24 PAGE GUIDED WALKS AND EVENTS BOOKLET INSIDE FREE PLEASE TAKE A COPY Dorset TRYSIDE C & COUN OAST May-August 2007 Coastal Concern Dorset rises to the challenge of climate change Discover Dorset Things to see and do over the holidays Welcome How time flies when you’re having but to see the full events listing, visit ideas of how you can get out and fun…. Dorset Coast & Countryside is www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/events. about in Dorset this summer and what now in its third year of production and This summer issue is simply bursting you might see on your travels, there is although it is still as popular as ever, at the seams with all the latest news sure to be something for everyone in we felt it needed a bit of a lift; we and goings-on from around the county. this magazine and the best bit is that it hope you like the fresh design of the All our articles are written by people is still free! articles and the addition of a pocket- with a true passion for Dorset and all sized events guide, in which you’ll its charms. Kirstie Snow and Catherine find all the usual activities until the Keep up to date with what’s going Annetts, Project Managers end of August. on - find out about our changing coast, The handy events guide contains a new plans to restore our beautiful To receive future editions of Dorset Dorset’s spectacular coast has been shaped by change over snapshot of the hundreds of guided grasslands and how experts are Coast & Countryside by post, telephone walks and events that are being run working to safeguard the future of 01305 225101 or email millions of years, giving us the amazing landforms, fossils in Dorset over the next few months, Dorset’s fragile heathland. Along with [email protected] and wildlife for which it is world famous. Climate change CHANGING COAST DORSET’S HEATHLANDS will affect our coast and its inhabitants, bringing us new 04 COASTAL CHALLENGE 18 A FUTURE FOR DORSET challenges to face. Here, we explore how coastal managers HEATHS 06 TIDES OF CHANGE are planning ahead for change, discover how wildlife is 20 HEATHLAND NEWS 08 EXCITING COASTAL adapting to warmer conditions and highlight some of the ACTIVITIES NOTICEBOARD best coastal events and activities this summer. OUT AND ABOUT 22 BREATHING PLACES 10 OUT & ABOUT THIS 22 JURASSIC COAST WEBSITE SUMMER GOES LIVE 12 RIDING AROUND DORSET 22 THE VIKINGS ARE COMING! 13 TRAILS TO TEMPT YOU 23 LOTTERY SUCCESS FOR DURLSTON 24 PAGE EVENTS AND GUIDED WALKS BOOKLET INSIDE FREE PLEASE TAKE A COPY Dorset TRYSIDE COAST & COUN DORSET’S GRASSLANDS May-August 2007 14 PASTURES NEW Front Cover Image: Coastal Concern Location: White Nothe Dorset rises to the challenge of climate change Discover Dorset Things to see and do 16 GREAT GRASSLANDS over the holidays Photographer: Roger Holman Dorset Coast & Countryside magazine is produced jointly by Dorset Countryside Service, The Dorset AONB Partnership and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage team and is now being produced three times a year. To subscribe to future editions contact 01305 225101 or email [email protected] Dorset Countryside’s Ranger and Access teams support the sustainable use and management of Dorset’s unique environment. Working with a range of partners we manage country parks, sites, footpaths, trails and other facilities to promote greater awareness, understanding and enjoyment of our countryside. 01305 224214, [email protected], www.dorsetforyou.com/countryside Dorset AONB Partnership brings together 20 organisitions to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of this nationally important protected landscape. The Dorset AONB covers over 40% of the county and is one of a family of 41 AONBs in England and Wales. 01305 756782, [email protected], www.dorsetaonb.org.uk The Jurassic Coast is England’s first and only natural World Heritage Site, inscribed by UNESCO in 2001. This 95-mile stretch of coastline in Dorset and East devon includes geology of global importance and beautiful coastal landscapes. It is managed by a partnership of public, private and voluntary sector organisations. DORSET COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE 01305 225101, [email protected], www.jurassiccoast.com 02 | DORSET COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE DORSET COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE | 03 SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLANS NEW COAST PATH CORRIDOR PLAN For example, it will look at where erosion Shoreline Management Plans look at a One of the best ways to enjoy the coast is most likely to affect the Path and plan section of coast and assess the risks is by walking the South West Coast Path ahead to tackle this; how best to link from coastal processes (such as erosion and National Trail. This fantastic route provides the Path to coastal towns and facilities; and flooding) over the