Residents in Swanage and Charmouth are encouraged to take part in two community workshops to help develop long‑term plans for adapting to coastal changes.
The events are an important opportunity for local people to share their knowledge and ask questions. The first of the workshops in each town will cover potential triggers and resulting actions to support communities.
Residents are invited to attend the drop-in sessions:
- Wednesday 4 February, 4pm to 8pm at The Studio – The Mowlem, Swanage
- Thursday 5 February, 5pm to 8pm at St Andrews Community Hall, Charmouth
The sessions are led by the Future Coast Dorset Project. This comprises Future Coast Charmouth and Future Coast North Swanage, working with local communities to help plan and adapt to the changing coastline.
All comments will be considered in the development of the Adaptation Plans to review the risks associated with coastal change and create long‑term plans for adapting to and managing the coastline.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: “Cliff recession, coastal erosion and natural processes shape our coastlines.
“Climate change and sea level rise will increase the impact of these changes but, by preparing proactively, communities can adapt and build resilience for future generations.
“The project looks at practical solutions, testing new ideas and building a better understanding of how to manage the change. Community knowledge and engagement are essential pillars of Future Coast Dorset, so it is crucial those communities directly affected get involved.”
Cllr Gary Suttle, Dorset Councillor for Swanage and Swanage Town Council member for North Swanage, said: “Coastal erosion will shape Swanage’s future, so how we plan and react as a community is vital for all residents. I urge you to come to our event at The Mowlem.”
Cllr Belinda Bawden, Dorset Councillor for Lyme and Charmouth, said: “Future Coast Charmouth is a really positive opportunity for residents to shape the way we face the future, where nature will be taking its course on the coast and we learn to prepare for, and adapt to, increasingly intense rainfall and extreme climate impacts.
“Please come to the public meeting to share your ideas and help Charmouth face our future challenges with confidence together.”
Dorset’s coastline is constantly evolving. The cliffs, beaches and landscapes we love are shaped by the sea, and are therefore impacted by natural processes such as coastal erosion.
In some places, this change is happening faster than before. This is due to rising sea levels and increased storminess along the coast. In Charmouth and North Swanage, this change may have an impact on homes, local businesses and community assets.
Future Coast Dorset runs until March 2027. For its duration it will deliver on a range of options to help Swanage and Charmouth communities cope with coastal changes.
Funding
In late 2024, Dorset Council was awarded £3 million to deliver the project. This was provided through the Environment Agency’s Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme. This project is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
Read more about Future Coast Dorset and about the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme
