COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILS:

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Dorset County Council Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee September 2016

“In thanking the local group for bringing the issue to their attention, the Committee acknowledged the principle of establishing a National Park across Dorset and the perceived economic and environmental benefits this would bring and agreed that the matter should remain under consideration”.

It resolved: “That the Committee notes the proposal for the establishment of a Dorset and East Devon National Park and the evidence assembled in relation to this and agrees to keep the matter under review. Reason for Recommendation: The proposal for a National Park could potentially support the County Council’s corporate outcomes in relation to a healthy and prosperous Dorset ...”

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The Dorset Council Cabinet November 2019

… decided to await the Government’s response to the Glover Review of Landscapes.

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Purbeck District Council August 2017

At a full Council meeting on Tuesday 8th August, Purbeck District Councillors voted unanimously to support a recommendation that “Council notes with interest the Dorset National Park proposal and the opportunities this could offer to keep Purbeck special; keeps the proposals under review; and looks forward to Natural England undertaking the next stage of its evaluation in 2018."

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The vote followed a detailed appraisal of the proposals by a policy development panel of Councillors supported by officers who drew on a range of evidence including from a visit to the South Downs National Park – the most appropriate comparator.

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SOCIETIES AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS

 

William Barnes Society

The William Barnes Society considers that, due to our cultural and historical heritage, Dorset deserves to become a National Park. William Barnes, through his dialect poetry, has left us a lasting legacy and invaluable record of Dorset rural life in the 19th century. Dorset has many rural crafts and skills and fine local products which should be highlighted to promote tourism. We are pleased to give our full support to this important venture for a Dorset National Park and look forward to Natural England’s further assessment of the proposal.

 

Beaminster Society

I and other members of the Beaminster Society welcome the opportunities and benefits which a National Park would offer Dorset's rural economy and therefore its communities, along with its very special environment and heritage and I would very much wish to see the proposal taken forward. I fully support the evaluation by Dorset councils, and would encourage Natural England to undertake further assessment of the proposal as soon as possible. Having come from the South East, I know how successful the South Downs National Park has been for the communities in that part of England.  It would be wonderful if we could benefit in a similar way.

 

Birds of Poole Harbour

Poole Harbour is nestled in one of the most bio-diverse corners of the UK and is home to an incredibly rich and varied range of bird species. Recognising this area as a National Park could offer positive long term economic and environmental opportunities where both nature and communities could thrive. 

 

Blandford and District Civic Society  

The Blandford & District Civic Society unanimously agreed to support the inclusion of the whole of the new Dorset Unitary Authority area including the Town of Blandford Forum within the proposed new Dorset National Park.  

The Town of Blandford Forum includes an architecturally and historically important town centre with six Grade 1 listed buildings, and a fine scenic area in the Crown Meadows with an interesting range of wildlife.

The area surrounding Blandford Forum – containing a number of historic hill forts (Hambledon, Hod Hill, Badbury Rings) and exceptional countryside (the Blackmore Vale and Bulbarrow) - should also be included.

 

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.

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The Chideock Society

At a well-attended parish council meeting, interested villagers joined councillors to hear a presentation on the National Park proposal and resolved unanimously to welcome the opportunities a National Park could offer Dorset and to invite Natural England to take its assessment of the proposal to the next stage. Chideock councillors welcomed the evaluations of the proposal which are under way by Dorset councils.

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CPRE the Countryside Charity National Office

Dorset is the outstanding candidate for National Park status, with a well-evidenced case.

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CTC Cycling UK

On behalf of the Council of the CTC, the national cycling charity, I am very happy to express our support for the proposal to Natural England to designate the suggested area of Dorset and East Devon as a new National Park.

Many cyclists, including members of CTC, enjoy cycling in this beautiful area, and we believe there would be many benefits for individuals, communities and the environment if the designation were to be made. We hope that a new National Park Authority would adopt positive policies towards cycling, and we would urge the inclusion of cycle-friendly ambitions in the campaign in favour of designation.

