NATURAL VALUE THE STATE OF DORSET’S ENVIRONMENT DORSET LNP FOREWORD BY SIMON CRIPPS

The government’s Natural Environment White Paper (2011) concluded that A ‘Natural Value’ report communities and the economy cannot survive or flourish without healthy In 2013, The Dorset1 Local Nature Partnership Board agreed that one of its first priorities natural systems to support them. It set out how nature provides valuable should be to take stock of the state of Dorset’s environment, hence the production of our services directly and indirectly and pointed to economic opportunities arising first Dorset ‘Natural Value’ report. It seeks to present locally specific information which from greener goods, services and greater resource-efficiency. demonstrates both the environmental value of the area and the economic and social value of the area’s environment. In time it will show changes in Dorset’s natural environment It proposed the establishment of a national network of Local Nature and allow a more strategic approach to development planning to be taken. Much relevant Partnerships (LNPs) to develop a vision for the local environment, champion data exists already; the LNP is simply seeking to add value to these data sets by compiling, its interests and better integrate environmental objectives with social and integrating and analysing them as well as presenting them in a palatable form. This report: economic goals, working closely with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and Health and Wellbeing Boards in the process. • Provides an environmental evidence base to help inform the plans and strategies of other Simon Cripps © Debbie Dye agencies, partners and partnerships such as the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The Dorset LNP was officially recognised by government in 2012. It brings • Provides raw material to raise awareness of the state and value of Dorset’s environment. together a wide range of partners in public, private and voluntary sectors • Provides a baseline against which the LNP can judge progress towards its aims and across Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole. The LNP exists to maximise the objectives using a combination of contextual and performance indicators. benefits to be gained from protecting and enhancing the unique natural assets • Identifies the key challenges facing Dorset’s environment for which solutions need to of the area for people, wildlife and businesses. be found.

The Dorset Local Nature Partnership will: Residents of, and visitors to, Dorset cannot fail to be impressed by the stunning environment we live in, parts of which are recognised nationally and internationally for • Provide leadership for those working to protect and enhance the their special interest and quality. As well as these ‘special’ places, Dorset’s environment is environment in Dorset. made up of ‘ordinary’ countryside and green space, many less visible natural systems which provide crucial goods and services to support our way of life, and other natural assets • Advocate the good management of Dorset’s natural environment for its own which may not be immediately apparent. In producing this report, the Dorset LNP hopes sake and the many benefits it offers. to shine a light on these aspects of the environment so that we all can make an holistic assessment of the state of our environment, not just the parts which tend to attract the • Articulate the importance of Dorset’s natural environment to economic and most focus, resources and the highest levels of protection. social wellbeing in a manner appropriate to diverse audiences. A further important purpose of this report is to start to place financial values on aspects • Ensure that the natural environment is taken into account in policy and of our environment, a critical step to ensuring that the importance of natural places and decision-making. systems is taken proper account of in the decisions we all take as consumers, companies, councils and so on. It is early days for this work, and important to say that in doing so we must be careful not to try to put a ‘price’ on nature. It would be impossible to put a price on something which is literally invaluable, and would risk implying that if we are not willing to pay that price, we can neglect or do without it. But by estimating the economic value which nature provides in the form of specific goods, services and sectors, we can at least help to ensure that it is valued in practical terms, and not treated as a valueless and CONTENTS unlimited resource - which it often is at present.

3 Foreword This report clearly shows what we all suspected - that Dorset’s environment, nature and heritage are very special, both within a national and international context. Whilst in recent 4 - 5 Key Findings years the environment in Dorset has fared reasonably well, especially when compared 6 - 9 Natural Capital with other parts of Britain, there is still a marked, ongoing decline. Our environment from grasslands and heaths to marine, as well as our heritage assets, are extremely fragile and 10 - 13 Natural Value easily degraded. In such a ‘green’ county, environment appears to be taken for granted so this report shows the huge economic value in terms of ecosystem services that it provides. 14 - 15 Natural Health I hope this report will be a step towards enabling us to reverse that decline in our natural 16 - 17 Natural Resilience environment and set us all on a course to a more sustained, healthy and valued Dorset. 18 - 19 Natural Understanding

20 - 21 Natural Influence Dr Simon Cripps Chairman of the Dorset Local Nature Partnership 22 Dorset LNP’s Vision 1The term ‘Dorset’ is to be taken to include the boroughs of Bournemouth and Poole and the Dorset County area, Ferrybridge © Bryan Edwards 23 Information unless otherwise indicated.

2 Kingcombe Meadows © Mark Heighes Natural Value The State of Dorset’s Environment, 2014 3 KEY FINDINGS

1) Condition of Dorset’s ‘crown jewels’ 7) Ecological footprint Dorset’s outstanding environment is recognised by a wealth of designations. The majority Dorset, like the rest of the country and much of the developed world, is not alone in of our most highly protected sites are in good condition, or recovering, supported by having a global ecological footprint which is disproportionately large compared to the size favourable management. However, some remain at risk or are declining. Designation has a of its population. Reducing consumption and increasing efficiency continues to be a key reasonable track record of preventing site destruction; it is less reliable as protection for international, national and local challenge – but we all have a part to play in reducing our the full range of natural services that these sites should provide. global footprint and treading more lightly on the planet. Headline indicators: Wildlife sites condition (p.7) Headline indicators: Waste arisings (p.13) Heritage assets at risk (p.9) Ecological footprint (p.21) Upton Heath © Jane Adams Beach Litter © Sally Welbourn 2) Our key habitats and species 8) Energy use Dorset has a high baseline of environmental quality and diversity relative to other parts We are some way from meeting the goal of a low-carbon, resource efficient economy of England but this is against a backdrop of massive decline and fragmentation in wildlife but the economic drivers for developing one are becoming increasingly apparent. Carbon habitats and loss of species over the last century. As a result, Dorset’s environment may emissions per head have dropped slightly but alongside a recession when this might be lack the necessary resilience to deal with future change, with serious consequences for the expected. There has been recent progress but renewable energy use is some way short of communities, businesses and wildlife which rely on it. 2020 targets. Headline indicators: Land Use Change (p.6) Headline indicators: Dorset’s carbon emissions (p.10) Wildlife Sites (p.7) Installed capacity of renewable energy (p.12) Silver Studded Blue © Ken Dolbear MBE © Andy Fale 3) Environmental goods and services 9) Resources Dorset’s natural systems provide communities and businesses with goods and services Our primary resources are precious, and as the economy grows, we must find innovative without which they could not function. Dorset clearly has a very attractive environment but solutions to ensure we make most efficient use of them. Dorset has both recycling rates we need to guard against the complacency that if it looks ‘OK’ it must be in good shape – and water use better than national averages, however, these still may not be at rates it still faces underlying threats which are exposed at times of strain, for example, resulting sufficient to prevent environmental harm. from major development proposals or more extreme weather. Headline indicators: Recycling rates (p.13) Headline indicators: Bathing water quality (p.12) Water use (p.11) Flood risk (p.17) West Bay © John Stevens © Nicky Hoar

4) Landscape-scale solutions 10) Development planning Piecemeal environmental management and enhancement may have reached a ‘ceiling’ - Local planning policy includes good intentions on the natural environment and resources providing an undoubted benefit, but unable to achieve the crucial step change without vast but we are yet to see if these can be implemented and enforced effectively. Ensuring that resources. So we must work at larger scales and find methods which have environmental new development contributes to environmental enhancement and does not cause undue benefits, economic advantages (savings or income opportunities) and meet social aspirations. harm is a key challenge. Our local protocols for wildlife mitigation and enhancement have Current flagship projects in Dorset will bring significant progress towards this goal. made excellent progress towards an efficient but effective planning system. Headline indicators: Dorset AONB condition (p.8) Headline indicators: Development on ‘brownfield’ land (p.11) Ecological status of rivers (p.16) Bat checks through Dorset protocols (p.20) Blackmore Vale © John Stevens © Steve Kinnersley 5) Awareness and engagement 11) Economic resilience Understanding, measured by a variety of residents’ surveys, appears to show a strong affinity Dorset’s environmental industries have seen significant growth, now worth a minimum of with, and care for, Dorset’s environment among residents. Thousands of hours of volunteer £173m or 3500 jobs, and have great potential. However, developing a truly ‘green economy’ time are given each year towards environmental activities. Converted into a monetary figure requires a holistic approach to resources, so that areas of growth do not counter-act each this represents nearly £850,000 contributed. other. We must ensure that we are not trading off economic gain against environmental loss Headline indicators: Attitudes to the environment (p.19) but seeking win-win solutions for both environment and economy. Environmental volunteering (p.19) Headline indicators: Traffic volumes (p.17) Sustainable fisheries (p.17) Bug Hotel © Briony Baxter © Mark Heighes 6) Outdoor exercise 12) High environmental standards for all Dorset residents recognise the importance of good access to natural spaces to health and Dorset residents recognise the need to integrate our ambitions for growth with protection wellbeing. A reasonable proportion of people regularly take exercise outdoors and rates of and enhancement of the environment. There is a growing recognition of the inter- cycling are increasing. Access is generally good though there is some room for improvement dependence between a healthy environment and a healthy economy. We must ensure that and some areas where provision is poor. Pilot projects are underway to develop our ‘natural everyone can benefit from financial savings made through resource efficiency and can access health service’. and enjoy environmental assets. Headline indicators: Cycle traffic (p.14) Headline indicators: Wealth vs environment? (p.13) Outdoor physical activity (p.15) Fuel poverty (p.15) © Alastair Cook © Nicky Hoar

4 Natural Value The State of Dorset’s Environment, 2014 5 Wildlife Dorset’s varied geology and land WILDLIFE SITES 2 use has led to an exceptional range NATURAL of habitats and species, albeit now No of Area % of affected by past losses. Dorset holds Local Sites sites (hectares) Dorset3 some 32 priority habitats, terrestrial Sites of Nature Conservation Interest 1277 12,293 4.60% and marine. The Dorset Biodiversity CAPITAL Audit1 lists 1,107 terrestrial Dorset Local Nature Reserves 49 702 0.26% species as threatened, rare, protected Voluntary Marine Wildlife Reserve 1 3,500 1.30% or priority. Many of these have Natural capital is defined as the stock national and international designations National Sites of natural assets that provide goods for both sites and species. This associations with particular habitats, Sites of Special Scientific Interest 141 20,287 7.58%4 and services we rely on, from fertile recognition, however, does not indicating where loss of suitable soil and productive land and seas to necessarily mean that all aspects of habitat has caused a particular strain: Marine Conservation Zones 3 23,420 6.90% fresh water and clean air. It includes the environment are in good health. International Sites (Ramsar, SAC, SPA) vital services such as pollination of Arable farmland 39 Terrestrial 23 16,113 6.02%4 plants, natural protection against The Dorset landscape has seen a Coastal 114 flooding, and the regulation of our dramatic change since the 1930s. Grasslands 102 Marine 6 54,000 20.17% Heathland/Mire 78 climate. Changes include a huge increase in 3 For marine sites the proportion of Dorset waters out to 12 nautical miles (agriculturally) improved grasslands Wetlands 52 4 There is much overlap between terrestrial national and international sites, the combined area of Dorset Although these services are essential - these tend to have low wildlife Woodland, parkland, hedges 111 covered is 7.83% to our way of life, current resources diversity. Past loss of heathland helps available to maintain them are to explain why the remnants of this In addition there are some 88 WILDLIFE SITE CONDITION (MARCH 2014) 2 in general insufficient to enable threatened habitat are so important threatened, rare, protected and environmental quality to increase today, and why they have such a high priority marine species recorded in Sites of Special Favourable 39% Dorset, many associated with habitats alongside economic and social goals. level of protection. Scientific Interest Unfavourable recovering 48% We need to invest in our natural such as reefs and seagrass beds which Unfavourable no change or declining/destroyed 13% capital, explaining the economic Over time, Dorset’s natural have been under pressure from a rationale for doing so, and develop environment has been subject to very variety of human impacts. Species Sites of Nature Good maintained/improving 43% recording in the marine environment market-based mechanisms to secure substantial losses, with big declines Conservation Fair maintained/improving 14% the resources necessary to maintain in some habitats and species over presents considerable challenges so Interest Poor or declining 15% these services. the last century. The ‘health’ of the this is likely to be an under-estimate. environment must therefore be Unknown 28% 2 Land use change viewed in this historic context, not Case studies show that concerted conservation can turn round declining Dorset is widely recognised for its just from the baseline presented in NATURE MAP landscape quality, geological diversity this report. species populations, for example the Little Tern on Chesil Beach, which and biodiversity and in many local, Key: Main habitat opportunities suffered a dramatic decline in the (each with associated habitats and settlements) early 2000s, and is now recovering Chalk Grassland LAND USE CHANGE 1930s TO 2000 after many years of effort. The otter has recolonised most Dorset rivers, Limestone Grassland after virtual extinction by the 1970s. Lowland Heath However, other species are doing Neutral Grassland less well, such as the Silver-studded Poole Bay Cliffs, Chines & Heaths Blue butterfly, which has seen a 51% River Corridors & Associated Habitats Woodland decline since 1980. Woodland/Grassland Mosaic

