2026 is a landmark year for the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, marking 25 years since the Dorset and East Devon Coast was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
A big thank you to Molly Webb, our volunteer, who has created a brand new webpage to showcase the events taking place throughout this anniversary year.
If you’re planning any activities or celebrations, big or small, we’d love to hear about them. Sharing your events helps us highlight and promote the fantastic work happening across the Jurassic Coast.
Two dates in particular we are keen for events to celebrate the Jurassic Coast are;
18th April – World Heritage Day
6th October – International Geodiversity Day
Please contact us with your events to include on the new page.
The FCNS Walk & Talk on the 12th and 25 February are both CANCELLED. Due to the continuous rainfall and stormy weather for everyone’s comfort and safety, we will rearrange the 2 dates for later in the spring following a site visit by the project team.
Join the Future Coast North Swanage team for a series of FREE coastal walks and talks! 👣
Discover the fascinating world of Cliff Behaviour Units – sections of coastline where cliffs share similar characteristics and patterns of erosion or instability. Understanding these units helps predict how cliffs respond to natural forces and informs future adaptation strategies.
Upcoming Dates
Sunday 11 January 2026, 10:00 AM Co-hosted by Dave Picksley, Senior Coastal Advisor, Environment Agency
Wednesday 28 January 2026, 10:00 AM Co-hosted by Malcolm Turnbull, FCNS Community Representative
Thursday 12 February 2026, 11:00 AM Co-hosted by Malcolm Turnbull, FCNS Community Representative
Wednesday 25 February 2026, 9:30 AM Co-hosted by Malcolm Turnbull, FCNS Community Representative
Dorset Coast Forum have another exciting conference planned this year with insightful speakers, together with our usual fantastic networking opportunities. This year we will also be marking three decades of coastal collaboration as the forum celebrates its 30-year anniversary.
Agenda Highlights:
Rising to the Challenge: Navigating Climate and Ecological Crises
Explore howDorset’s Clean Energy Super Cluster could create new opportunities for clean energy projects, which have the potential to unlock investment, play a major part in the delivery of the UK’s industrial strategy, and bring wider benefits for local communities and economic growth.
The Changing Tides of Fishing, and Marine Nature Recovery
Hear how fishers’ knowledge is shaping smarter marine planning
Dive into oyster and marine life restoration in the Solent, bringing back lost reefs.
Gain an understanding of Poole’s Aquatic Management Plan, uniting partners to protect and enhance Poole Harbour for nature, recreation, and business.
Shorelines and Stories: Building Coastal Community Connections
Hear how the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Towns of Culture, and Dorset’s Beach Access Project all spark community pride and creativity—connecting people to the coast through world-famous geology, vibrant arts, and accessible beaches that everyone can enjoy.
For bulk ticket purchase or if you need an invoice, please email us directly at dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk to book your tickets instead of booking via the Eventbrite page and we will send you an invoice.
We are delighted to announce ‘Discovery Fest’ – as part of Dorset Coast Forum’s 30th Anniversary Celebrations, we are joining up with Planet Purbeck to present this joint vibrant, family-friendly festival by the sea.
👉 FREE family fun day
👉 Explore Dorset’s stunning coastline, wildlife, and natural landscapes
👉 Over 30 exciting activities and exhibitors
Guided Walks & Experiences
Swanage Old & New Guided Walk
🕚 11am & 2pm, 1-mile walk
Discover Swanage through the ages on a gentle, family-friendly walk led by Steve Wallis, Dorset Council’s Archaeologist. Uncover hidden historical features and stories that bring the town’s rich past to life.
Step back in time and walk where dinosaurs once roamed! Led by Sam Scriven, Principal Officer and Geologist for the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, this family-friendly outdoor adventure explores the famous Spyway Dinosaur Footprints.
Explore one of the most geologically rich and visually stunning stretches of the Jurassic Coast. Led by Sam Scriven, this tour brings Dorset’s ancient landscapes to life through expert storytelling.
We are thrilled to announce the start of the DCF 30 year anniversary celebrations! This milestone marks three decades of achievements made possible through our valued partnerships. As part of our celebrations, we aim to showcase these accomplishments and honour those who have played, and those who presently play, an active role in bringing wider benefits to the Dorset Coast. From policy makers to beach cleaners, fishers to lifeguards, and conservationists to swimmers, each one is a champion of our coast.
Nominate your coastal champion!
To kick off the celebrations, we invite you to nominate your coastal champion – someone who lives or works along the Dorset coast, from all ages, backgrounds, and sectors. We would love to hear the story of this person, their work or passion for the coast, whilst raising awareness of challenges that coastal communities face.
Successful nominations will be featured in our ‘Coastal Life Stories’ exhibition, highlighting the diverse and inspiring stories of our Dorset coastal communities. The Coastal Life Stories exhibition will be displayed at various coastal events and locations throughout the year, finishing in our 30-year celebration at the DCF conference in November.
Contact us with your nomination and a short paragraph of why you think this person is a coastal champion and should be part of the Coastal Life Stories exhibition.
The deadline for nominations has been extended to Tuesday 22 April 2025
Portland and Wyke Regis communities and stakeholders are invited to engagement events to help with the development of the new Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Strategy for the area from Portland Underhill to Wyke Regis.
As part of the current engagement round, the Dorset Coast Forum will be hosting two in-person drop-in events and an online presentation, where the baseline understanding and findings will be presented, and members of the project team will be available to answer questions. The team are keen to hear from you on whether you agree with the baseline findings and have any suggestions for how the coastal risks can be managed.
The engagement event details are below:
In-person drop-in event: Wednesday 19th March, anytime between 2:30pm – 5:30pm – Portland Community Venue, Three Yards Close, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1JN.
In-person drop-in event: Tuesday 25th March, anytime between 2:30 – 7pm – Wyke Regis Working Men’s Club, 56 Portland Road, Weymouth, DT4 9AB.
Online survey: to share your feedback with the project team. Take survey here
Further information and online survey: Further information including draft baseline reports that provide in-depth detail about the work to date are available on the project website, along with an online survey where you can provide feedback.
