As a partnership we are very fortunate to be working with leading experts in marine conservation, with experience across numerous fields including marine ecology, social science, oceanography, marine policy and coastal dynamics who are monitoring the seagrass and marine life beneath the waves.
To support our monitoring programme, we now have a time-lapse camera installed overlooking the Voluntary No Anchor Zone. This camera takes multiple still images a day during the season when the full set of eco-moorings are out in the bay, and remotely sends them back to our Research and Monitoring Team. The images are then processed by software at the University of Southampton which can tell us the number of boats utilising the bay and help us to understand any patterns in boat activity. Having a better record and understanding of this will help us better protect the seagrass beds in Dorset’s largest seagrass meadow.
Have you booked your ticket for the DCF Conference?
Don’t miss out, tickets are selling fast for this year’s conference on Thursday 24th October 2024 at the Weymouth Pavilion. We are delighted with the full agenda of inspiring speakers and workshop on communicating difficult conversations with coastal communities. Click on button below for the agenda, further conference details and ticket bookings.
We’re really excited to share with you our new Education Hub webpage on the DCF website. The Education Hub is our new go-to resource for coastal information and learning materials. It is designed to provide students and teachers at schools, colleges, and universities with access to a wealth of educational resources related to the Dorset coast. Please take a look and share with your education teams and contacts.
The new DCF wave tank’s first outing was a huge success
BCP Council used the tank at the Bournemouth Air Festival, engaging with over 1500 people! You can have a chance to have a play with the wave tank at the DCF Conference.
Dorset Coast Forum is inviting residents, visitors and businesses to have their say on proposed works to repair and update the Chesil Cove Curved Sea Wall.
The current wall was built in 1965 and designed to deflect waves and prevent major slumping of the land above which includes the main A354 road. Some repairs were undertaken on the wall in 2011, but these have now been undermined and the sea is causing rotational movement at the southern end, threatening the slope system further. Various studies have taken place to identify that urgent action is needed.
Dorset Council’s FCERM team along with consultants Jacob’s have identified a proposed work scheme for the cove which includes removal of the 2011 emergency repair works; replacing the sheet pile and repairs to the curved sea wall; and beach works including adding a geotextile blanket and rock revetment to dissipate the incoming wave energy. The team are currently working towards the production of an outline business case. If approved, planning, funding and licenses would then be sought ahead of any works, which likely won’t take place until at least 2026 or 2027.
Whilst initial proposals have been considered, now is the time for the community to be involved in the next steps for Chesil Cove, a much beloved bathing and diving spot. Local residents and stakeholders are encouraged to take part in the engagement events over the next month.
Esmari Steenkamp of Dorset Council’s FCERM team commented “This is an important piece of infrastructure for generations to come and we are working with experts to achieve the best solution. The curved sea wall protects not only the landscape but houses, businesses and roads. Therefore, we want to encourage the entire community to come and speak to us. It is important that they share their opinions on the proposal.”
As the summer continues, the team here at Arne are making the most of the warmer weather and making great strides to progress the project. The new embankments are coming along nicely and there have been several exciting new archaeological finds this month.
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DCF News
Calling DCF members – Register now for the DCF Conference 2024! Join us on Thursday 24th October at the Ocean Room, Weymouth Pavilion the for a day of insightful speakers, networking, and collaboration. This year we explore the theme of Dorset’s changing coast and its impacts on our communities, economies, and the environment. In addition to the full day’s agenda of inspirational presentations and an engaging workshop, there will be information stands from our sponsors and partners. Information stands will showcase innovative engagement tools designed to engage coastal communities, research and technologies.
Dan testing our new wave tank, built by and big thanks to Weymouth Men’s Shed.
Next step – build the model flood defence structures! Watch this space ………
Future Studland Plan – survey now live!
After speaking to residents at our engagement events in early July, the Future Studland survey is now available for everyone to join the conservation! Whether you are a local resident, a visitor or someone who holds Studland close to your heart, this is an opportunity to shape the future of this beloved area. The insights gathered will shape the stewardship of Studland’s natural beauty and accessibility as part of a 20-50 year plan. Go to the project website to take part in the survey!
Studland Bay Marine Partnership The partnership are extremely encouraged that the boating season has started with a significant use of the eco-moorings available. Thank you to all boaters who are supporting marine conservation at Studland by adhering to the Voluntary No Anchor Zone. A range of permanent signage will be installed this month at local marinas and public boat launch sites to spread the word on how to enjoy Studland and protect the seagrass in Dorset’s largest seagrass meadow. Just a reminder to all that to enable the partnership to maintain and redeploy the eco-moorings each year, we ask boaters to pay to moor. Find out more at Pay to Moor and Donate to project. See also the project website for a list of events coming up over the next few months!
Following recent in person and online CTAP community events, led by Sara Parker in DCF and supported by Ross Fitzgerald Associate Director of Geomorphology at Jacobs, the project team are now working on short listing options for the Outline Business Case (OBC) informed by community feedback. We currently have a live survey asking people to rate the options. For more information and to sign up for updates, see our project page.
As part of engagement a survey (closed 31st July) asked the Charmouth community for their views on shortlisted options for the Outline Business Case (OBC) which will outline a plan on how the CTAP project in Charmouth will be delivered. These options have been developed from community and stakeholder input provided at recent engagement events. See project page for more information or to sign up for updates.
Left: Sara with Flooding Swanage with art artists, Andy Knill and Tom Phillips
We are delighted to announce that our community art project Flooding Swanage with Art come second with a Highly Commended in the community category of the EA’s Excellence Awards – Flood & Coast2024 ! Thank you to everyone who participated and well-done to Sara, the amazing artists and the Swanage community! You can view our submission on our DCF YouTube channel or here. Concept design proposals were shared at the recent Swanage Town Council Coastal Change & Beach Management Advisory Committee explaining scheme options and a potential final Preferred Option. Sara will be updating the project page with the latest developments and opportunities to engage with the Project Team. In July, the Environment Agency met with key stakeholders in the Lower High Street area to discuss proposals to change the configuration of the temporary wave barriers. For updates see our project page.