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. The LNP is working towards ‘bigger, Dorset County Council, LA100019790. 2014 better, more joined up’ nature. Source: Dorset Environmental Records Centre The Dorset ‘Nature Map’ identifies the terrestrial areas with greatest Protection has largely halted the Figures on the condition of wildlife potential for habitat enhancement at past dramatic losses of large wildlife sites paint a mixed picture. They show a landscape scale, restoring and re- sites to development. However, that many important sites are in good connecting natural areas so that their incremental loss of natural habitat condition or recovering. However, a value to people and wildlife can be remains one of the unintended significant proportion are not doing maximised. Delivery of the ambition consequences of development of so well. Sites of Special Scientific symbolised by the Nature Map – the area. There is a very long way to Interest (SSSIs) enjoy legal protection through the planning system, and go before Dorset’s habitats can be through the land management policies considered robust enough to cope 1 http://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset_ of landowners, conservation bodies with current and future pressures, biodiversity_partnership.html and businesses – will be a key test. and even further to reverse historic 2 Dorset Environmental Records Centre, Maps from D.A.P. Hooftman, J.M. Bullock / Biological Conservation 145 (2012) 30 - 38 declines. Biodiversity Indicators Report, March 2014

6 © Peter Tinsley Natural Value The State of Dorset’s Environment, 2014 7 and cover some of the best areas in the country for wildlife and geology. DORSET AONB CONDITION ASSESSMENT MAP They often serve as ‘wildlife banks’, a safe haven of prime habitat. The fact that many of these highly protected sites are in unfavourable condition suggests we should be concerned about the condition of the rest of our ‘ordinary’ environment and countryside which enjoys no such protection.

Very few people set out to deliberately destroy nature, and in fact Landscape Condition lack of management has been a major cause of losses of some habitats Good & Improving

in recent years. 76 Sites of Nature Good & Stable © John Stevens Conservation Interest (SNCIs) (183 Moderate & Stable hectares) have suffered losses (full Moderate & Declining County as Areas of Outstanding or partial) since 2005. 34 of these Natural Beauty (AONBs). Within HERITAGE ASSETS were recorded as destroyed or part Source: Dorset AONB and beyond the AONBs, high quality destroyed, 44 as having declined in landscapes are important to our Number of Heritage Assets quality to such an extent that they no lifestyle, economy and wellbeing and District/Borough 2 TRANQUILLITY MAP OF DORSET Heritage Assets at risk longer qualified. also for the wildlife they support and their rich cultural associations. Bournemouth 237 1 On the positive side, there have been Christchurch 303 2 many projects, involving landowners Most tranquil The assessment of landscape of both private and publicly owned East Dorset 830 46 condition in the Dorset AONB land, to create, re-create and North Dorset 2,141 54 Least tranquil suggests that while many areas are in restore habitats; often facilitated by good condition or improving, there Poole 252 6 government grant schemes. At March are still areas of concern. As these are Purbeck 1,707 68 2014, there were 256 sites2 known our most protected landscapes, we where habitat has been created or West Dorset 4,723 119 must also wonder what is happening restored in Dorset. Though these in ‘ordinary’, unprotected landscapes Weymouth & Portland 826 8 cannot replace sites of the highest outside AONBs which are not quality which have been lost, and Source: English Heritage National Heritage List & Heritage at Risk Register monitored as closely. may take many years to reach their our heritage may increase with time, works have not compromised the potential, they play an important part Crown copyright. All rights reserved. The maps show that both light it need not, however, be a story of natural processes which create the in restoring and reconnecting habitats The Countryside Agency 2006. 100018881. pollution and loss of tranquillity are inevitable decline. In recent years, Site’s Outstanding Universal Value. at a landscape scale. affecting parts of Dorset, in rural the Dorset Monument Management Source: Reproduced courtesy of the Campaign to Protect Rural England. Revised edition 2007. areas as well as urban. The move Scheme has delivered enhancements Dorset’s geological interest is not Environmental land management towards part-night lighting of street to Scheduled Monuments by confined to the World Heritage schemes play an important role in lights in Poole and the Dorset County supporting landowners in, for Site, however, and the area has a restoring, linking and creating natural DARK SKIES MAP OF SOUTH WEST ENGLAND area is already reducing energy example, clearing scrub and improving series of inland geological Sites habitats. Current schemes in Dorset Bristol consumption and light pollution public access. Many communities and of Special Scientific Interest provide for the restoration of 10,452 1993 2000 Weston- Cheltenham significantly and there may be further individuals have also raised money and 63 Local Geological Sites, hectares and creation of 410 hectares super-Mare & Gloucester potential to extend this practice. and devoted time to caring for their selected for important geological of species-rich grassland, heathland, Exmoor Taunton Swindon local heritage and need support to or geomorphological features Bath In Bournemouth energy efficient woodland, saltmarsh, reedbed and continue to do so in future. and contribution to scientific 5 LED bulbs are being introduced to fen habitat. This underlines the Barnstaple streetlights. understanding. importance of targeted support, Poole / The Dorset and East Devon Coast and the need to ensure that reform Dartmoor Bournemouth World Heritage Site remains in The geological diversity of Dorset is of the Common Agricultural Policy Bodmin Heritage Weymouth favourable condition. There has been expressed beautifully in the variety continues to enable investment in our Exeter Of around 11,000 registered Heritage Assets across Dorset, approximately no significant deterioration of the of local building stone. The sensitive natural capital. Plymouth condition of the Site since 2001 use of this resource helps maintain Penzance Torquay 2.8% are considered ‘at risk’. While = 0-1.70 Dark this sounds like a modest proportion, when it was designated. Pragmatic landscape and historic character Landscape = 1.71-50 Key engagement between coastal as well as creating economic = 50.01-150 Brighter heritage assets, if lost, are impossible The high quality of much of the These maps were created from pixels representing a square kilometre. They are a colour representation authorities, landowners, communities opportunities. = 150.01-240 to replace. Dorset landscape is recognised in the of satellite measurements of artificial light at night. The light is measured on a range from 0 to 255; 0 means the satellite is detecting no light in that pixel and 255 means the satellite’s detector is saturated with light. = 240.01-255 Saturated and the WHS Partnership has helped designation of over 50% of Dorset ensure that necessary coastal defence Source: Campaign to Protect Rural England While the challenge of maintaining 5 Source: Natural England 8 Natural Value The State of Dorset’s Environment, 2014 9 The LNP wants to see businesses which have a low impact on the environment flourish. We have NATURAL no established methodology for defining or measuring the extent of ‘low impact business’. However, provision of effective and extensive VALUE superfast broadband infrastructure is a pre-requisite for achieving it Government policy emphasises goods and services’ used, however, through reducing the need for travel. that the concept of the ‘green excludes sectors such as tourism, The production of local, sustainable economy’ should relate to the whole creative industries, food and drink goods and services offers a means economy, not just sectors providing and environmental management for of delivering growth, reducing environmental goods and services. which a high quality environment is environmental impacts and improving Gaining a better understanding of clearly important. Work is underway resilience by shortening supply the value of the natural environment to establish this supplementary chains. Dorset Food and Drink is therefore fundamental to the data to assess the true size and now has a membership of over 70 purpose of LNPs. Whilst it is neither potential of the ‘environmental food and drink businesses and the possible, nor desirable, to put a economy’. As an example of how establishment of the Sustainable Food price on ‘nature’ in its entirety, important a high quality environment Partnership in Bournemouth & Poole we can estimate some aspects of is, research in neighbouring Devon provides further evidence of the its economic value. This evidence values its own ‘green economy’ at interest in local, sustainable produce.

