in preparing Dorset's local nature recovery strategy, we followed government guidance and identified 6 stakeholder categories:

• farmers and landowners
• communities
• nature and environment sector
• Business & Industry
• public bodies
• partnerships and connectors

We’re aware that we won’t have included everyone yet and there are overlaps across categories, but it’s a useful tool to help us think about all the people we need to connect with.

Steering group

A Dorset local nature recovery strategy steering group has been formed, with members selected to reflect some of the key interests across the 6 stakeholder categories.

• Dorset Council
• BCP Council
• Natural England
• Countryside Land and Business Association (CLA)
• National Farmers Union (NFU)
• Dorset Wildlife Trust
• Dorset Youth
• Public Health Dorset
• Dorset Local Nature Partnership (LNP)
• Help & Kindness
• Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)
• Lead members of expert advisory groups – to be confirmed

The steering group will provide strategic oversight of the preparation of the strategy. Terms of reference for the group will be confirmed at an initial meeting. The steering group will focus on processes used to prepare the strategy but will not have disproportionate input into the strategy content. If you or your organisation is not part of the steering group, rest assured you will have opportunity to make the valuable contributions we’ll need. 

Expert advisory groups

Expert advisory groups will be formed to deliver specific tasks required to prepare the local nature recovery strategy and explore the detail of strategy content. Initially, we expect to have expert advisory groups focused on the following areas:

• nature, farming, forestry and land-use
• mapping and data
• communications and engagement

Guidance for each group will be developed, and we will form additional groups if needed. A lead from each advisory group will also be a member of the steering group.

Other ways to get involved

There will be plenty of other opportunities for individuals and organisations to have a voice in the strategy without joining a group. For example, through workshops or surveys. More information will be shared about these opportunities in the coming months.

Contact us

Contact us if you have any questions.