Blue spaces play an important role in supporting health and wellbeing. Spending time in, on, or near water can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve mood. Activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, surfing, or simply being close to water help people stay active while connecting with nature.

Dorset Coast Forum has joined forces with Will Behenna, founder of the Beach Access project, and together with partner organisations, Dorset Council, National Trust Purbeck and Dorset National Landscape, we are supporting his vision of making Dorset the UK’s leading destination for inclusive access to the coast and blue spaces.

This initiative is a growing network of organisations and individuals all committed to a shared ambition: ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, health condition or background, can enjoy safe and welcoming access to the beach, sea and coastal activities.

Around one in four people in the UK live with a disability, and many more experience long-term health conditions. Yet disabled people continue to face significant barriers to accessing the coast, from inadequate infrastructure and parking to a lack of accessible routes, facilities and support.

Through this partnership, we are working to remove the barriers that prevent many disabled people from fully enjoying Dorset’s coast. We are improving accessibility and enhancing infrastructure, facilities, parking and support for accessing the water, enabling more people to experience the physical and wellbeing benefits of being in and around the sea and to connect with Dorset’s unique blue spaces.