supports the case for investing in over £2,400 million per annum (16% © Imogen Davenport environmental enhancement for of Gross Value Added), accounting Land and development economic reasons as well as for its for over 100,000 jobs (20% of all The amount of new development own sake. employment)2. using previously developed land is a good indicator of how efficiently we % OF DEVELOPMENT ON BROWNFIELD LAND The Dorset Local Enterprise A low carbon economy are making use of this scarce natural Partnership’s (LEP) analysis of Currently, the size of our carbon resource. While the percentage of Dorset’s economy suggests that footprint relates closely to economic new homes being built on brownfield ‘Environmental goods and services’ growth – when the economy grows, sites has dropped off in the Dorset contribute £173 million and 3500 carbon emissions go up, when it County area, it has remained very full time equivalent jobs to the local contracts, they go down. So though high in Bournemouth and Poole. economy. The LEP also identifies emissions per head have fallen, they this is a sector ‘with significant are now starting to rise again. De- While not all ‘brownfield’ sites are growth potential, harnessing the coupling these two will be a key suitable for development, where they environmental assets of Dorset, challenge for the future, not just for can be developed this will generally developing existing business activity the sake of the environment, but to reduce the pressure on ‘greenfield’ and expertise, and realising the avoid the severe economic impacts sites, support the vitality of existing opportunities presented by the which will occur if we are unable to town centres and make sustainable demand for renewable energy’1. reduce global carbon emissions and transport more viable. We need to ensure that the built environment Source: Bournemouth, Dorset & Poole Local Authorities The definition of ‘environmental avoid dangerous climate change.3 functions as ‘naturally’ as possible, drought, which is predicted to happen carefully managed if we are not to by for example, providing green more frequently5. damage the very things which attract infrastructure so that water and PER CAPITA CO2 EMISSIONS visitors in the first place. wildlife can provide services as they would in a more natural environment. Tourism The importance of the visitor economy to Dorset is clear: total Water use visitor related spend in 2011 was The national average domestic water 1 Dorset LEP, 2011, Dorset LEP Prospectus. calculated at £1.44 billion while use is 150 litres per head per day and 2 total tourism related employment Transform Research Consultancy Ltd (for Devon the current average in the Wessex County Council and Devon LNP), 2012. Devon’s amounted to 12% of all employment6. Water area is 147 litres per head Green Economy. This sector is highly if not entirely per day for unmetered properties, 3 dependent on the quality of the http://www.ipcc.ch/ and 1324 litres per head per day for environment in both rural and 4 Wessex Water - Water Resources Management metered properties. Though demand urban areas. At the same time, Plan 2014 per head may fall, as population accommodating a significant volume 5 Adapting to climate change, UK climate rises, demand for water overall may of visitors puts pressure on transport projections 2009, DEFRA still go up, adding to the challenges networks, host communities and 6 of planning for future incidences of http://www.visit-dorset.com/trade/research/ Source: Department of Energy & Climate Change sensitive habitats which need to be dorset-tourism-data

