Dorset, Eco & Environment | Posted on July 25th, 2025 | return to news
Have your say on Dorset’s landscape
Local events are being staged across the county in July, August and September to enable people to put forward their views.
Local people have until 22 September to have their say on the future of the Dorset National Landscape.
Dorset National Landscape (formerly known as the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is one of 46 protected landscapes across the UK. To help keep it ‘outstanding’ for current and future generations, a management plan is created to celebrate what makes Dorset special, identify the challenges it faces, and guide future action.
Dorset National Landscape covers over 40 per cent of Dorset, stretching from Lyme Regis in the west, along the coast to Poole Harbour in the east, and north to Hambledon Hill near Blandford Forum.
Since the last plan was published six years ago, the Dorset National Landscape Partnership has invested over £10m in projects that support nature, access, heritage, and culture across the county.
The new plan sets out a refreshed vision and priorities across key themes: the Working Landscape; Exploring, Understanding and Engaging; and Planning. With a strong focus on tackling the climate and nature crises, the plan places greater emphasis on nature recovery and aims to ensure more people from all backgrounds can enjoy and connect with the landscape.
Tom Munro, Dorset National Landscape team leader, said: “We’ve had a lot of help from our partners in putting the plan together. But what we are missing is the views of local people who know and love their landscapes so well.
“What we want to know from local people is have we prioritised what matters most? Is there anything that we have missed and have we addressed concerns for the future of your local landscape?”
People can take part in the survey online, pick up a paper copy at the local library, or request one directly from the Dorset National Landscape team.
The team will also be out and about at local events this summer, where you can chat with them in person:
- Bridport (Bucky Doo Square): 30 July, 9am to 2.30pm
- Blandford market: 7 August, 9am to 3pm
- Dorchester (One World Festival, Borough Gardens): 9 August, 11am to 4pm
- Yeovil: 13 September (TBC)
- Swanage: 20 September (TBC)
- Corfe Castle (Inside Out Festival): 20 and 21 September, 11am to 4pm
Cllr Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council, said: “Listening to our communities is at the heart of how we care for Dorset’s landscapes. This is your chance to help shape the future of the places you love – whether it’s the countryside you walk through, the wildlife you cherish, or the views that make Dorset feel like home. The Dorset National Landscape team plays a crucial role in this work – their deep understanding of the area and commitment to protecting it ensures that local voices are reflected in how we manage and celebrate our natural environment.”
Full details about the survey and events can be found on the Dorset National Landscape website.
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