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Studland Bay Marine Partnership

Studland Bay Marine Partnership

Studland Bay Marine Partnership

    To manage Studland Bay in a collaborative and sustainable way, ensuring the Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) objectives are met, nature can flourish and people can enjoy the area without seriously impacting the environment. Ensuring recreational water users are a central part of this environmental initiative to restore seagrass meadows. 

    Project updates

    New seagrass shoots appearing at Studland Bay

     Click to view video of University of Southampton research and monitoring divers observing seagrass regrowth in the voluntary no anchor zone. 

    Project overview

    Recreational boaters who use, visit, and enjoy Studland Bay are being asked to help protect its precious habitats for the future. As home to Dorset’s largest seagrass meadow, Studland has also become the home to one of the most extensive nature-recovery projects in the UK.

    After extensive consultation with the boating community and users of the bay, a Voluntary No Anchor Zone (VNAZ) was introduced by the Marine Management Organisation in 2021 to help reduce damage caused by boats dropping and weighing anchors and extended in June 2022 (see the MMO’s Studland Bay MCZ Habitat Protection Strategy and Managing marine non-licensable activity in Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone – GOV.UK website for more information). At all times, anchoring in emergency situations is still permitted.

    Representing a wide range of organisations, the Studland Bay Marine Partnership (SBMP) formed to work towards protecting Studland’s resident, and protected, long-snouted seahorse population and other marine wildlife.

    Hundreds of waterborne visitors to Studland Bay already take a proactive approach to conservation by paying to moor on the eco-moorings which are provided and managed by the partnership. The SBMP has brought together key stakeholders and introduced a mooring solution that meets the needs of recreational boaters and protects the precious seagrass habitat.

    During the boating season 87 eco-moorings are available with mooring payment via the Sippi App – Less Fuss, More Flow. The eco-moorings provide a fantastic solution for boaters, removing the need to drop anchor in the fragile seagrass habitat. Each eco-mooring has a helical screw anchor which is driven into the seabed and attached to the mooring buoy via an elastic rode which stretches and contracts with the tide, avoiding scouring the seabed.

    Visit the Studland Bay Marine Partnership website for more information about the project, including our FAQs, how to pay to moor, donate to the project, support us as an ambassador for nature and lots of supporting information about the Studland Bay Marine Partnership.

    #CoastalRecovery #CoastalConnection #RespectTheCoast

    Who’s listening?

    Nikki Parker-Goadsby

    Nikki Parker-Goadsby

    Support Officer, Dorset Coast Forum

    Find out more about Studland Bay Marine Partnership

    Click for more information and to get involved

    The Moors at Arne – resources

    The Moors at Arne – resources

    The Moors at Arne – Project Resources

    Back to Main Project Page
    View Heritage & Archaeology

    Moors at Arne FAQs

    Notice of Works

    Planning Conditions 2023

    Construction Traffic Management Plans 2023

    Public Exhibition June 2022

    Public Exhibition Event Boards June 2022

    Stakeholder Liaison Group

    The purpose of the Stakeholder Liaison Group is to share the latest information and updates on Project progress, provide a forum for facilitated comment and discussion where questions can be raised and answers provided, and to clarify the next stages of the Project. The Group is an advisory group, not a decision making body but it is able to influence certain elements of the project.

    The Group consists of interested parties and organisations who may have an interest in the project’s delivery. It includes representation on flood risk, boating, business, access, recreation, landscape, birds and wildlife, and the local community.

    The Moors at Arne Stakeholder Liaison Group – Terms of Reference 2023

    Wareham Channel Sediments Characterisation Report 2024

    SLG Meeting Presentation (March 2024)

    SLG Meeting Notes (March 2024)

    SLG Meeting 11 Presentation (July 2023)

    SLG Meeting 11 Notes (July 2023)

    SLG Meeting 9 Presentation (April 2021)

    SLG Meeting 9 Notes (April 2021)

    SLG Meeting 8 Presentation (February 2021)

    SLG Meeting 8 Notes (February 2021)

    SLG Meeting 7 Presentation (November 2020)

    SLG Meeting 7 Notes (November 2020)

    SLG Meeting 6 Presentation (September 2020)

    SLG Meeting 6 Notes (September 2020)

    SLG Meeting 5 Presentation

    SLG Meeting 5 Notes (October 2019)

    SLG Meeting 4 Presentation

    SLG Meeting 4 Notes (June 2019)

    SLG Meeting 3 Presentation

    SLG Meeting 3 Notes (November 2018)

    SLG Meeting 2 Presentation

    SLG Meeting 2 Notes (October 2018)

