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DCF Conference 2025
That’s a Wrap!
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A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Dorset Coast Forum Annual Conference on 19th November. This year was extra special as we celebrated 30 years of Dorset Coast Forum – a fantastic milestone for our coastal community!
The event was a great success, with 100 members coming together to enjoy 12 inspiring presentations, grouped into three thought-provoking sessions:
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Rising to the Challenge: Navigating Climate and Ecological Crises
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The Changing Tides: Fishing and Marine Nature Recovery
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Shorelines and Stories: Building Coastal Community Connections
We’re incredibly grateful to our speakers for their engaging contributions, the information stand exhibitors, our hosts at RNLI College in Poole, and our generous sponsors: Suttle Projects, who sponsored the conference and DCF’s 30-year celebration and Moffatt & Nichol who sponsored their information stand.
For more details of the conference, including presentation slides, see our page on link below.
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25th Anniversary of the Jurassic Coast
World Heritage Site
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2026 marks 25 years since the Jurassic Coast was inscribed as a World Heritage Site for its exceptional and globally valuable geology, palaeontology and coastal geomorphology.
In celebration of this milestone, many stakeholders along the World Heritage Site are running special events and exhibitions. We will be helping to promote these events and have created a 25 year logo to help mark celebrations that are associated with the anniversary. Please keep your eyes peeled for events lists in your area.
Here are some tasters of what we already know stakeholders have planned:
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On Sunday 15th February Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre are running a Beach Clean Championships in partnership with Clean Jurassic Coast. Help keep our World Heritage Site clean and safe for all marine life! You do not have to be a seasoned beach cleaner and everyone is welcome to join in. There are even prizes to be won! Find out more here Charmouth Beach Cleaning Championships
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The West Bay Discovery Centre is planning a seasonal exhibition on Changing Landscapes. Running from March to October 2026, the exhibition will explore the role of geology in shaping the world around us and will be accompanied by walks and talks. More details to come but you can keep up to date with the Discovery Centre at their website West Bay Discovery Centre
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Later in the year, Bridport Museum is planning to launch an exhibition of what could be a brand new species of ichthyosaur, recovered from the coast near Freshwater and currently being expertly prepared before a journey to Bristol University for study.
Do you have any events you would like to use to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the WHS? Contact us to let us know!
For advice about the World Heritage Site you can contact Sam at sam.scriven@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and 01305 224739
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Outdoor Classroom Day - 21 May 2026
Schools across Poole and Purbeck are invited to celebrate Outdoor Classroom Day on 21 May 2026 with DCF and partner organisations including South West Flood & Coastal, Andrew Simpson Centres and Litter Free Dorset. Co‑hosted this year by the National Trust, the event will take place at Shell Bay, Studland. Following a successful 2025 event engaging 7 schools and over 160 pupils, this free day of outdoor STEM activities (suitable for Years 5–9) promises even more fun and learning.
Find out more and register your school’s interest via Save the Date! Outdoor Classroom Day 2026 is 21 May!
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Data from the 2025 boating season shows strong positive outcomes for the SBMP Eco‑Mooring Project, which protects Dorset’s largest seagrass meadow. All 87 eco‑moorings were well used, alongside continued scientific research led by the University of Southampton. SBMP volunteers analysed over 45,900 time‑lapse images monitoring compliance with the Voluntary No Anchor Zone (VNAZ). Results show excellent behaviour by boaters:
Encouraging signs of seagrass recovery were recorded in former anchor scars, alongside the highest number of seahorse sightings to date during monitoring dives.
While compliance remains high, paid mooring use reached 45%, an improvement on 2024 but still below the level needed to sustain the project long‑term. Continued support is vital to ensure eco‑moorings remain available in future seasons.
To find out how to support the project, pay to moor for the 2026 season, or attend engagement talks and events, visit the SBMP project page.
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Swanage Neighbourhood Plan
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The Swanage Neighbourhood Plan survey is now closed, and the engagement report will be available on our project page shortly. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey or joined us at one of our engagement events. Results have been shared with those developing the draft neighbourhood plan. Once prepared, the Draft Plan will be shared for a formal public consultation.
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Swanage Green Seafront Stabilisation & Shore Road Enhancement Scheme
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The Green Seafront Report is now live and can be found here. Swanage Town Council are working on further feasibility studies and monitoring of the site, as part of next steps for the project. A report on the engagement for Shore Road will be available soon and will give insight into the responses to the four proposed options.
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Preston Beach Recycling Scheme
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Last November a recycling scheme was delivered by the Environment Agency on Preston Beach in Weymouth. Over 11,000 cubic metres of beach material was moved from the Furzy Cliff section of beach, back towards the Greenhill rock groyne. A similar sized recycling scheme should not need to be repeated for 5-10 years, depending on weather conditions and the rate of material loss through longshore drift. An engagement summary for the scheme is available on the project page.
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Lyme Regis Cobb Stabilisation Scheme
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Engagement Event at the Jubilee Pavilion, November 2025 (photo credit Lyme Regis Town Council)
A well-attended engagement event was held in late November to raise awareness and provide updates on the ongoing Cobb stabilisation scheme. The event explained why the Cobb required stabilisation, the proposed technical option to achieve this and the complexities and key players involved in taking the scheme forward. All of information presented is available on the project page and an event engagement summary will be released at the end of the month.
