A new local nature recovery strategy has been adopted to help restore and protect Dorset’s natural environment over the next decade.
The Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy maps out opportunity areas and clear actions to reverse declines in nature.
It was developed by Dorset Council in partnership with BCP Council and Natural England and reflects the views of local farmers, communities and environmental experts.
The strategy will guide planning, land management, climate resilience, and public health.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “Dorset’s natural environment is one of our greatest assets, but over time it has been weakened. This strategy marks a turning point, an end to the decline and a focus on recovery.
“Nature matters to everyone in Dorset and this strategy turns ambition into action. Working with our partners and the local community, we can create cleaner rivers, thriving woodlands and protect our habitats and species.”
The strategy sets out practical steps to meet the national goal of protecting or managing 30% of land, rivers, and seas for nature by 2030.
It also sets out 13 priorities, supported by detailed habitat maps showing where efforts will make the biggest difference.
These include restoring grasslands, woodlands, hedgerows and heathlands through better planting and improving rivers, lakes, and wetlands, including Dorset’s rare chalk streams.
Other priorities include protecting coastal areas, creating space for natural habitats to recover and enhancing urban green spaces.
The strategy showcases how farmers are adopting more sustainable practices to boost biodiversity. Reinstating natural processes is also a priority, such as floodplain reconnection and peatland restoration.
It also sets out how to support farmers to adopt floodplain reconnection and peatland renewal.
Using nature-based solutions to respond to climate change and connecting people with nature are key planks underpinning the strategy.
There are also actions setting out how to safeguard 55 high priority wildlife species.
Cllr Andy Hadley, BCP Council’s Cabinet member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: “The collaboration between partners and the communities that lies behind this new plan will be key to delivering real success with the strategy.
“We know how important nature recovery, and reversing decline, is vitally important in both rural and urban areas and this fresh, joined-up approach is a clear statement of intent across BCP and the wider Dorset area.
“By working together, we will be able to protect, restore, and improve our vast natural spaces – enabling us to go further even than we currently can.”
Delivering the strategy will involve partnerships with landowners, local groups, and businesses, supported by funding opportunities such as biodiversity net gain and farming grants.
People can read the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy here.
Residents can also get involved by joining Nature Recovery Dorset, where they can record their own actions or read about what others are doing to get ideas. People can sign up here.
