DCF Annual Conference 2026
Thank you for joining us at the DCF Conference 2026!
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Dorset Coast Forum Conference 2026, held at Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, on 10 November 2026. We were delighted to welcome delegates and speakers from across the coastal and maritime sector for a day of learning, discussion and networking focused on the future of Dorset’s coast.
This year’s conference explored a wide range of topics, including coastal resilience and climate adaptation, nature recovery, sustainable seas, heritage, community engagement and inclusive access to the coast. Delegates heard from expert speakers representing organisations including the Environment Agency, National Trust, Southern IFCA, Birds of Poole Harbour, Moffatt and Nicholl and many others.
Highlights from the day included:
- 13 presentations and panel discussions from leading coastal practitioners and experts
- A dedicated climate adaptation workshop exploring how Dorset can prepare for future challenges
- 10 information stands showcasing innovative projects, organisations and partnerships
- Excellent opportunities to network, share knowledge and build new connections across the Dorset coastal community
A special thank you goes to our lead sponsor, Moffatt & Nichol, and our contributing sponsors, Suttle Projects and Dalcour Maclaren, for their generous support of this year’s conference. Their sponsorship helped make the event possible and contributed to its success.
We would also like to thank everyone who completed our conference feedback form. Your comments and suggestions are invaluable in helping us shape future Dorset Coast Forum events and activities. If you attended the conference and have not yet completed the form, there is still time to share your feedback. Please complete our form in link below.
Thank you once again for being part of DCF Conference 2026. We look forward to continuing our work together to support a thriving, resilient and well-connected Dorset coast, and hope to see you again next year.
Presentation slides
Conference Welcome
Session 1: Adapting to Change: Practical Coastal Resilience
- What Can the UK Learn from Overseas? A New Approach to Coastal Resilience. Hamish Hall, Moffatt and Nicholl
- Shifting Shores: Adapting to Coastal Change at Studland Bay and Hive Beach. Hannah Jefferson and Hannah Newton, National Trust
- Future Coast Dorset, supporting communities in adapting to change. Matt Smith, Dorset Coast Forum
Session 2: Nature Recovery and Sustainable Seas
- Making Way for the Sea: The Moors at Arne Transformation. Neil Watson, Environment Agency
- The eco-tourism benefits of protecting Poole Harbour as a natural space. Mya Bambrick and Brittany Maxted, Birds of Poole Harbour
- YouTube Link to: 2026 Carey Osprey Season Summary, Birds of Poole Harbour
- Inshore Fisheries and Local Governance in a Changing Climate. Emily Bulled, Association of IFCAs
- Navigating shared seas: collaborative black seabream management. Pia Bateman and Sarah Birchenough, Southern IFCA
Sessions 3: Climate Adaptation Workshop
Sessions 4: Communities, Heritage and Coastal Identity
- An update on Channel Gateway and wind energy opportunities offshore Portland. Ian Selby, Morwind Ltd
- An Exploration of Sculpture and Creative Practice. John Maine.
- Communities discovering the story beneath Weymouth. Richard McConnell, Context One, introduced by Steve Wallis, Dorset Council
- Implementing the vision of making Dorset the Inclusive Blue Space Capital of the UK. Will Behenna, Beach Access Project, Ben Heath, Weymouth Town Council and Alex Brocklesby, National Trust
Photo Gallery
Thanks to Steve Wallis, Dorset Council and Lucia Donkin-Turnbull for taking these photos at the DCF conference 2026, Kingston Maurward, Dorchester.
With thanks to our conference sponsors 2026
This event was supported by our lead sponsor Moffatt & Nichol and our contributing sponsor Suttle Projects and Dalcour Maclaren. With thanks for their valuable sponsorship.