 

Dorchester Civic Society

The Dorchester Civic Society wishes to see Dorchester and its surrounding landscape setting included within the proposed National Park area. Dorchester lies – historically, culturally and geographically – at the heart of the proposed National Park.

Dorchester has a nationally important cultural and literary heritage. The renowned heritage of Thomas Hardy’s literary landscape is centred on Dorchester – his ‘Casterbridge’. Dorchester’s landscape setting is Hardy’s ‘Wessex’ and Egdon Heath. Dorchester is quite rightly the centre of the important ‘literary tourism’ that is associated with Hardy. It is the heart of that literary environment.

Dorchester is the pre-eminent heritage town in Dorset and deservedly should be included within the boundary of the proposed National Park. Dorchester is the centre of local tourism and its necessary transport hub being the route focus for the surrounding area and further afield. The town is a railway, road, bus and cycle route focus and the centre of an excellent network of public footpaths.

Dorchester is an important Roman, Georgian, Market and County town. It is Hardy’s Casterbridge and is at the heart of his Wessex. Its cultural heritage is central to the wider area and it is in an ideal position to promote the understanding and enjoyment of the area’s special qualities. Inclusion within the National Park will create the essential synergy to foster the economic and social well-being of both Dorchester and the wider area. The attributes and attractions of Dorchester and its surroundings – its scenery, history, cultural heritage, architecture, civic and commercial functions, - create a living whole. Dorchester deserves to be both in and at the heart of the National Park.

 

Dorset CPRE 

Dorset CPRE supports the proposal for a Dorset National Park which would work with our councils, communities and other stakeholders for a living, working, thriving and sustainable rural Dorset. We consider Dorset the outstanding candidate to be England’s next National Park. This is shown by the wide-ranging evidence provided to Natural England since 2013 and to the Glover Review by the proposal’s many partners and supporters. We welcome the Glover Review’s conclusion and its call for Natural England and ministers to consider the case. Dorset CPRE would wish the National Park, subject to assessment, to include as much as possible of rural Dorset.

 

Dorset CPRE Purbeck and Poole Group  

We would wish you to accept our full and unequivocal support for your objective of securing National Park status for all the relevant and prized areas of Dorset and East Devon. Our best wishes for every success in your endeavours.

 

Dorset MIND, the Mental Health Charity

At Dorset Mind we believe that being in touch with nature helps promote wellbeing and good mental health. … Giving children and young people more opportunities to engage with the outdoors and develop a healthy relationship with nature can be of significant benefit to their mental health. With our interest in supporting the mental health of children and young people in Dorset, we would welcome the increased resources a Dorset National Park would bring, and the new and exciting partnerships it could foster.

 

Dorset Wildlife Trust

… Dorset, especially south Dorset and the Isle of Purbeck in particular, is probably the most biologically rich area in Britain. This arises from the unique combination of rocks, soils, topography and climate.
From a wildlife point of view, the many national and international nature conservation designations, as well as the AONB, in the area do already provide a high level of protection to some of the most special sites. However, many of these sites suffer from high levels of human recreational pressure, which National Park status could help to manage and to mitigate, through use of the Sandford Principle, which ensures the right balance between conservation and recreation. In addition, there are other sites and habitats of great wildlife importance in the area which are not nationally protected, and we have seen that these are still under threat - again we would welcome exploration of whether National Park status could be of benefit to these sites in the wider countryside.

Dorset residents place a very high value on the natural environment - in a recent survey 94% agreed that "a high quality natural environment is of great importance to me”, and 93% agreed that "I am concerned about protecting the natural environment". It is therefore vital that any proposal for National Park status is supported by Dorset residents as providing a benefit for environmental quality and their quality of life.

The proposal for a National Park in Dorset is, therefore, an interesting and potentially exciting idea which DWT is keen to support in principle.

