News & Events

Dorset Coast Strategy
Can you help us by completing this 5 minute survey to help us shape a future strategy for the Dorset coast? We are updating the Dorset Coast Strategy (2011-2021) and need your views to help us understand the value of the strategy, whether the objectives are still relevant and what you think the key environmental, social and economic issues are that the Dorset coast will be facing over the next ten years. Take part in the survey here.

Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ)
DCF will be hosting two engagements events this month on the proposed management measure for Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), one for key stakeholder groups and one for the wider public on the 25^th March to have the opportunity to have their say on MMO proposed management measures for the bay’s MCZ. Find out more about the engagement events and online survey here.

Storms and Coastal Defences at Chiswell booklet updated
Following the recent storms that hit the Dorset coast at the end of January, DCF in partnership with Dorset Council and the Environment Agency have updated the ‘Storms and Coastal Defences at Chiswell’ booklet. The booklet was originally produced after the winter storms of 2013/14 for Chiswell residents on Portland about the coastal defences at Chiswell. The online booklet includes hints and tips on how to prepare for storm event floods and can be found on the Dorset Coast Forum website.

Dorset Harbours Strategy Consultation Feedback report
The Dorset Harbours Strategy Consultation Feedback report is now available here on our engagement website. We are currently in the process of consulting with key stakeholders on the draft mission, vision and strategic goals. A further public consultation will be held later in the year on the draft strategy.

FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT WORK

Martin met with Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset at the end of February
After speaking with local businesses Martin took the opportunity to highlight the difficulties that have arisen around export of seafood since the UK left the EU at the end of 2020, particularly the economic impacts the EU’s stance on export of live shellfish is having on businesses around Dorset. Chris was very receptive and has agreed to look into the problems.

Kingston Maurward College Careers Event
Martin participated in an online Careers Event with Kingston Maurward College earlier this week. Over 40 attendees listened to Martin and a shellfish scientist from Cefas explain the range of opportunities for careers in aquaculture and fisheries that are available in Dorset. The event also aimed to promote the new Marine Aquaculture Course at the College to existing and new students. Find out more about the course on the Kingston Maurward College website here

South West Aquaculture Network (SWAN) website
The SWAN website has been updated to include all presentations from meetings over the last year. The site is hosted on the Maritime UK South West main website and links in with the other maritime sectors that Maritime UK South West promotes. The next SWAN meeting is on April 20th at 13:00hrs. If you want to find out more info or join the mailing list for SWAN please contact Martin at martin.sutcliffe@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Sustainable Aquaculture High Potential Opportunity
The Sustainable Aquaculture High Potential Opportunity continues to attract international and national interest in the sector in Dorset and in late January a new aquaculture company was incorporated in Dorset following support given by Martin and colleagues within Dorset Council. The new company is hoping to establish a new, onshore aquaculture facility in Dorset soon. Watch this space!

Aquaculture Common Issues Group meeting
On January 13th, Martin presented at the national Aquaculture Common Issues Group meeting hosted by Seafish, highlighting the working in aquaculture that has been done over the last four years in Dorset and the Southwest. The online events are free and if you would like to attend future events, please contact Seafish directly via the website here and you can download a copy of Martin’s presentation from the same website here.

LITTER FREE COAST AND SEA (LFCS)

Slam Dunk the Junk campaign coming back 
LFCS are working with national and local partners to find ways to collaborate on a post-lockdown summer beach campaign targeting visitors. Locally here in Dorset, LFCS are looking to run a revamped Slam Dunk the Junk campaign with a few tweaks. This campaign focussed on positive behaviour reinforcement through large banners and bin stickers. LFCS have been working closely with the Lulworth estate and created signage focussing on litter, toilets and promoting responsible behaviour.

BCP Beach Huts Survey
A beach hut owner survey is now live for BCP beach hut owners/leaseholders. This will be looking at how people use their huts, how people deal with various types of rubbish, and perception of issues affecting the seafront experience.

Great Dorset Beach Clean 22 and 23 May
LFCS have contacted beach care volunteers and landowners to plan for the Great Dorset Beach Clean, to be held on the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd May ahead of the Great British Spring Clean. For more information, please get in touch with LFCS at litterfreecoastsea@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

SUSTAINABLE SWANAGE

Solar Streets 
Sustainable Swanage is working with IDDEA Energy Systems to enable residents in Swanage and surrounding villages to find out more about the Solar Streets scheme, which provides affordable residential solar panel installations.  The scheme will be launched at a Zoom event on Wednesday 17th March at 7.00pm where there will be a presentation on Solar Streets followed by Q&A. Register for the meeting here

Swanage Downs survey
The Swanage Downs survey seeking views and ideas on proposing the Downs as a new Local Nature Reserve received a fantastic response with over 400 people taking part in the online survey. The next Sustainable Swanage Open meeting will take place on 23^rd March and will be discussing the main findings from this survey. Register for the open meeting here.

Active Travel Group
The Sustainable Swanage Active Travel Group had a great second meeting and identified several sustainable travel projects to start working on. Please share your sustainable travel ideas for Swanage with Sarah.Spurling@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Click here to see the full March 2021 eNews