The number of communities and societies expressing their interest in the Dorset National Park proposal continues to grow. We all look forward to Natural England undertaking their next assessment in 2018.
Resolutions and messages recently received by the National Park Team include the following:
Char Valley Group PC (comprising the parishes of Whitchurch Canonicorum, Wootton Fitzpaine and Stanton St Gabriel) At their June Council meeting, Char Valley Parish Council agreed to support the request for Natural England to take the evaluation of Dorset’s eligibility as a National Park to the next stage of assessment, and looks forward to the additional information this will provide.
Ramblers Area Council in Dorset At their July 2017 meeting, The Ramblers Area Council in Dorset confirmed its support for evaluating the proposed Dorset National Park and the opportunities this can offer Dorset, and looked forward to Natural England undertaking its next assessment.
The Purbeck Society The Purbeck Society as a civic society is fully supportive of a National Park for Dorset and East Devon. The Purbeck Society recognises the role that a National Park can play in relation to Conservation Management, Planning and Tourism. The economic benefits of a National Park in terms of supporting the rural economy as well as tourism are important now and for the future of the area. The Society looks forward to NE’s next assessment in 2018.
The John Muir Trust The John Muir Trust understands the high environmental qualities of Dorset and the potential to demonstrate the value of these and to enhance them. In particular, there is great scope to work at a landscape scale to support wildlife and to provide opportunities for people to experience the countryside. For many in communities around special landscapes, their cultural heritage and identity is entwined with the surrounding landscape and wildlife - through land use and management, art and literature. The educational and recreational resources of natural landscapes must continue to be available to present and future generations, young and old alike. The designation of a National Park could bring recognition of this potential. The Trust wishes the Dorset National Park campaign well in their endeavour.
The Camping and Caravanning Club The Camping and Caravanning Club welcomes the continuing evaluation of the Dorset National Park and the opportunity for outdoor activities to support communities and the rural economy through sustainable tourism opportunities. National Park status will conserve and enhance the environment for all to enjoy, promote recreation, health and well-being, and the enjoyment and understanding of the special qualities of the area while fostering the economic and social wellbeing of their communities.
Swanage Photographic Society The Swanage Photographic Society fully supports the evaluation of a Dorset National Park, and looks forward to an early decision by Natural England. The Society is understandably well acquainted with the natural beauty of the area, and believes National Park status will permit conservation and enhancement of the environment; whilst creating a sustainable balance between this objective, and maintaining a thriving rural economy with an infrastructure that promotes health and social well-being, facilitating enjoyment of the special qualities of the area.
Image © Rob Jayne
The Team continues to meet with a wide range of stakeholders and welcomes and values all views. We look forward to further such meetings and discussions, and to keeping all stakeholders informed of developments through the National Park website and social media.
The Team can be contacted at any time here, and we look forward to hearing from communities, councils, societies, businesses and interested individuals.