next 100 years. access along the Jurassic Coast, with circular routes linked to the Path that give breathtaking views. Its popularity also walkers a taste of the wider landscape. They then set out the preferred policies to raises an estimated £17 million annually to reduce risks to people and the built, historic the local economy. Information about the Plan and the full and natural environment. version of this article can be found on the A new Coast Path Corridor Plan is being Dorset AONB website and there will be an anaging Dorset’s changing coastline for Shoreline Management Plans are being developed for the area from Studland into opportunity for you to have your say – visit M developed for all the Nation’s coast and East Devon. The Plan will be a way of www.dorsetaonb.org.uk. both people and nature presents some huge work has recently started on a new Plan stepping back and looking at the whole challenges. Important work is underway to help for much of the Dorset coast. You can landscape through which the Coast Path plan for the future – find out what’s being done keep updated on progress by visiting runs and how it can be both protected and www.sdadcag.org/SMP.html. enhanced in the future. and how you can have your say… There is no doubt that the coast is one of abundance of wildlife, including some rare Dorset’s best features, attracting millions and threatened species. The Dorset coast is of visitors each year. Its spectacular dynamic, constantly changing due to its soft scenery is recognised through a host of geology and the effects of the waves, tides designations, including the Dorset and rainfall. With climate change bringing Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty us higher sea levels, increasing storms and and two Heritage Coasts. In 2001 the increased winter rainfall, the coast is likely coast was designated a World Heritage to change at a more rapid rate. Site – the Jurassic Coast – for its unique geology. For those responsible for managing the coast, balancing the needs of people and We all like to spend time on the coast, wildlife in such a dynamic environment whether just for a visit or to come and live presents some huge challenges. Here are by the sea. But not only is Dorset’s coast some of the plans currently being developed important to people, it is also home to an that will influence our future coast. Main Image: Jenny Penney Insets: Mark Simons Main Image: Jenny Penney 04 | DORSET COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE DORSET COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE | 05 Climate change will affect us all, but how might it affect the marine life in our coastal waters? Lin Baldock Lin Baldock Margaret Gray Tides of Change Margaret Gray What effects could climate change Snakelocks anemone Black faced blenny Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) Kelp (Laminaria sp.) - could We are becoming familiar with the concept (Anemonia viridis) - will a (Tripterygion delaisi) - - a native to our waters, but will extreme high temperatures see of climate change and the impacts it will have on marine wildlife? warmer climate benefit increased sightings - a result warmer and stormier weather the disappearance of this the increasingly have on our lives. There is no doubt this species? of warmer waters? affect its abundance? major native algae? that we will all have to change our behaviour, to • We are already starting to see the arrival of exotic reduce our carbon footprint but also to adapt to fish species normally associated with the warmer the changes that are already happening. waters of the Mediterranean and even the tropics. We are not the only ones adapting to new • Warmer waters might improve breeding success in conditions - wildlife is also responding to the changing climate. While we might notice the some species, making them much more abundant bluebells flowering earlier than they used to, than before. most of us are less aware of what’s happening out at sea. • Less severe winter temperatures could be a bonus for some species living in shallow bays, lagoons and Average sea temperatures in the English Channel rock pools. For example, blennies and gobies may increased by around 1˚C over the last ten years. remain in rock pools longer while Snakelocks The UK Climate Impact Programme predicts a sea anemones may survive the winter and temperature rise of a further 2˚C by 2050. That spread to new locations. may not sound like much, but it already seems to be affecting some marine wildlife. • Increased storminess may make our coast less hospitable to some species like the familiar bladder wrack, with more wave tolerant species benefiting. • The loss of some species will have major knock on effects on others. Kelp beds, for example, could suffer from extreme summer temperatures, affecting the many other species that depend on them for food and shelter.