10 Kimmeridge Bay © Mark Heighes Natural Value The State of Dorset’s Environment, 2014 11 WASTE ARISINGS

© Stewart Canham

BATHING WATER QUALITY - Bathing water quality Clean bathing water is essential for NUMBER OF BEACHES TESTED MEETING STANDARDS the economic wellbeing of our coastal 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 towns as well as marine wildlife. Pollution from sewage and agriculture Higher 32 34 33 34 23 can cause diffuse pollution of bathing 5 2 3 3 11 waters. Minimum Beach Clean © Sally Welbourn Source: Dorset Waste Partnership Fail 0 1 1 0 3 Wessex Water’s investment at coastal WEALTH vs KEY: sewage works between 1990 and RECYCLING RATES ENVIRONMENT? Higher: Bathing water meets the criteria for the stricter guidelines 2005 significantly improved bathing standards of the current Bathing Water Directive water quality in Dorset and most beaches tested meet the tough Minimum: At least 95% of the samples meet the mandatory standards of guideline standards under the EU the cBWD Bathing Water Directive. However, Fail: Fewer than 95% of the samples meet the required mandatory further work is necessary on standards of the cBWD discharges from combined sewers Source: Environment Agency 2012 and overflows at times of heavy rainfall, which we expect to increase TOTAL INSTALLED RENEWABLE ENERGY CAPACITY, in frequency and magnitude as the FEBRUARY 2014 climate changes7. In 2012 there was Heat Energy Electricity Energy exceptional summer rainfall and generation/ generation/ standards dropped with a number GW hours GW hours of beaches failing the mandatory standards. Source: Dorset Waste Partnership Source: Dorset Citizen’s Panel 27, 2012 ATW & AD* 9.5 ATW & AD* 14.2 Sewage gas 9.5 Sewage gas 18.9 Energy Bournemouth and Poole has resulted recycling rates – upwards of 65% short-comings of relying on Gross 9 Over £1bn a year is spent on energy in savings of 5645 tonnes of CO2 in some areas . Household waste, Domestic Product as our sole or Poundbury biogas 20.0 Landfill gas 98.1 8 and fuels in Dorset. Energy efficiency from 2381 installations . however, represents just 21% of total main measure of progress, and of 10 Biomass 5.2 Hydro 0.4 is the most cost effective way to waste arisings. In 2009 almost 0.5 the need for a shift in emphasis from reduce energy demand, reducing Waste million tonnes of commercial and measuring economic production to Heat pumps 1.4 Onshore wind 1.3 emissions and bills. From 2008- Waste is a good example of an industrial waste was generated in measuring people’s wellbeing. Dorset Solar PV environmental problem which can be Dorset. Of the total, around 53% has a higher proportion of people Solar thermal 0.5 31.5 2013, 38,359 homes had cavity wall roof-mounted insulation installed and 42,158 had loft turned into an opportunity: sending was recycled or composted, 24% was rating their life satisfaction very disposed of by landfill, and 0.7% was highly than any other English county12. Wood stoves 51.0 Solar farms 68.3 insulation installed or improved. waste to landfill requires land, emits greenhouse gases, can pollute soil treated with energy recovery. Around Local evidence suggests support for SUB-TOTAL 97.1 SUB - TOTAL 234.7 Renewable energy generated in and water if not well managed 5% was transferred onwards and maintaining Dorset’s environment at a approximately 3% was reused11. high quality in tandem with economic TOTAL 331.8 Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole and represents a significant cost in 2014 totals 332 gigawatt hours, to council tax payers. By reducing growth. * Advanced treatment of waste and anaerobic digestion equivalent to 2.1% of total energy waste, recycling and treating some Energy, water and other natural Source: Dorset Energy Partnership consumption, and has seen a capital residual waste as a resource, we can resources are also wasted in This is important for business as well. producing goods that are thrown ‘Wellbeing at Work’ surveys13 have 7 Adapting to climate change, UK climate projections 2009, DEFRA investment of £203 million into save money, help the environment Dorset since 2010. Whilst significantly and capitalise on the market for away, so reducing the amount of found that workers and bosses in the 8 Source: Bournemouth Borough Council and Borough of Poole higher than 0.95% in 2011, we are a sustainable waste management. waste we generate in the first South West region enjoy higher levels 9 Source: Dorset County Council and the Dorset Waste Partnership long way short of the target of 7.5% place is the best option from an of wellbeing at work than anywhere 10 Source: Defra through local installations adopted Dorset achieved overall 40-50% environmental perspective. else in the UK, and 35% of companies recycling rates against a national relocating to South West England 11 Defra, 2009. Commercial and Industrial Waste Survey – Final Report. through the Dorset Renewable Energy Strategy. average of 43% in 2012-13. The new Dorset’s natural businesses quoted ‘environmental attractiveness’ 12 Source: Office for National Statistics, Personal wellbeing across the UK 2012-13. collection regime introduced by assets as a key reason for their move14. 13 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/4451118.stm, 2005 Since 2011, installation of solar photo- the Dorset Waste Partnership is There has been a growing recognition 14 West of England Strategic Green Infrastructure Framework, 2011 voltaic energy to social housing in already achieving substantially higher among policy-makers about the 12 Natural Value The State of Dorset’s Environment, 2014 13 FUEL POVERTY NATURAL 2012 Estimated Estimated Proportion no. of no. of of fuel poor households fuel poor households HEALTH households Bournemouth 84,750 8,367 9.9% Poole 65,450 4,805 7.3% Access to the natural accessible greenspace sites, and 26.7 environment kilometres of beaches. This gives a Christchurch 22,139 1,456 6.6% The natural environment already ratio of 15 hectares per 1,000 people. East Dorset 38,744 2,397 6.2% makes a major contribution to public However, over 88% of the sites North Dorset 29,582 2,497 8.4% health and wellbeing. This could be are also internationally designated greater with improved access, more heathland, which has suffered declines Purbeck 20,207 1,694 8.4% effective and well connected “green in key species due to disturbance. A West Dorset 45,782 4,233 9.2% and blue infrastructure” and better green infrastructure strategy aims to Weymouth & Portland 29,435 2,775 9.4% information on how and where to address this by increasing the area on TOTAL 336,089 28,224 8.4% Richmond Fellowship Group © DWT use the environment responsibly and non-heathland greenspace available to safely. The LNP will work with local local residents. National average 10.4% The Richmond Fellowship and authorities, Health and Wellbeing Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/2012-sub-regional-fuel-poverty-data-low-income-high- Dorset Wildlife Trust have been Boards, the Dorset Local Access Health inequalities costs-indicator helping people with mental health Forum and others to promote access Communities and social groups problems to recover through to the natural environment as a key suffering poor health often lack access CYCLE FLOWS IN DORSET environmental volunteering. strand in the improvement of public to a healthy environment. Poor air health and wellbeing, the promotion quality, flood risk and lack of access to Eric is a typical volunteer: of active lifestyles, independent living greenspace are often associated with and as a potential means of reducing social deprivation. “Doing this work outside gives me welfare costs. peace of mind and clarity. It helps lift Energy efficiency measures offer not my worries. I would recommend it to The LNP wants to see access to the only one of the most cost effective anyone trying to overcome anxiety - it environment and improved inter- solutions for reducing carbon is hard to make the first jump, but connections between open spaces emissions, but also improving public works well alongside my medication make a measurable improvement health, will also reduce costs and and it’s a distraction from the things that worry me. Every time I come out, in public health and reduce costs help address fuel poverty. Whilst this I learn something different - I saw a is below average in Dorset, there associated with health treatments. bee orchid the other day, which I had is some marked variation between never seen before.” Access to natural spaces districts, reflecting both income and Source: Dorset County Council (LTP = Local Transport Plan) A population of 458,000 people energy efficiency of current housing live within the area covered by stock. the NHS successfully promote health individually as much as £17.7 million. encourage people to walk and cycle the South East Dorset Green and winter warmth through energy Promotion of access to nature can more, given the health benefits and Infrastructure Strategy. There are Several projects in Dorset have seen efficiency. be both a remedy and a preventative the reduction in traffic congestion. approximately 6,897 hectares of local authorities, their partners and medicine for a wide range of physical At present, the health burden due to and mental health conditions. Some barriers to encouraging healthy low temperature exceeds that of high lifestyles remain. For example, DAYS SPENT DOING 30 MINUTES PLUS OF OUTDOOR temperature. However, heat-related Health services and GPs are concern about the safety of cyclists PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THAT RAISES BREATHING RATE mortality, which is currently around increasingly able to offer patients and pedestrians in some areas, linked 2,000 premature deaths per year, is the choice of outdoor activity as in part to traffic speeds. The World 20% projected to increase steeply in the an alternative to, or to supplement, Health Organisation2 estimates the 18% April - UK throughout the 21st century as traditional prescriptions. average economic benefit of 100 16% Oct (BST) the climate warms, from around a people starting to walk 1 km per day

14% 70% increase in the 2020s to around The last decade has seen an increase at £31,000 per year (£305,000 over 12% 540% in the 2080s1. in the popularity of cycling in Dorset, 10 years), due to reduced risk of 10% Nov - Mar (GMT) due to improved provision of cycle premature death. 8% Natural health service lanes and workplace facilities for of respondents 6% 1 % In 2010 over £940 million was spent cyclists (storage, showers etc). Health Protection Agency, Health Effects 4% across England on dealing with the A greater proportion of Dorset of Climate Change in the UK 2012, Current 2% evidence, recommendations and research gaps consequences of physical inactivity, residents walk or cycle to work 0% 2 01234567 each Primary Care Trust spending compared to the national average, but World Health Organisation, 2011. Health Economic Assessment Tool. Available from: http:// days / week on average £6.2 million and some there is still significant potential to www.heatwalkingcycling.org/ Source: Dorset Citizen’s Panel 27, August 2012

