• As part of the Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio, the West Dorset Walkers Welcome project of artistic parish boundary markers can now be found on parish boundaries along the Dorset coast path from Ware, on the Dorset/Devon boundary, all the way to Abbotsbury. Local artists and craftspeople were invited to design and create parish boundary markers to be permanently sited along the West Dorset Coast Path. Photo above is Alice Blogg’s design located at the Symonsbury and Bridport parish boundary. See more information about the artworks and artists on the project website.
• West Bay Beach Access, Dorset Coastal Connections. Improvement works for the access will soon be underway following delays due to Covid-19. Surface aggregates have been selected and works to resurface the access alongside the West Bay Discovery Centre to the toilets are scheduled to start in mid-January.
•  The preferred design option for the Weymouth Station Gateway Project has been approved by the key stakeholders, partners and the Project Steering Group. This has reflected on the feedback we received from the broad ranging consultation undertaken last year. The process is now moving forward to a more detailed design working with our key partners.

FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT WORK

• In mid-December, Martin presented at a regional, online conference on how aquaculture might help contribute to the UK Governments Net-Zero Carbon agenda. The event was attended by local MPs and the Environment Secretary, George Eustace. Martin’s presentation was well received by MPs. Martin is continuing is work with Maritime UK South West promoting aquaculture across the region.
• FLAG Strategy 2: Following on from the FLAG survey, Martin will use the feedback to update the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Strategy for the fisheries and seafood sectors, which will then be circulated for feedback from stakeholders. If you didn’t complete the survey, but want to contribute, please contact Martin directly on 01305 224766.
• The next South West Aquaculture Network (SWAN) meeting is on January 19th. There are a number of exciting presentations from stakeholders across the county and if you would like to join the Network or find out more, please contact Martin.
• You may have seen both Boris Johnson and Michael Gove talk about a new £100 million fund for fisheries in England. The final announcement is yet to come out, but as soon as it does, Martin will be available to help develop projects for the new fund. In the meantime, if you have any ideas for funding please e-mail Martin at martin.sutcliffe@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

LITTER FREE COAST & SEA (LFCS) 

• LFCS will be developing our action plans for 2021 based on research and community engagement conducted throughout 2020.
• We will be hosting the second workshop together with the  Lulworth Estate and residents and volunteers to plan collaborative action around waste prevention.

• Following on from our recent Weymouth Waste Reduction workshop, we are looking at all the information and feedback we received and will look to develop the next steps- so watch this space.

SUSTAINABLE SWANAGE

• Exciting projects developing this year including the proposal to declare the Peveril Downs as a Local Nature Reserve. Have Your Say about the management of the site by completing this survey. There will be many opportunities for people to be involved in the Friends group to help with this site so do get in touch. Follow us on Facebook for updates on other projects too.
• The next Sustainable Swanage Open Zoom  meeting will be held on Wednesday 27th January at 7pm. We will be talking ‘environmental action plans’ and how we can all respond to the Climate and Ecological crisis. Swanage Town Council will be presenting their newly formed plan and offering a chance to ask questions and see how people can support it too. Please register here if you would like to attend.

Click here to view the full DCF eNews January 2021