 

East Dorset Antiquarian Society

On behalf of the East Dorset Antiquarian Society I would like to offer our conditional support for the proposed Dorset National Park.  One of the objectives of the society is to promote the conservation of the archaeological heritage of Dorset and we believe that the archaeology will be better protected under the authority of a National Park. 

We were influenced by the statement contained within the first of the three statutory responsibilities: to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area.  We were pleased to learn that the Dorset National Park will have some responsibility with regards to Planning Applications and believe that the significance of potential and actual archaeology will be better considered than at present.  We were further encouraged to learn of the potential to create a joint planning resource between the Dorset National Park and the new Dorset Council that will cover all of rural Dorset.  Ideally this responsibility could be extended to cover the urban Dorset Council covering the Poole/Bournemouth/Christchurch conurbation.   

 

The Etches Collection

We are happy to support this proposal.

 

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. 

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Keeling Designs

Keeling Designs is very supportive of the proposed National Park in Dorset. We live in such a special area and it is surely only right that we conserve and enhance the land as caretakers for now and the future.

 

Langton Matravers Priest’s Way

As someone who has a keen interest in the protection and enhancement of our environment and wildlife, as well as being a keen walker, I am personally very much in favour of creating a NP of this beautiful area of England… I wish your group the best of luck with their endeavours.

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T. E. Lawrence Society  

The T E Lawrence Society is delighted to give its full support to the proposed Dorset National Park, whose designation is long overdue. We look forward to Natural England’s further evaluation of the proposal and ask them to recognise Dorset’s outstanding cultural heritage – of which T E Lawrence and Thomas Hardy are part -  with the associated, internationally important, recreational opportunities.

We are particularly pleased that the area suggested for the National Park includes what remains of Thomas Hardy’s “Egdon Heath”. It was here that T E Lawrence found peace and solitude in his isolated cottage “Clouds Hill”. The village cemetery of nearby Moreton has Lawrence’s grave, and it was here that his almost “state” funeral was attended by Winston Churchill and others. The suggested National Park area could also include Wareham, where the Saxon church of St Martin holds a fine effigy of Lawrence. Lawrence was a frequent visitor to Wareham, a charming Georgian town set within the best surviving Saxon walls in England, and the town museum presents an interesting T. E. Lawrence exhibition, while the library holds the Society’s research collection. 

 

Lindsay Carrington Ecological Services

I'd be happy to support you in any way … let me know if you need my expertise to help the cause!

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Lyme Regis Philpott Museum

The Trust notes with interest the group’s request to Natural England to look at whether it might consider assessing parts of the area for possible National Park status. … we would be very interested to see how this worthy initiative might develop … I would be very grateful if you could keep our museum informed of future developments.

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The Marine Conservation Society

The Dorset Coast is rich in biodiversity and is just as special for its important heritage and use by local populations. We need to make people aware of its special nature both above and below the waves. The Marine Conservation Society supports the proposal to grant the area National Park status, and we are pleased that the proposal is being considered in anticipation of plans being taken a step forward.

 

My Time, the Charity for Young Carers

The young carers who visit My Time's centre in Purbeck experience and enjoy the physical and mental wellbeing and health benefits of this stunning landscape. We welcome the opportunities which a Dorset National Park could offer to care for and promote enjoyment of this very special area, and to encourage and enable young carers and others to benefit from access to it.

 

National Trust in Wessex

… Given the quality of the landscapes and the current and future potential access opportunities we would be happy to support the principle that Dorset and East Devon be considered for NP status. … there will need to be widespread consultation with a very broad range of stakeholders including the AONBs, landowners, agencies and of course the public. Before coming to any firmer views on the merits of a NP we would wish to see more detail about the proposals and to consider the broader views of stakeholders and communities across Dorset and East Devon.

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The Open Spaces Society

The Open Spaces Society is pleased to hear of progress towards the Dorset National Park, an area of immense natural beauty and rich in common land which provides great public benefit.  We encourage Natural England to continue to assess the area for its National Park qualities.

