Steering Group

dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Ness is an independent marine consultant with expertise in applying natural capital approaches to shape policy development, sustainable finance strategies, and marine management in the UK and internationally. She brings extensive experience in marine spatial planning and integrated marine management, with a particular focus on effective governance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and delivering ‘triple win’ outcomes for biodiversity, climate resilience, and poverty alleviation. 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 National Landscapes

Sally has worked along the Jurassic Coast since 2000 and joined Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 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 National Landscapes, 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 

Zoë has over 20 years of experience in the environmental sector, including ecological field survey, biological recording, and volunteer engagement. As the Dorset Catchment Partnerships Coordinator, she collaborates with a diverse network of stakeholders to tackle the complex challenges facing Dorset’s River catchments—working to improve water quality, restore habitats, and enhance biodiversity. Passionate about nature and empowering people to make a difference, Zoë is a keen horsewoman and enjoys photography.

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.