Describing nature in Dorset

The strategy will include a description of nature in Dorset, including:

  • habitats and species in Dorset
  • pressures on nature
  • opportunities for nature recovery

This description is currently being written with input from:

Nature recovery priorities and activities 

Through preparing the local nature recovery strategy, there will be agreed:

  • nature recovery priorities
  • potential activities that can help achieve the priorities

The advisory groups are drafting some proposed priorities and local people have suggested activities they could do during workshops. 

There will be opportunity to have your say on the draft priorities and suggested activities during public consultation of the draft strategy. 

We are also looking at how the draft priorities and activities align with existing strategies, plans, and projects. 

Maps and data

The strategy will produce maps showing:

  • important nature areas
  • opportunities to make space for nature
  • suggested activities that would be most beneficial in each place

The mapping and data group are: 

  • exploring different data and methods to create the maps
  • planning how to make the maps useful to local people
  • looking at creating a dashboard to show progress over time

Many of the maps are now being created. See mapping for Nature Recovery Dorset for more information about what maps we are creating, what they will show and where they will be available. 

Species recovery

The strategy will consider which species are threatened or locally significant in Dorset and should be prioritised for recovery action. 

The species task and finish group are:

  • finalising the species long list and priority list following Defra's process and using data and inputs from local experts 
  • advising on the bespoke activities that will support the species on the priority list 

Celebrating Nature Recovery Dorset

Working together will help deliver more, bigger, better and joined up action for nature. 

Nature Recovery Dorset is about: 

  • showcasing what local people are doing for nature 
  • advising how we can all do our bit
  • connecting people to help them create a nature recovery network

Anyone who is doing something for nature in Dorset can join the Nature Recovery Dorset network and get access to free resources to showcase and promote your nature projects.

Find out more about the Nature Recovery Dorset network and register to join.

Links with planning policy 

Planning policy officers from Dorset Council and (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) BCP Council are members of the Dorset local nature recovery strategy steering group to ensure Dorset's strategy informs both local plans. 

A page has been created to provide further information on how the Dorset local nature recovery strategy will work with planning policy. 

Coming soon

The draft Dorset local nature recovery strategy is being written using all the inputs we have received so far. Formal statutory consultation on the draft strategy is expected April to June 2025. See our timeline for the latest updates. 

Progress updates

Read about what's happened so far to prepare Dorset's Local Nature Recovery Strategy.