 

Otter Valley Association

The Executive Committee have discussed the proposal for a National Park incorporating the Jurassic coast and the adjacent AONBs (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and are unanimously in agreement. … We think it will give our area a more thoughtful approach to planning … and also promote sustainable tourism in the area – where nearly half the workforce are employed.

 

Portland Museum

Portland Museum welcomes the opportunities which a National Park would offer to care for Dorset’s outstanding environment and heritage, and to promote greater enjoyment and appreciation of these. A National Park can bring real benefits and opportunities to Portland’s communities and economy and the island’s rich natural and cultural heritage. We look forward to further evaluation of the proposal. 

 

Purbeck Association of the National Trust

The Purbeck Association of the National Trust, which represents some 350 NT members, is fully supportive in principle of the request to Natural England to consider the case for designating this area as a National Park. We hope this provides added weight to your welcome initiative.

 

Purbeck Radar Museum Trust

The PRMT is a heritage organisation and charity with a keen interest in the conservation of the landscape and of the cultural and historic heritage of Purbeck and the wider Jurassic Coast, where the vital development and application of radar was undertaken during the Second World War. The Trust also promotes the understanding and enjoyment of this heritage... The group's request to Natural England is a timely and interesting initiative. The proposed evaluation deserves support.

 

The Purbeck Society

On behalf of the Purbeck Society, I am pleased to write in support of this application.

This special area … is of exceptional landscape, biodiversity, cultural and historical quality and importance, and …  was considered to be of National Park quality and deserving NP designation in key reports in 1945 and 1947. A National Park on the basis proposed would, the Society believes, have economic, social and environmental benefits to the area as a whole… A National Park would protect geology, landscapes and habitats; the increased connectivity thus provided would help to enable designations across Southern and South West England collectively to deliver crucial national objectives in line with Natural England’s Designations Strategy …. Dorset’s natural beauty, varied geology, landscapes and habitats support a great diversity of wildlife, including species not found elsewhere; one 10kms grid square in Purbeck contains more species than any other 10kms square in the country …

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.

 

Ramblers Association

I have been asked on behalf of the Ramblers to provide the following message of support for the National Park proposal. Campaigns for stronger protection and greater resources for stunning landscapes and important walking areas are of course welcomed by the Ramblers.

 

Ramblers Area Council in Dorset

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.

 

Ramblers Devon Group Area Council

We wish you well with your endeavours for the creation of a new National Park.

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Ramblers East Dorset Group

We are happy to offer the support of the Ramblers, East Dorset Group for your Dorset and East Devon National Park Proposal.

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Ramblers East Devon Group

We are the East Devon Group of the Ramblers and offer you our support. 

 

Ramblers Group Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster are a London based group of the Ramblers Association. On our visits to Dorset, we have greatly enjoyed the lovely coast and countryside, the interesting natural life and the historic places. The area seemed to us comparable to the National Parks we have visited. So we hope Natural England will give consideration to the proposal for a National Park for Dorset and East Devon.

 

RSPB SOUTH WEST REGION

We are a major stakeholder in both Dorset and East Devon, owning and managing nature reserves, as well as seeking to influence wider land use and management to the benefit of nature conservation…. in both counties, enthusiastically engaged in protecting and enhancing the wonderful natural history of the area whilst promoting responsible access.

We would welcome warmly measures that delivered additional protection for biodiversity whilst promoting access, and we strongly support the concept of ‘joined up conservation;’ landscape scale conservation is very much at the centre of RSPB’s strategic thinking. A new Dorset and East Devon National Park could assist in delivering this. We welcome and applaud your energy in taking this forward. 

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Sandford Heritage Community Group

The Sandford Heritage Community Group welcomes the proposal for a Dorset National Park, and the opportunities this offers to conserve and enhance the county's exceptionally rich and internationally important cultural heritage. We look forward to working in partnership with the National Park to care for the cultural heritage of the part of the parish of Wareham St Martin which is within the proposed park boundary and to promote its recreational and educational value, where applicable.