    SLG Meeting 1 Presentation

    SLG Meeting 1 Notes (September 2018)

    Ridge Surface Water Drainage Information

    Ridge Surface Water Drainage FAQs

    Ridge Drainage Map Schematic May 2018

    Ridge Drainage Map Detailed May 2018

    Groundwater

    Groundwater Factsheet

    Ridge Presentation July 2018

    Ridge Groundwater Presentation July 2018 Final

    Resources

    Owning a watercourse

    Long term flood risk assessment for locations in England

    Poole Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Draft Strategy

    Weymouth FCERM Scheme

    Weymouth FCERM Scheme

    Weymouth Harbour and Esplanade Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Scheme

    Working in partnership to help protect Weymouth from flood risks and coastal erosion

      Project overview

      As a low-lying coastal town, Weymouth is at risk of coastal flooding and erosion from the sea and flooding from surface water and the river. If a severe weather event takes place in Weymouth, thousands of homes and businesses could be flooded.

      In accordance with climate change predictions (UKCP18), sea levels are rising, and extreme weather events will happen more often and may be more severe. It is predicted that in 100 years, the average sea level can be more than one metre higher than it is today. This means that all high tides and low tides will be one meter higher, too.

      As part of the Weymouth Harbour and Esplanade Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Scheme, Dorset Council is working with Dorset Coast Forum, the Environment Agency, Wessex Water, BCP Council and WSP (engineering consultants), to develop an Outline Business Case (OBC).

      An OBC is a document required by the UK Government Treasury when government funds are requested. The OBC will investigate costs and benefits of a range of options, then recommend the preferred options to improve Weymouth’s resilience to flood and erosion risks.

      This OBC project will build on earlier work carried out by Dorset Council and the Environment Agency exploring possible options for managing flood and erosion risk in Weymouth. The earlier work recommended a phased approach to improve resilience in three stages:

          • up to 2042
          • up to 2062
          • up to 2122 and beyond

      The OBC being produced will apply for funding for the first phase of work to take the project up to 2042. It will prioritise sections of harbour walls that are currently lower, or close to the end of their design life, and sections identified along the esplanade which are at the most risk of erosion.

      Managing impacts associated with any proposed improvements is a key consideration. These include minimising disruption as far as practicable to businesses, harbour operations, residents, and the community of Weymouth, and managing impacts on fisheries and the environment.  As part of the project, we will also be delivering exciting new regeneration opportunities for Weymouth.

      Find out information at >> Weymouth Harbour and Esplanade FCERM Scheme

       #CoastalInnovation #CoastalConnection

      Who’s listening?

      Matthew Smith

      Matthew Smith

      Dorset Coast Forum Project Officer

      Find out more about Weymouth Harbour and Esplanade FCERM Scheme

      Click for more information and to get involved

      Sustainable Swanage

      Sustainable Swanage

      Sustainable Swanage

      A project established in Swanage as part of the Towns ongoing efforts to become a more sustainable community and protect our precious environment.

      Project updates

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      Project overview

      This project developed from working with the community and Town Council during a Litter Free Coast and Sea project based in Swanage that was focussed on protecting bathing water quality and reducing coastal litter. Our founding mission was to continue and develop this work upon completion of that project and positively support the community of Swanage in reducing its waste, with an emphasis on plastic. We have since expanded our work to include biodiversity and energy and active travel. We provide a link between different local organisations and groups and are working together to find solutions to issues that affect our local environment. We provide a central point of information for the community on these issues and provide a means of sharing good tips and connecting people. We are a positive group looking to the future and how we can all live more sustainably and become resilient to future stresses and challenges that we face in our community.

      We have one part-time staff member who facilitates and supports the different projects and campaigns, and is the central point of contact. This role is funded by Swanage Town Council and hosted by Dorset Coast Forum. There are also a growing number of volunteers involved in the group at varying levels and to suit their interests. To find out more about getting involved or get help with a project idea you may have, visit the project website and/or follow us on our dedicated social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

      #CoastalConnection #CoastalRecovery #RespectTheCoast

      Dorset Coast Forum

      Dorset Coast Forum

      Find out more about Sustainable Swanage

      Click for more information and to get involved
      Swanage and Studland Bay Water Safety Partnership

      Swanage and Studland Bay Water Safety Partnership

      Swanage and Studland Bay Water Safety Partnership

      There have, for many years, been concerns about watercraft (especially personal watercraft/jet skis) at Studland and Swanage Bay. Water safety is an ongoing issue that requires a collaborative approach across a range of different organisations.