Temporary repairs to a significant void in the outer wall of the Cobb were carried out in early November. However, adverse weather during the required spring low tides prevented full repairs from being completed. These works are now scheduled to take place during the next suitable spring tide window in the coming months.
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Future Coast Dorset
Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP)
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Engaging Young People in Dorset’s Coastal Future
The Future Coast Dorset team recently invited GCSE and A Level students to apply for a new Coastal Adaptation Pathways Student Panel, launching in February 2026. The panel will build students’ understanding of coastal adaptation while ensuring Future Coast programmes at Charmouth and Swanage reflect the voices of future generations.
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Future Coast North Swanage
Not only has Winter 2025/26 been storm busy but the Future Coast North Swanage team have been busy offering plenty of opportunities for the community to get involved.
This includes a new citizen science initiative Future Coast Click, a series of on-site Coastal Walks & Talks based on the cliff characteristics and patterns of erosion or instability which will continue into February, and our upcoming Adaptation Plan Community Conversation drop-in. Check out our Events for full details.
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Future Coast Charmouth
Work is also underway on an Adaptation Plan for Charmouth to help communities adapt to long-term coastal change. An assessment has been completed
of erosion trends and future scenarios, identifying risks to key assets and infrastructure. This evidence will inform the Adaptation Plan, alongside community input, to ensure practical and sustainable options are developed. The goal is for the Adaptation Plan to be embedded within Dorset Council’s Local Plan and other strategic frameworks.
A community workshop is being held on 5th February, which will focus on potential triggers for coastal change and the actions needed to respond. The workshop will also provide updates on project progression, including new beach access design, drainage improvements and asset rollback.
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BCP Cliff Management Guide
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The BCP Cliff Management Guide initial engagement phase closed in July and the report can be found here. DCF have spent early January meeting with clifftop residents through a combination of door knocking and letter posting. The aim of our approach is to gather answers to three key areas:
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Property responsibilities – What questions arise when buying, selling or renting?
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Spotting erosion – Would you know what to look for and how to report it?
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Building works & gardens – Have you had to consider the cliffs when planning works?
Responses are welcomed from cliff top residents until Friday 30th January by emailing Elaine Snow at elaine.snow@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk More information can be found on the project page.
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Portland Underhill to Wyke Regis Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Strategy
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DCF led two drop-in events at the Masonic Hall and Beehive Cafe in early December as well as an online presentation. You can watch the online presentation here
This engagement round asked for views on the short list of proposed measures for managing long term coastal flood and erosion risk across the strategy area. The response from the events and accompanying survey are currently being analysed and an engagement report will be available at the end of the month.
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Weymouth Harbour and Esplanade Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Scheme
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DEFRA have released new funding reforms to be implemented from April 2026. The Weymouth FCERM Scheme will be subject to new funding rules meaning the delivery of the Outline Business Case (OBC) will be delayed as it will be required to comply with the new guidance.
Technical works on the OBC continue to progress, including surface water investigation in collaboration with relevant Risk Management Authorities.
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Christchurch Bay and Harbour Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy
BCP Council and New Forest District Council have formally adopted a new joint strategy which outlines how coastal flood and erosion risk will be managed over the next 100 years, from Hengistbury Head Long Groyne to Hurst Spit, encompassing Christchurch Harbour. The Strategy highlights that ageing existing coastal defences and the changing climate (including rising sea levels) put over 3,500 properties at risk from coastal flooding and or being lost to coastal erosion.
See summary document and website.
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Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster
A green growth revolution is underway which positions Dorset as a new UK destination for international investment in clean energy. Bringing together private sector organisations, the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster (DCESC) is on a mission to unlock investment and align processes to ensure the UK Industrial Strategy can be delivered in Dorset and the English Channel. Read Energising Dorset’s Economy
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South West Flood & Coastal launch website
South West Flood & Coastal has launched a website reflecting the shared service between BCP Council and East Devon District Council. The site provides information on coastal projects of all scales and is designed for residents, students, and coastal management teams alike. Take a moment to explore the content >> South West Flood and Coastal
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Long Groyne project wins Civil Engineering Award
The Hengistbury Head Long Groyne project team were delighted to be announced winners of the Resilience Award at the ICE South West Civil Engineering Awards 2025 ceremony. The award acknowledges “one of the UK’s most environmentally ambitious coast protection schemes, combining innovative engineering with large-scale marine biodiversity enhancements”.
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Crown Estate supports feasibility study for offshore wind port at Portland
The Crown Estate has announced in December that it will support clean energy company, Morwind, to produce a feasibility study to further their proposals for Channel Gateway, a deep-water offshore wind port at Portland. The proposed wind port facility would bring thousands of jobs to Portland, Weymouth, Dorset and the South West, creating up to £2.7 billion of economic benefit.
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The Winter Walking Challenge is back for 2026!