 

Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce

The Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce unanimously supports the National Park proposal. 

The Heart of Devon Tourist Board described the NP proposal as “a marketing dream.”

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Smedmore Estate

It is an excellent plan, which I support. A National Park will bring major economic opportunities and advantages to Dorset. It will benefit all my business interests, from farming to tourism.

 

Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

I write on behalf of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in support of the proposed creation of a National Park for Dorset and East Devon.

We see great merit in the creation of a National Park in this area. In addition to the World Heritage Coast and the Dorset and East Devon AONBs, the area has much that is significant to the built historic environment. Historic towns of special interest include Corfe Castle, Cerne Abbas and Bridport, and in addition monuments such as Maiden Castle are of national importance. Also notable and distinctive are the Purbeck and Portland stones which are important to the character of historic buildings within the locality and in other parts of the UK. National Park status would add to the protection, appreciation and sustainable development of the area.

We hope Natural England will be persuaded to accept this proposed designation.

 

Swanage Town and Community Partnership

You will no doubt be pleased to know that the Partnership minutes will record their support of the request to consider re-designation of the Dorset AONB as a National Park.  It was agreed to support the request to Natural England.

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Swanage & District Chamber of Trade and Commerce

The Chamber would support the Group in your efforts … any especial protection for our very special area would be heartily welcomed.

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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.

 

Swanage Heritage Railway Trust

The Swanage Heritage Railway Trust committee is pleased to offer its support.

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The Thomas Hardy Society

The Thomas Hardy Society is fully supportive of the Dorset National Park proposal and looks forward to Natural England’s further assessment.

We are particularly interested in preserving Hardy’s landscape and in the encouragement of heritage tourism, which includes Hardy’s landscape and the town of Dorchester, as well as what remains of ‘Egdon Heath.’  The towns of Portland and Sturminster Newton, which are currently outside this area and have of course strong Hardy links, also wish to be included.  A Dorset National Park will have a very positive effect for the Hardy Society.

The Thomas Hardy Society wholeheartedly supports the proposal for a Dorset National Park. Dorset has an outstanding case for NP designation. First proposed in 1945, a National Park is long overdue for Dorset’s internationally important natural environment and cultural heritage. We are therefore delighted to see the Glover Review’s recognition of Dorset’s strong case for NP designation and its suggestion that Natural England and Ministers consider this case.

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Trees for Dorset

Trees for Dorset strongly approve and support a National Park being set up in this area. We find people value trees and woodlands and it may be a step in encouraging this strong interest. Under a new National Park, the idea of eco-tourism might flourish. We would look forward to working with a National Park.

 

Wareham Town Museum Committee

The Wareham Town Museum Committee welcomes the proposal for a Dorset National Park, and the opportunities this offers to conserve and enhance the county’s exceptionally rich and internationally important cultural heritage. We would look forward to working in partnership with the National Park to care for this cultural heritage and to promote its recreational and educational value.

 

Wareham Town Trust

The meeting resolved unanimously that this proposal presents opportunities for this area not only in terms of conserving and enhancing our environment but also in fostering the economic and social wellbeing of the local community and meeting local needs for homes and jobs. The unique environment of this area is clearly one of its major assets and this proposal would support councillors, landowners and others in their stewardship of this unique area for the benefit of those who live, work and visit here. We would therefore urge you to take forward this proposal and seek its full evaluation so that it can be pursued to the next stage.

The Dorset National Park should be designated as soon as possible.

 

Wessex Water Ltd

Landscapes Review: call for evidence, October 2018, Wessex Water Services Ltd Response

Survey Question 20 response: We welcome the review of designations and of having a shortlist of potential future designations which can be evaluated based against the criteria identified under the National Parks and Countryside and CROW Acts.  We are supportive of the proposal for a new National Park in Dorset.

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West Country Crafts Swanage

We would wish you to accept our full and unequivocal support for your objective of securing National Park status for all the relevant areas of Dorset and East Devon. Please accept our best wishes for every success.