14 Steven Fall © Steve Davis Natural Value The State of Dorset’s Environment, 2014 15

NATURAL FLOOD RISK TO PROPERTY RESILIENCE

Dorset faces a challenging future. physical modifications for 12-21% Changes in the global economy, global of failures. Invasive plants and signal climate and demography present risks crayfish are also likely to harm and threats to the resilience of both ecological status. the environment and the communities which depend on it. For example, Nitrate levels have increased in increased pressure on coastal rivers and groundwater (in the River Source: Environment Agency Catchment Flood Management Plans (CFMPS) communities from rising sea level Frome over 200% higher today than Traffic volumes may lead towards the construction of in the 1960s)1. High nitrate levels TOTAL TRAFFIC ON MAJOR DORSET ROADS 2000 - 2013 Traffic in Dorset peaked in 2006, more coastal defences, with negative have caused growth of dense algal then fell back but in 2013 rose again. implications for protected sites. mats in Poole Harbour, smothering In Bournemouth and Poole traffic is the intertidal ecosystem. Nearly now below 2000 levels, but is higher5 But a well managed, resilient half the public water supply sources elsewhere. Though, as nationally, past natural environment can help us in the Poole Harbour catchment huge rises have currently plateaued, adapt to these changes. This would have exceeded safe drinking water high volumes of traffic remain and can include widespread adoption of standards for nitrate in recent years. harm the environment, communities landscape-scale and whole catchment Diffuse pollution from agriculture and businesses. It is crucial that traffic approaches to environmental is the dominant source, but treated levels are decoupled from economic management, to adapt to change, sewage also discharges nitrates. growth and that cost-effective and working with rather than against Solutions may take decades to show accessible non-car travel and public natural processes such as coastal results in the Harbour, but the most transport choices are available. change. promising and cost effective action is to establish best practice crop and Sustainable fisheries Water catchments soil management by working with Source: Department for Transport Project Inshore’s6 2012-13 pre- Land use activities and run-off farmers in the catchment to reduce assessment of all English fisheries account for between 24% and 56% of inputs at source. main catchments. The main sources or be carriers of harmful diseases. using Marine Stewardship Council current failures of ecological status of flooding are river flooding, Exotic species can also colonise (MSC) standards provided the of catchments, point source inputs Flood risk tidal, surface water drainage and from gardens, arrive on ships or first ever in-depth rating of the from waste water (mainly sewage The maps show locations with groundwater. Catchment-based be deliberately introduced. Past sustainability of Dorset’s fisheries. treatment works) for 10-25% and the highest flood risk in Dorset’s solutions can again help address experience shows that tackling It found sole and plaice caught by problems, ameliorating flash flows and problem invasive species before they trammel net and sole caught by working with natural floodplains. become widespread can save millions ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF RIVER CATCHMENTS, 2013 drift net in the Western Channel of pounds. were very likely to pass full MSC Climate change and wildlife certification. For all other fisheries,

SHREEN WATER (including Ashfield Water) STOUR (Headwaters) Dorset faces a range of risks from Future-proof homes challenges and recommendations for Lodden (upper) CALE (Upper) anticipated extreme weather and Affordable housing is a clear priority STOUR (at Gillingham) improvements were highlighted, such

Stour Trib (Fern Brook) Lodden (lower) 2 BOW BROOK (North & South) STOUR (Upper) other climate impacts . As climate for people in Dorset, and some as the health of the fish stock, impact

STIRCHELL BROOK CALE (Lower) KEY BROOK changes, we should expect new have argued that higher standards of STOUR (at Marnhull) Allen Trib (Gussage Stream) on the ecosystem or management Stour Trib (Bibbern Brook)

MANSTON BROOK FONTMELL BROOK LYDDEN (Lower) ALLEN (Headwaters) species to colonise, particularly as resource efficiency increase the costs system. Caundle Trib (Caundle Marsh) CAUNDLE BROOK (Lower)

IWERNE Allen Trib (Crichel Stream) CAUNDLE BROOK (Middle) Dorset Stour TARRANT LYDDEN (Middle) a south coast county. Since 2000, of buying a home. However, housing CAM Stour Trib (Pimperne Brook) DIVELISH CRANE 1 ALLEN (Amen Corner to Didlington) Source: Poole Harbour Catchment Initiative CAUNDLE BROOK (Upper) STOUR (Middle) MANNINGTON BROOK 11 new marine species and 43 must be affordable to live in as well as Allen Trib (Zannies Coppice - Witchampton Wonston Brook LYDDEN (Upper) catchment plan, Wessex Water

ALLEN (Lower) Uddens Water (upper) STOUR (Spetisbury bifurcation) new terrestrial invertebrates have to purchase. WRAXALL BrookFROME Dorset (Headwaters) Uddens Water (Lower) 2 DEVILS BROOK MOORS CERNE BRIT (Upper) SYDLING WATER NORTH WINTERBOURNE Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Impacts, FROME Dorset (Upper) PIDDLE (Upper) been recorded for the first time in

CHAR HOOKE BERE STREAM Stour Trib (Netherwood Mead - Wimborne)

WOOTTON FITZPAINE Mangerton Brook 3 STOUR (Lower) 2012-13, LWEC SIMENE Dorset . Other species may be lost In Dorset, since the Code for Sherford River Winniford ASKER CHAR (Lower) Trib of Poole Harbour (Hatch Pond Stream) St Gabriel's Stream Frome Dorset Trib (Compton Valence Stream) Trib of Poole Harbour (Upton Heath Stream) BRIT (d/s Conf with Simene) FROME Dorset bifurcation (North Stream) Bourne Stream 3 Eype Stream West Dorset Rivers Frome & Piddle and Poole and Purbeck Branksome Chine Stream as the climate becomes less suitable; Sustainable Homes was introduced Source: Dorset Environmental Records Centre BRIT (Lower) PIDDLE (Lower) Wareham Forest Stream Trib of Poole Harbour (Luscombe Valley Stre SOUTH WINTERBOURNE Frome Dorset (Lower) & Furzebrook Stream BRIDE however we can help prevent this by in 2008, 1,663 certificates have 4 Tadnoll Brook (including Empool Bottom) https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/code- Upper Portesham Stream Cowards Lake Horsepool Trib of Poole Harbour (Brenscombe Stream - Rodden Stream Frome Dorset Trib (River Win) Jordan Frome Trib (Luckford Lake) Trib of Poole Harbour (Greenland Stream) WEY Osmington Stream re-connecting habitats and adapting been issued at the Design Stage and Trib of Poole Harbour (Burnbake Stream) for-sustainable-homes-june-2014 CORFE RIVER West Fleet Stream LODMOOR STREAM Tyneham Stream site management. Most new species 1,437 at post-construction4. What Kimmeridge Stream Swan (Swanage) 5 Encombe StreamChapmans Pool Stream Seacombe Bottom Stream Source: http://www.dft.gov.uk/traffic-counts/area. Winspit Bottom Stream will present no problems and will is not clear is what level of Code php?region=&la enrich our flora and fauna. However standard, and therefore what level of © Crown copyright and database rights 2013. 6 Ordnance Survey 100024198. © Environment Agency copyright and/or http://www.seafish.org/industry-support/fishing/ ¯ database rights 2013. All rights reserved. 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 some could become invasive and/ sustainability, is being achieved. Kilometres project-inshore Source: Environment Agency (NYA = Not Yet Assessed) 16 © Amanda Broom Natural Value The State of Dorset’s Environment, 2014 17 NATURAL ATTITUDES TO THE ENVIRONMENT UNDERSTANDING