Join the Birds of BARI team on their winter walking challenge to:
· To get outside every day in January - it could be for a brisk 15 minute walk at lunchtime or a full hike
· To walk a little further every week - upping your steps and adding some hills
· To join them for group walks throughout January - explore new places and meet like-minded people. Check their Facebook group for more details:
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Entries open for 2025 South West Coast Path
Photographer of the Year
Now in its 14th year, the competition celebrates the extraordinary beauty, diversity and stories found along the 630-mile Trail, from its dramatic headlands and golden beaches to its wildlife, heritage and the people who call the Coast Path home.
Entries close at midnight on 31 January 2026
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Litter Free Dorset campaigns for Weymouth Water Quality
In 2025, Litter Free Dorset worked to keep Weymouth’s waters clean through its Water Quality project. With murals, events, and campaigns including Love Weymouth Harbour, Only Rain Down the Drain, Don’t Feed the Locals, and What Not To Flush, the team reached 11,000 households, 80+ hospitality businesses, and 20 boating groups with practical water‑care guidance. More water quality campaigns are on the way this year - watch this space!
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Poole Harbour Paddle Power Map
Over 1500 copies of the Paddle Power Map were handed out to paddlers using Poole Harbour last year – the digital version is also hosted on the DCF website. Alongside this the BARI (Bird and Recreation Initiative) team has delivered wildlife friendly water sports sessions to over 140 instructors at 6 of the largest water sports operators working in the area.
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Bathing Water Classifications 2025
The Environment Agency has published the 2025 bathing water classifications for 449 designated bathing sites in England. 87% meet standards for ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ classification, an improvement on 2024. Includes ‘Excellent’ classifications for Bournemouth, Poole, Swanage and Weymouth beaches.
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Coasts in Mind offering training opportunities for young people
In February 2026, the team will host a fully funded workshop with Dorset History Centre, giving 16–25‑year‑olds the chance to explore archive material relating to Poole. Youth groups from across the harbour area are welcome. The session will appeal to those interested in geography, history, heritage, museums, or the environment, and is ideal for young people looking to gain new skills, boost their CV, or connect with others. To find out more or book places, contact Hazel hcrabb@MOLA.org.uk or Oliver ohutchinson@MOLA.org.uk.
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MMO Update: New and improved marine licensing service
Marine licensing users can now use an improved Marine Management Organisation’s marine licensing service. This requires either a Government Gateway ID or a Gov UK one login ID. If you have already used the new service you can sign up to give the MMO feedback by filling in this short form.
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Bivalve Washout at Studland Bay
A major washout of bivalves occurred on Knoll Beach, Studland, on Boxing Day, noticed by beachgoers and reported by Dorset Wildlife Trust. Species included otter shells, rayed trough shells, red-nosed cockles, slipper limpets and whelks and large numbers of razor shells, along with sand mason worm tubes. Middle Beach also saw deep piles of dead seagrass and uprooted plants. Similar events in March 2018 and November 2024 suggest a possible emerging pattern. While the seagrass and seahorses get all the attention, sandy seabed is also a protected habitat in Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone. The sand might look uninhabited but this washout shows that it is full of life – it’s just all buried beneath the surface!
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Bivalve washout Knoll Beach, Studland, 26 Dec 2025 (credit: Peter Tinsley, Dorset Wildlife Trust)
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The Wildlife Trusts’ 2025 marine review
A year of disasters, discoveries and determination around UK shores. The Wildlife Trusts’ annual Marine Review highlights the work of over 100 Living Seas marine ecologists around our shores, supported by thousands of volunteers.
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Study Records Zooplankton Transporting Microplastics
to the Deep Sea
A new study has, for the first time, recorded and measured how fast microplastics move through the gut of a key zooplankton species in and used those measurements to estimate how much plastic these tiny animals might be transporting—and sinking down—through the ocean each day.
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Naturesave Trust Grant open: Theme Marine conservation
Naturesave Trust is inviting grant applications from charities, community groups and organisations working to protect and restore marine environments, including projects focused on marine conservation. Closing date: 26 February
Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2026
The Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2026 is now open for applications. The fund is open to applicants who want to install a water bottle refill station in a busy or environmentally important coastal location. Since the fund began we have enabled nearly 50 fountains to be installed around the coasts of the British Isles and we can’t wait to see more popping up later this year. Closing date: 28 February
Water Efficiency Fund
Ofwat has funding available for designed to drive sustained and measurable reductions in water demand through collaborative and innovative approaches. Closing date: 10 March
UK Community Tree Planting Grant
International Tree Foundation are offering funding, free trees, and expert advice for community-led planting projects such as orchards, hedgerows, and woodlands on publicly accessible land. Includes maintenance support for two years.
Closing date: 31 March
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Coastal Futures 2026, London & Online, 28-29 January 2026
This conference is an opportunity to challenge conventions, spark new ideas, and shape the future of our oceans. They'll be exploring key themes like balancing blue growth, coastal resilience, and innovating for a healthy ocean.
2nd Ocean Advocate Summit, 21 February 2026, Bristol
With passionate ocean speakers from all walks of life, workshops to help you consolidate your desire to do more for the ocean, and exhibitors, artists, musicians and storytellers to weave reflection and inspiration into the day, you will leave ready to take action.
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