 

Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce  

WPCC notes the opportunities a National Park could offer Dorset’s communities, economy and environment, welcomes the evaluations now under way, and joins other Dorset councils to invite Natural England to take its evaluation to the next stage.

 

Weymouth Museum

On behalf of the Friends of Weymouth Museum of which I am Chairman we wish you well in your campaign for a National Park for Dorset.

 

The Woodland Trust South West

The Woodland Trust promotes the need for a positive conservation approach to managing whole ecosystems, landscapes and catchments and the creation and management of woodlands and trees is key to this.  There is clearly a strong historic and cultural context in Dorset for woodlands and trees within a rich mosaic of habitats.   Woods and trees have played a pivotal role which can readily be strengthened.  Future landscapes will need to evolve with refreshed approaches to woodland and land management which will need to respond to the many pressures and opportunities before us.

In this context, the Woodland Trust recognises the opportunities which a National Park could offer for the conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of Dorset’s woodlands and trees, and for enhancing the role of woodlands and trees in Dorset’s communities, economy and cultural life. We look forward to Natural England’s further assessment of the proposal in mid 2018 and would want to comment in detail as, and when, further details emerge.  

 

“Worth My Travels” business

I hope that Natural England will look favourably on the opportunities which a National Park would present to enhance the conservation and enjoyment of the area. The many benefits which NP status can bring to local communities, farmers and business interests, also deserve serious consideration for the proposed Dorset and East Devon NP area. Please keep me in touch with developments on the NP proposal, which I wholeheartedly support.

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SOME KEY INDIVIDUALS

 

​The then Bishop of Salisbury Nicholas Holtam

The proposed National Park in Dorset offers local communities opportunities and benefits for the economy, environment and heritage. I am happy to join the growing number of people who look forward to the further evaluation of this proposal.

 

Prof Denys Brunsden Geomorphologist, initiator of Jurassic Coast World Heritage designation

We were delighted when the Jurassic Coast became Britain’s first and only natural World Heritage Site – a well-deserved honour. Becoming a National Park is the logical next step in valuing and safeguarding this area’s fabulous natural assets.

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Martin & Philippa Clunes

Once you are bitten by the Dorset bug, you just want to be here more and more. We have absolutely fallen in love with this wonderful area and wish you every success with your endeavours to secure a Dorset National Park.

 

Dr Geoff Doel  

Thomas Hardy's inspired and informed writings about the Dorset countryside give a focus to the excellent idea of a Dorset National Park, which I warmly support, particularly having witnessed the excellent effect of the South Downs National Park on Sussex life.

 

The late Professor Michael Dower, CBE former Director-General of the Countryside Commission

My father John Dower wrote the official report on National Parks in England and Wales, published in 1945, and was a leading member of the Hobhouse Committee.   In his report, my father stated that the Dorset Coast and Heaths merited consideration as a National Park.   The Hobhouse Committee endorsed that judgement, but – for reasons specific to the time – did not include Dorset in their short-list for early action.   I have myself served as Director of the Peak National Park, and as Director-General of the Countryside Commission.   I now live in Beaminster, West Dorset…. I believe that a Dorset National Park could have a positive social, economic and environmental impact parallel to that now being realised by the South Downs National Park.  I wholeheartedly support the proposal.

 

Julian, Lord Fellowes President of the Thomas Hardy Society  

Dorset is a very special county, not least because of its association with the life and times of Thomas Hardy, who took his inspiration from the towns and villages and open country around Dorchester and beyond, and whose story is still there to be seen by the interested visitor.

Wild Egdon Heath was a particular favourite of his, because it was just that, wild.  "The great inviolate place had an ancient permanence which the sea cannot claim…  The sea changed, the fields changed, the rivers, the villages and the people changed yet Egdon remained."

