News & Events

March Team News
Posted : March 5, 2019

DCF NEWS

• Natalie and Martin Syvret attended the launch of a High Potential Opportunity for Dorset’s aquaculture industry- a strategy being worked up by Dorset LEP to encourage inward investment specifically for aquaculture in Dorset and to sell Dorset as a great place to do business in this sector.
• Natalie attended a workshop with the Local Nature Partnership, where the group worked on a co-ordinated response to the Government’s 25 year environment plan.
• The team are continuing to work to make sure that DCF’s achievements and benefits are recognised through the Local Government Reorganisation process, helping to safeguard the Forum’s future with both new Councils for the benefit of all our members.

Dorset Coastal Connections (DoCC)

• Nikki worked with Sophie on a joint Coastal Connections and DCF-led exhibition for the Environment Agency about the current coastal defence works in West Bay, and took the opportunity to update the local community on the latest news for the area in front of the George pub. Find out the latest  on this project at dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk; links to information on the coastal defence works can be found later in this bulletin.
• Nikki has been busy working with a number of other project teams, and is pleased to see progress across the portfolio with projects being delivered on time and on budget.

Dorset and East Devon Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG)

• Look out for our marketing campaign across social media and local press and get in touch with Martin if you have any project ideas
• There have been a considerable number of Expressions of Interest submitted in the last month and Martin helping applicants to develop full applications for the next FLAG board meeting on March 19^th
• The fund is now 75% committed and Martin is working hard to ensure the remaining funds are committed before March 29^th

Litter Free Coast and Sea (LFCS)

• Clean Seas Weeks planning is well underway- the programme features events, activities, walks, talks & displays celebrating our seas & how we can keep them clean & safe for people and wildlife. Event runs from 5 -22 April and will be hosted at Durlston Castle in Swanage. Star of the show will be a mini ‘fatberg’ showing the perils of flushing wet wipes and other FOG nasties down the loo and our sinks!
• Caz & Gwen attended a tour around Uplyme Sewage Treatment Works organised by the West Dorset Beach Clean volunteers, who are investigating the BAFF bio beads being washed up at Charmouth. Since the visit, staff at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre have proposed to undertake a study and take samples from the sewage outlet pipe in Lyme Bay to see if the water contains any BAFF beads.
• Gwen represented LFCS at the plastic free business breakfast hosted by the Dorchester Chamber.
• Sarah organised a Swanage Business and Community Breakfast. The ‘Plastic Free’ themed meeting focused on how businesses and residents can reduce their impacts on the environment. A ‘Sustainable Swanage Working Group’ will be formed to carry out new behaviour change campaigns.
• Sarah is also working with Swanage accommodation providers on implementing a Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) myth buster with tips on how to dispose of FOG while you’re staying in a holiday cottage or caravan.
• Caz & Gwen met with Purbeck Ice Cream to discuss how they can help support and reward beach clean volunteers taking part in the Great Dorset Beach Clean 2019 scheduled for the 27 & 28 April.
• February has been a great month for Refill join ups with six new businesses added.

Tags: Dorset & East Devon FLAG, Dorset Coast Forum, Dorset Coastal Connections, Litter Free Coast & Sea