We know Dorset residents Dorset’s living textbook and visitors already value their Dorset County Council and environment, but improved public Bournemouth Borough Councils have understanding of the environment both supported the voluntary Eco- as a system, and the benefits it Schools programme and Borough of offers, will be an important step in Poole run a Schools’ Environment encouraging good stewardship now Award. These initiatives encourage Source: Dorset Citizen’s Panel 27, 2012 and in the future. school children to learn about, care for and enjoy the environment, as well Attitudes to the environment The LNP will seek to define and as celebrate sustainable, healthy living. Dorset Citizen’s Panel offers several ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERING promote the idea of ‘natural value’, thousand randomly recruited identifying the financial benefits and Participation in environmental residents a chance to give views on a Approx. annual hours contributed by Organisation costs associated with environmental initiatives and, especially, learning range of policy areas. volunteers on environmental projects goods and services, as well as outside the classroom makes a providing honest and reliable positive contribution to educational In 20121, questions on the natural Borough of Poole 2,300 assessments on the state of Dorset’s attainment. A variety of public environment were asked, to gauge Bournemouth 4,600 natural assets. The LNP will support bodies and organisations also run attitudes and levels of outdoor Borough Council a step change in our understanding programmes which enable people activity. The results show that Dorset Dorset Countryside of the environment, the quality of of all ages to learn about the natural residents on the whole both value 23,000 Service the environmental evidence base to environment. the environment in its own right, and inform planning and other decision- recognise its importance for their Dorset Wildlife Trust 18,072 making processes, and the application health and wellbeing. National Trust 63,000 of this evidence to the process of setting priorities and allocating The proactive education work of the Natural England 450 resources. Urban Heaths Partnership, including RSPB 9,063 Dorset Fire and Rescue Service Publication of the first Dorset LNP and Dorset Police, illustrates an Source: The above organisations Natural Value report is an important approach which has both reduced Portland © Claire Pinder West is the ‘cleanest’ region nationally first step in collating the picture of environmental damage and saved environment, so increasing public in these terms but still has significant the health and benefits of Dorset’s “Doing the archaeology walks helps costs to the Fire Service. Historically understanding. problems with litter and fly tipping. natural environment and forthcoming me keep fit, meet people with similar Dorset had a high number of risks and opportunities. Some gaps interests and learn about Dorset’s heathland fires, but over the last The table shows just a sample of Fly tipping has increased in Dorset in the evidence base remain, but past – what are you doing next 10 years they have reduced, whilst the huge amount of voluntary effort since 20052 which is obviously a the exercise has at least highlighted year?” participant in a Dorset increasing in other counties. committed to look after Dorset’s matter of concern as failure to where these are. Archaeology Day environment. Costed at £7/hour control such incidents tend to lead to There remains a need to engage fully this is worth £843,395 to Dorset’s escalation of them. They also impose with all sectors of the community environment. To these figures the costs on the public purse in terms and with all people in ways relevant effort from many other organisations PARTICIPATION IN ECO SCHOOLS PROGRAMME of clean-up costs, over £100,000 in to their lives. For example, ensuring and communities needs to be added. 2012-13.3 Council No. of Regis- Bronze Silver ‘Green environmental value is explained where appropriate in economic There is still a major scope to schools tered Award Award Flag’ The Litter Free Coast and Sea and social information. Engagement broaden this level of involvement for Eco Award initiative seeks to tackle the issue at through cultural events and festivals to include more people of all Schools (highest source and reduce marine and beach can also help promote natural backgrounds, ages and abilities. level) litter through behavioural change. understanding. Dorset County 228 205 (90%) 122 (54%) 71 (31%) 18 (8%) Litter and environmental Environmental volunteering quality Bournemouth Litter and flytipping are among the 1 https://www.dorsetforyou.com/400020 40 36 (90%) 20 (50%) 6 (15%) 1 (0.25%) The LNP seeks to improve Borough opportunities for individuals and most visible indicators of whether 2 http:/www.defra.gov.uk/statistics/environment/ communities to get involved in there is society-wide pride in local waste Source: Bournemouth Borough Council and Dorset County Council environmental quality. The South NB in Borough of Poole 16 of 36 schools (44%) have achieved their Schools Environment Award caring for, and improving, their local 3 Source: Dorset Waste Partnership

18 © Rachel Janes Natural Value The State of Dorset’s Environment, 2014 19 NATURAL INFLUENCE

A founding principle of all LNPs is and space for wildlife to get food and that they will embed the value of shelter in a changing environment. the natural environment in decision- Adoption and application of a planning making. We need to make sure charter between LNPs and local that decisions made locally and planning authorities would provide beyond take better account of the one mechanism to help achieve this Wildflower grassland created on Weymouth Relief Road © Phil Sterling costs, consequences, benefits and objective – this has been drafted and opportunities associated with natural already adopted by two of the local Biodiversity appraisal in large compared to the size of its Our ecological footprint will not assets and environmental change. planning authorities. Dorset population. Dorset’s population reduce overnight, but the long term Mitigating the impacts on wildlife is growing, and whilst this in itself aim should be to bring it in line Dorset has a national and In south east Dorset the issue of small scale development is now is not necessarily undesirable, the with the goal of ‘one planet living’ - international reputation for leadership of development affecting wildlife being addressed through the Dorset more people living in the county, the living off the ‘interest’ which natural in areas such as coastal management has been highly focussed. Biodiversity Protocol. The Dorset more resources we utilise. Reducing systems provide, and not eating into and biodiversity mitigation, and Increasing human pressure on our Bat Protocol has been operating in consumption and increasing efficiency the ‘capital’. we will leverage this to ensure internationally important heathlands six Dorset Local Planning Authorities continues to be a key international, 1 Dorset’s interests are reflected in has caused declines in their special since 2009, with the Dorset national and local challenge – but we Dorset Heathlands Planning Framework 2012- all have a part to play in it. 2014, available at https://www.dorsetforyou. national policy and that resources wildlife. Planning authorities, with the Biodiversity Protocol in place since com/387392 are attracted to Dorset to increase help of the Urban Heaths Partnership, April 2011. It is simple to operate and our capacity to deliver. In doing have been working to resolve the has been seen as an exemplar of a so, the LNP will promote creative issues and for the past 7 years have system which caters for wildlife needs DORSET’S ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT approaches to overcoming traditional implemented a tariff on all new whilst enabling the planning process conflicts between economic and housing development near heathland.1 to proceed without undue delay. It has environmental objectives. been studied by a number of other Each year, around £950,000 has been counties and by Defra for possible Planning and development collected and spent on providing wider adoption. Since its introduction, The LNP wants to see more accurate alternative (non-heathland) green over 750 enhancements for bats have and transparent accounting for space and additional wardening and been secured, and nearly 950 other environmental costs and benefits education on heaths. Monitoring biodiversity benefits through the and widespread adoption of the has shown that, with the right site planning system. concept of ‘natural value’ in the design and promotion, it is possible If everyone on Earth were to consume as many natural resourses as the population of Dorset, we would planning process. A holistic approach to increase use of the alternative Ecological footprint need three planets to sustain the current lifestyle. to planning and development should sites, and on heathlands encourage We hope to see greater awareness of Source: Dorset County Council take account of the need to maintain appropriate use and reduce the the impacts of the decisions we take and create quality natural and historic damaging activities. as consumers on the environment, environments near where people live, and more sustainable choices being made as a result. Ecological BAT CHECKS THROUGH THE DORSET BIODIVERSITY footprint is a composite measure of PROTOCOL consumption, which compares the natural resources we use with our Year Total number of positive Total number of roosts ‘share’ of what is available based bat checks (i.e roosts found) of different bat species on global population. While a fairly located (ie several species may blunt calculation, it gives a powerful be in same building) metaphor for unsustainable lifestyles 2013 56 87 in the developed world, and if the 2012 120 149 calculations are only half-right, still presents an alarming picture! 2011 102 143 2010 109 123 Dorset, like the rest of the country 2009 75 95 and much of the developed world, is not alone in having a global ecological 462 597 TOTAL footprint which is disproportionately Touch Garden © Nicky Hoar Source: Data compiled by the Natural England & Natural Environment Team (DCC) to the end of Dec 13 20 Natterer’s Bats © Nick Tomlinson Natural Value The State of Dorset’s Environment, 2014 21 DORSET LNP’S VISION