The question is, of course, how much longer will it remain if we are not careful?  How much longer will the villages of Hardy's early years, or the views that greeted him as a world-famous author, how much longer will any of this survive, if the area does not wake up to the great responsibility of protecting these sites so that they may be enjoyed by future generations?  Hardy would surely want us to conserve and enhance these very special places and the cultural heritage that is entwined in our landscapes and communities, and so should we all. To live here is a great privilege, and this brings with it a duty to protect his story and look after and pass on to future generations what we should all hold so dear. ​

I believe the Dorset National Park offers a great opportunity to achieve these aims.

 

Edward Fox OBE

This is a great opportunity and well-deserved recognition for the Dorset and East Devon landscape and heritage. National Park status would attract visitors and bring new funding opportunities. We would benefit from a more joined-up and sensitive approach to valuing and caring for our world-class environment. The area narrowly missed designation as a National Park after the Second World War. This second chance must not be missed.

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Rosemary Isaacs  

I am convinced the establishment of a National Park in Dorset will bring huge ecological and economic benefits to the county. I hope it won't be too long in being confirmed, so the good work can start in earnest!

 

Brian Jackman  

… I have always had the dream of Dorset becoming a National Park … If there is any way you could use my expertise as a writer who knows and loves Dorset, I would be delighted to work for the cause.

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Professor John Humphreys

Uniquely, the proposed Dorset and East Devon National Park could have a coordinating role and bring together stakeholders both offshore and onshore to better develop and implement a shared agenda. There is a growing recognition that the best approach to addressing both the opportunities and risks relating to Europe’s maritime regions is by understanding land-sea interactions as parts of an integrated whole. There is a current perceived lack of coordination between environmental organisations and interests … and developing an agreed vision and partnership management plan through a National Park that has an off-shore as well as on-shore role represents an exciting opportunity for this uniquely important area.

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The late Prof James Lovelock

The proposed National Park has an important part to play in protecting Dorset and the Jurassic Coast.

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Jim (Lord) O’Neill

Areas need increasingly to differentiate themselves. The Dorset National Park proposal is an interesting initiative which could offer differentiation, marketing and branding opportunities for Dorset’s economy, including tourism and local producers…. You have my support.

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Roland Smith

Of course, we have a golden opportunity coming up next year, with the 70th anniversary of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, which created our National Parks, AONBs and National Trails. And what could be better to mark that anniversary than the creation of a Dorset National Park? … I’d love to help in whatever way I can to achieve that objective.

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Jon Snow

Life is like a cake. This area is one of the cherries on the icing on the cake.

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Malcolm Turnbull

I’m delighted to hear there is a move to consider National Park status for parts of south and east Dorset, and I would like to offer whatever support I can for this initiative. 

 

Minette Walters

I'm in full agreement with the proposal for a Dorset National Park to conserve the largely unprotected area east of Dorchester and give my full support. It is important that the Thomas Hardy sites together with the surrounding area are preserved for future generations.

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TOWN AND PARISH COUNCILS

 

​Arne PC

Arne Parish Council formally discussed the proposal for a Dorset and East Devon National Park at its meeting held on the 16th June 2016. In the light of our discussions, we would urge both Dorset County Council and Purbeck District Council to seriously consider the establishment of a Dorset and East Devon National Park as part of the consultation relating to a combined authority for Dorset.

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Beaminster TC

Members of the Council RESOLVED to forward to DCC and WDDC their support for the further evaluation of the National Park proposal.

 

Bridport TC

RESOLVED: that the Committee support the request, that the proposal to designate Dorset as a National Park should be evaluated as part of any future work on local government reorganisation and structures in Dorset.

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Buckland Newton PC

National Parks have a responsibility to conserve and enhance the environment, promote recreation, health and well-being and the enjoyment and understanding of the special qualities of the area, and foster the economic and social well-being of their communities. The proposal to Natural England embraces the Dorset and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and what remains of Thomas Hardy’s Egdon Heath between Dorchester and Wareham. This is just a starting point and other councils have already expressed their support and wish to be included. It is hoped that councils will consider a resolution or message, welcoming the continuing evaluation of the NP proposal and looking forward to Natural England’s next assessment.