      Project overview

       Working collectively has enabled there to be a proactive approach to reducing the issues at both Swanage and Studland Bay. Organisations, representative partners and businesses included in this partnership approach are:

      • Dorset Council
      • National Trust
      • Maritime & Coastguard Agency
      • Marine Police
      • Swanage Town Council
      • Dorset Coast Forum
      • Studland Parish Council
      • RNLI
      • Representatives from Jet Ski community
      • Sea swimming representative
      • Personal Watercraft Partnership
      • Poole Harbour Commissioners

      Please note the issue is not just around personal watercraft/jet skis but can be other maritime users as well. Also, it is often jet skis and other motorised watercraft coming from elsewhere that cause the issues.

      Swanage Bay: the key issues

      • Open water swimming – Swanage Bay has seen a growing interest in open water swimming with an increased number of people taking part and swimming along the bay. There is an ongoing issue that some personal watercraft (PWC) vehicles/jet skis are coming into the area too fast and putting swimmers at risk in the bay.
      • Personal watercraft/jet skis often stop around the stone pier to go ashore for refreshments in the pub and then back out to sea. It is also not unusual to find PWC users on the beach (meeting friends) before returning to the water.
      • The Parish slipway – is a free access point with what is thought to have historical access where cars reverse with jet skis/ small boats on a trailer. This area around the slipway and on the slip way itself is often very congested (especially in summer) with lots of people walking, sitting, crabbing in this area.
      • Lack of signage – signs are missing or out of date.
      • Noise from power boats and jet skis – this is an issue primarily at the north end of Swanage Bay due to the shape of the bay and the refraction from the cliff.

      Studland Bay: the key issues

      The National Trust own Studland Beaches (Knoll, Middle and South Beaches) up to low mean water.

      Personal watercraft/jet skis are not allowed to launch anywhere at Studland. There are a few no boating zones that are for swimmers only (small yellow buoys from the shoreline) but not enough to accommodate all swimmers as realistically swimmers go in the water near to where they are sat. The key issues at Studland include:

      • South Beach is the main issue for jet skis with speeding vehicles going along the cliff towards Old Harry Rocks. There is a disregard for the bylaw (see below) and marker buoys by some.
      • Noise is an issue mainly towards South Beach.
      • The marker buoys too far apart for people to see.
      • There are often large gaps along the beach due to access to the different beaches at Studland and this is thought to encourage boats/jet skis to speed as users assume in the gaps there is no risk to people. There is a different perspective from the beach as these gaps/quiet areas are often preferred by some visitors.
      • Signage is poor and out of date.

      The Bylaw – Seaside Pleasure Boats

      The 1989 Seaside Pleasure Boat Byelaw (reviewed in 2013) is currently in operation. Originally a Purbeck District Council Bylaw, it is now the responsibility of Dorset Council. It is Dorset Council’s responsibility to issue a contract to deploy, lift and repair the 5 knot max speed marker buoys in these areas.

      The Swanage Pier Byelaws 2012

      The Swanage Pier Byelaws 2012 is still in place and refers to the Management of Vessels while entering, leaving or within the Harbour. The key section associated with this work includes:

      The Master of every Vessel within the Harbour shall navigate that Vessel:

      1.a) with care and caution and at a speed so as not to endanger the lives of, or cause injury to, persons, or endanger the safety of, or cause damage to, any other Vessel or any mooring or any other property of any kind whatsoever, whether real or personal.

      Improvements now implemented by the partnership

      • Standardised incident recording form and creation of a central database that is held by the Marine Police for all partners to directly report incidents.
      • Regular patrols during the season – a contract with two waterfront residing businesses at both Studland and Swanage. They will be providing regular water safety patrols from Easter until mid-September, with increased patrols during school holidays. They will provide education and awareness to jet ski and small motorised boats or other sea users on safety.
      • Signage at both Studland and Swanage with clear maps and information.
      • Water safety leaflets for users of jet skis and small motorised boats – with clear key messages.
      • A dedicated information webpage for jet skiers and motorised boat users wishing to visit the area.
      • A communications plan to ensure that key messages are correctly distributed and are clear for all partners.
      • Extra 5 knot max speed marker buoys – an increased number of buoys at both locations to ensure they are closer together making them easier and clearer to see.
      • Two Marine Police Officers newly trained on jet ski riding to ensure they can communicate effectively with jet skiers in the area.

      Contact

      Dorset Coast Forum

      Dorset Coast Forum

      U

      Visit our water safety information page for personal water crafts

      How you ride or drive is essential so that everyone has a great time and lives and wildlife are not put in danger.