The Dorset LNP is working towards • Dorset’s environment contributes • Maintenance of a healthy FURTHER INFORMATION NATIONAL INFORMATION a future in which: to and benefits from development of environment is recognised as a critical This report has been put together by Office for National Statistics a low-carbon, resource efficient and success factor in the wellbeing of Dorset LNP and its partner organisations. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/index.html • Dorset’s natural environment is socially inclusive economy in which current and future generations. We have tried hard to ensure that the richer in quality and diversity, and greener business practices are widely information in this report is as up to date National Environmental information more resilient to change in urban adopted. • Development and growth in and relevant as possible. Nevertheless in and reports can be found on the websites and rural areas and in the marine Dorset is planned so that the natural some areas we have found gaps, which we of government agencies: environment. • Dorset’s wildlife sites are bigger, resource on which the development hope will be addressed in future editions. English Heritage http://www.english- better and more joined up, giving is based is enhanced and not eroded, One of our aims is to raise awareness of heritage.org.uk/professional/ • Dorset’s natural systems are them greater resilience in the face of thus restricting future development. the need for comprehensive environmental Environment Agency providing a wider and more valuable future change and challenges. information and we anticipate that readers http://apps.environment-agency.gov.uk/ range of services, more reliably, to • The natural environment is not may have suggestions and updates for us. wiyby/default.aspx people and wildlife. • Dorset’s world class terrestrial, thought of as a constraint to be Such input is very welcome and can be Forestry Commission coastal and marine environment is overcome, rather it is the basis upon emailed to dorsetlnp@dorsetwildlifetrust. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/statistics • Dorset’s communities have recognised as what makes Dorset a which growth and development org.uk. Marine Management Organisation increased understanding of, better great place to live, work and visit. can be sustained and therefore https://www.gov.uk/government/ access to and are more engaged consistently requires both protection This report is available digitally, alongside organisations/marine-management- in and supportive of the care and • It is recognised that a healthy and enhancement to deliver such more detailed technical reports, on organisation management of Dorset’s environment, natural environment and a strong benefits. the Dorset LNP web pages at www. Natural England for its own sake, and for the benefits and sustainable local economy are dorsetwildlifetrust/naturalvaluereport. For http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/ it offers them. mutually dependent. further information on the Dorset LNP evidence/default.aspx please go to www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org. • Dorset’s outstanding natural value • Dorset’s impacts on the global uk/dlnp. The national State of Nature report is recognised, protected, enhanced, environment are reduced. was produced by 25 UK conservation celebrated and invested in. There are many further sources of and research organisations in 2013 http:// information, some are referenced in the www.rspb.org.uk/forprofessionals/science/ report, others are available on websites of research/details.aspx?id=363867 partner organisations. The following are just a start: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Dorset LNP is grateful to all who provided LOCAL STATISTICS AND information for this report and assisted in its production. The main contributing Environmental Overview CENSUS INFORMATION: Bournemouth http://www.bournemouth. organisations are shown on the back, but gov.uk/PeopleLiving/BournemouthStatistics/ there are many others who have helped. We BournemouthStatistics.aspx cannot list all, but would particularly like to Key: Area of Outstanding Natual Beauty Dorset https://www.dorsetforyou.com/ thank the following individuals: (AONB) International Sites statistics (Ramsar, SAC & SPA) Poole http://www.boroughofpoole.com/ Charlotte Dreher (University of East Anglia) Candidate Marine SACs your-council/how-the-council-works/ Sara Earley (Dorset County Council) Marine Conservation Zones (MCZ) research/ Jacob Thomas (Bournemouth University)

Nature Improvement Area - Local Environmental data Robin Walls Wild Purbeck Dorset Environmental Records Centre World Heritage Site (WHS) - Jurassic Coast http://www.derc.org.uk/general/welcome. This report was designed by Errin Skingsley Nature Map - Strategic Nature Areas htm at Dorset Wildlife Trust and printed by

Rivers Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership Anglebury Press on Revive 50 Gloss, a 50% Data Dashboard https://www. recycled carbon balanced paper that fully conforms to the criteria set by government Local Authority boundary dorsetforyou.com/datadashboard Dorset Health and Wellbeing Board for recycled papers. Printed using vegetable https://www.dorsetforyou.com/ oil-based inks and low chemistry plates. Liability: owing to the dynamic nature of information relating to wildlife and the environment DERC disclaims, to the extent permitted by law, any responsibility for the accuracy or comprehensiveness of the data provided, and accepts no liability for any indirect, consequential, or healthandwellbeingboard incidental damages or losses arising from use of the data.

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission Bournemouth & Poole Health of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. « Crown Copyright 2013. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil and Wellbeing Board http://www. proceedings. « Dorset County Council. LA 100019790. 2013. boroughofpoole.com/your-council/how-the- council-works/health-and-wellbeing-board/ © Mark Heighes

22 Natural Value The State of Dorset’s Environment, 2014 23 The following organisations were the main contributors (financially and/or in-kind) to the production of this report:

DORSET WILDLIFE TRUST

Front Cover Photos © Nigel Brooks, John Dadds, Joy Wallis, Mark Heighes & Peter Tinsley Back Cover Photos © Maurits Fontein, Tony Bates, Imogen Davenport, Stewart Canham & Rachel Janes