Steering Group

dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Ness is a marine biologist and is an expert in the application of natural capital approaches to inform policy development and marine management. She currently works for Howell Marine Consulting where she is responsible for a portfolio of projects for the UK government and international clients such as the UN and the World Bank. Ness started her marine career at DCF as a project officer and returned to live in Purbeck two years ago. She spends her spare time walking on the coast path and is also a keen UK diver.

bridget.betts@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Bridget is a leader that oversees five brilliant teams including, Dorset Coast Forum. Experienced facilitator with an excellent track record of bringing in funding and delivering a wide range of projects that benefit Dorset. 25 years of experience, a strong community and engagement background, effective delivery of multi-agency partnership work. 

South West Flood & Coastal

Alan is part of a team of specialists at South West Flood & Coastal, a shared service between BCP Council and East Devon District Council. The service provide expertise to risk management authorities across the South-West to address the challenges of flooding and coastal change; working with partners and local communities to share understanding of the challenges faced, enabling development of innovative solutions to strengthen resilience while enhancing the environment.

Environment Agency

Dave has been a Senior Advisor for the Dorset Coast at the Environment Agency for 10 years, with over 20 years experience in a variety of coastal roles. He is involved in a variety of local and National Strategies and plans, capital scheme developments with local authorities and coastal research projects. Dave is a Chartered member of CIWEM and also a Chartered Scientist.

Dorset Wildlife Trust

Imogen has been closely involved for over 20 years in nature conservation in Dorset, including development of biodiversity strategy, landscape-scale approaches, land-use planning, marine policy and development of Dorset Local Nature Partnership. She has worked for Dorset Wildlife Trust since 1996, and as a member of the Senior Management Team since 2001, currently heading up DWT’s Nature-based Solutions team.

Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty / Jurassic Coast

Sally has worked along the Jurassic Coast since 2000 and joined Dorset AONB team in 2016. She was instrumental in setting up the Jurassic Coast brand when the Dorset and East Devon coast was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2001. In recent years, she has played a key role in improving the visitor experience across Dorset AONB, through instigating better access for all, decluttering locations, and providing engaging and informative information for visitors.

Place Services, Dorset Council

Matthew’s current role is Service Manager for Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management at Dorset Council. Training as a coastal engineer he now has over 18 years’ experience working within the flood & coastal sector, both within the Environment Agency and Dorset Council. Matthew loves working within the coastal environment and also spend much of his leisure time there as well, including family beach days, coastal walks and paddleboarding. He lives in Dorset with my wife and family.

Dorset Catchment Partnerships

Natalie has extensive experience of partnership working in the environment sector and protected landscapes, including previously being part of the DCF team. She is a facilitator, project manager and bid-writer working with NGOs, public sector orgs, water companies and other partnerships to improve water quality, habitats and climate resilience across Dorset’s catchments, from source to sea.

Wessex Water

Ruth has over 20 years experience in the water industry, particularly focussed on environmental and wastewater aspects. Ruth leads Wessex Water’s environmental investigation programme, catchment management and partnership teams and environmental policy. This involves elements of research, innovation and a high degree of collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.