Dorset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy has been officially launched at a partnership event celebrating local work to restore wildlife and habitats across the county.
The strategy sets out a 10-year county-wide plan for making more space for nature and how councils, organisations, farmers, land managers, community groups, businesses and residents can work together to do this.
Led by Dorset Council and supported by BCP Council and Natural England, the strategy was co-produced with farmers, landowners, community groups, conservation organisations and businesses through workshops, surveys, sharing practical knowledge and experience from communities.
Now, at the annual Dorset Local Nature Partnership Forum, the partners announced how the strategy will deliver on the ground.
Partners shared examples of projects already helping wildlife and improving habitats plus benefitting the economy and people’s health and wellbeing.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Dorset Council’s Leader and Cabinet member for Climate, said: “People in Dorset care deeply about their local environment.
“This strategy gives us a clear, shared plan for where nature most needs our help and how we can make the biggest difference.
“It has been shaped with farmers, community groups, volunteers and many organisations who know the land best. Now we’re focused on delivery and supporting the many local projects already under way.”
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder with responsibility for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said: “The launch of this strategy represents a real commitment to strengthening green spaces where people and nature can thrive together.
“We want to expand the opportunities for collaboration between partners and communities as this is essential in delivering tangible success for both nature and our residents.
“We know how important reversing nature decline is – in both rural and urban areas – and this strategy is a clear statement of intent to continue the positive progress already in place across BCP and the wider Dorset area.
“By working together, we can go even further: restoring, improving, and protecting our own and shared spaces, both for wildlife and our residents and visitors for generations to come.”
Ian Alexander, Senior Officer, Natural England said: “Natural England has worked in support of Dorset and Bournemouth Christchurch Poole (BCP) councils to produce the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
“It is a testament to the hard work of everyone who contributed and should now serve as a springboard as we redouble our efforts to conserve the wildlife of this very special place. Natural England welcomes and warmly endorses the final strategy.”
During the launch event, there was a reminder of the strategy’s 13 priorities, demonstrating how they will guide practical action across the county.
Attendees also learned about Nature Recovery Dorset network, a place where everyone can come together to share what they are doing for nature across and measure how much more nature is being delivered. The network is free to join and will help drive this work forward.
There was also an interactive panel session with representatives from farming, community groups, local business, environment, young people and health sectors. They shared reflections on what is working, what needs to change, and how partners can support each other in delivering projects on the ground.
