DCF eNews October 2021
Posted : October 18, 2021

Image: Local Government Association Special Interest Group on Coastal Issues field trip to the Dorset coast in September (credit Neil Barnes)

Welcome to Dorset Coast Forum’s October eNews update. If you have an article to share, or wish to unsubscribe, please email dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Find us on Twitter at @Dorset_CF and Facebook @DorsetCoastForum and find out more about our projects at www.dorsetcoast.com and www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk

• We are delighted to welcome the new DCF Co-ordinator, Toni Powell who was originally appointed for the role of BRIC Co-ordinator. Toni’s previous role at DCF will be filled by Dan Williams, who will be moving across from his role as Engineer within the Property and Assets team at Dorset Council. Before joining DCF in August, Toni worked with BCP Council on the National Lottery Heritage Fund project supporting community engagement and improvements in Poole Park. Throughout her career Toni has delivered multiple projects across Dorset on behalf of Groundwork and has also worked as Regional Funding Manager for The Prince’s Trust.
• Weymouth Station Gateway Improvement Scheme has been granted planning permission. This covers the station forecourt and Pocket Park linking the Jubilee Business Park and King Street. We now seek additional permissions from Network Rail to get the green light to construction that we expect to start at the beginning of November 2021. The total project fund is close to £1.2m which includes a £450k grant from the South Western Railway Customer and Communities Improvement Fund. Experience a virtual tour of the new design and its key features at
• The draft Dorset Harbours Strategy has been approved for public consultation and Dorset Council is now seeking views to build a strategy that is supported by communities and stakeholders.  DCF has been working with the Harbours’ Committee to help develop this new strategy which will unify Bridport, Lyme Regis and Weymouth Harbours under Dorset Council management. See the Dorset Coast Have Your Say website to complete the survey.
• DCF attended a Swanage and Studland Bay Water Safety Partnership meeting to discuss water safety measures in place at Swanage and Studland during the spring/summer season. The group agreed that the measures put in place were effective in reducing incidents and raising awareness of water safety in relation behaviour issues of jet skis and motorised boats. Measures will continue for the 2022 season with ongoing patrols at both Swanage and Studland for engagement and education.
• Together with Dorset Council, DCF hosted the Local Government Association Special Interest Group on Coastal Issues field trip to the Dorset coast in September. This was a great opportunity to share some of the great work that is happening on the Dorset Coast including, flood protection, coastal erosion, tourism and aquaculture development.

FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT WORK

• DCF has been successful in securing funding from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to develop the concept of an English Aquaculture Innovation Hub in Dorset.  The project, which will start next month, will undertake a nationwide study on the potential positive economic impacts of an English Aquaculture Innovation Hub in Dorset and how it will help the English aquaculture sector grow to meet the ambition set out in the Dorset Mariculture Strategy and the English Aquaculture Strategy of increasing production 10 fold over the next 20 years. Read this article for more information and watch this space for details about forthcoming engagement.

• The South West Aquaculture Network (SWAN) AGM and conference will be held on the 28^th October 2021 at Kingston Maurward College. As well as a full day’s agenda and panel discussion on ‘One Health’ there will be a Market Place with Market Stalls for organisations and businesses to network. Register and see the agenda, places are limited.
• Martin has been invited and will be joining the Aquaculture Leadership Group (ALG) representing and sharing aquaculture development taking place in Dorset. The ALG governs the Seafood 2040 Strategic Framework (Seafood 2040), which is a plan for a seafood industry that is thriving and sustainable.
• As usual Martin is available to help with Fisheries and Seafood Scheme applications. If you have a bid that you need help with…you know what to do! Contact him at martin.sutcliffe@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

SUSTAINABLE SWANAGE

• Swanage Active Travel Group are looking at the feasibility of establishing a car club so that anyone with a valid licence can register to access electric cars on a pay-as-you-go basis.  Car clubs allow to access a vehicle when you need it for as long you need it, for an hour, a day or a month. Since you only pay for a vehicle when you need it, car clubs can be a very effective way of reducing household motoring costs and reliance. We have created a quick survey to establish interest in these ideas in Swanage.
• Another reminder, we are setting up a new Waste Action Group that could help deliver exciting projects in Swanage including a Community Fridge, promotion of food waste apps, repair shops, water refill stations and more. We need people who are keen to help make these things happen and have a bit of time to spare to get involved, the first online meeting will be held this month. Please get in touch with Sarah for details.

See the full DCF eNews October 2021 update