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Char Valley Group PC 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.

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Chesil Bank Parish Council

The Council considered the presentation being very positive, most supported the concept but some had concerns about the process and require more information including the negatives. The Council agreed in principle to express an interest in National Parks at this time depending on gathering further information.

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Chideock PC

Chideock Parish Council notes and strongly endorses the opportunities a National Park could offer Dorset, welcomes the evaluations now under way, and will join with other Dorset and East Devon councils to invite Natural England to take its assessment to the next stage.

 

Corfe Castle Parish Council

Corfe Castle PC supported the proposed National Park subject to there being satisfactory governance arrangements.

 

Corfe Mullen PC

Corfe Mullen Parish Council notes the opportunities a National Park could offer Dorset’s communities, economy and environment, welcomes the evaluations now under way and the further information this will provide, and joins other Dorset councils in inviting Natural England to take its evaluation to the next stage.

 

Langton Matravers PC

The Council resolved to respond to the Glover Review consultation by saying: ‘While LMPC wishes to record their desire to maximise democratic involvement, they fully support the proposal for a Dorset National Park.’

RESOLVED:…. ‘We encourage the Glover Review panel to support a Dorset National Park and to ask Natural England to undertake a full assessment at the earliest opportunity’.

 

Loders PC

Loders PC note the proposal and agree to support the further evaluation of the National Park status proposal for Dorset.

 

Lyme Regis TC

Lyme Regis Town Council received a presentation at its meeting on 13 July 2016 and indicated its support for the Dorset and East Devon National Park project. The council resolved as follows: to support the further evaluation of the potential benefits of the creation of a National Park for Dorset and East Devon.

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Milborne St Andrew PC

The Parish Council … appreciated the opportunity a National Park could offer the area and resolved that: if consideration was given to a Dorset National Park, then Milborne St Andrew would like to be inside it.

 

Moreton PC

Moreton Parish Council notes with interest the opportunities the proposed Dorset National Park could offer our communities, economy and environment. The PC welcomes the continuing evaluation of the proposal and looks forward to the additional information this will provide and joins other Dorset councils to request Natural England to take its assessment to the next stage.

 

Portland TC

I am writing on behalf of Portland Town Council to express its wholehearted support for the proposal to create a new National Park in the locality.  Its one regret is that at present Portland is not included in the designated area and the Council hopes this will be reassessed. … The National Park offers the prospect of increased tourist interest in the County with all its derivable benefits.

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Puddletown Area PC

The Parish Council covering the four parishes of Puddletown, Athelhampton, Burleston and Tolpuddle … concluded that it would be likely to support the proposal for a National Park … if the boundary, as currently proposed, were moved so that it clearly included the four parishes… The Parish Council believes that including the four parishes would be mutually beneficial.

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Studland PC

Studland Parish Council agreed to support the campaign for NP status.

Further resolution:

Studland Parish Council supports the campaign for a National Park for Dorset.

 

Sturminster Newton TC

The Council RESOLVED to welcome the opportunities a National Park would offer Dorset, including our town and local economy, and wish Sturminster Newton and its locality to be considered for inclusion in the National Park area. The Council supported the evaluations now underway and asked councils to invite Natural England to undertake a further assessment of the proposal.

 

Swanage Town Council

Resolved That the Town Council gives its support to the request to Natural England that they should consider designating a National Park in Dorset and East Devon.

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Wareham Town Council

Wareham Town Council formally resolved: “to request Dorset County Council and Purbeck District Council to ensure that a proposed Dorset & East Devon National Park is considered as part of the agenda for Local Government re-organisation/devolution. It is requested that serious consideration is therefore given to this request as part of the consultation relating to a combined authority and local government reorganisation in Dorset.”

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Weymouth & Portland BC

This Council recognises the benefits a National Park could offer Dorset and encourages the Glover Review to support the proposal and ask Natural England to undertake a full assessment at the earliest opportunity.

• A National Park would work in partnership with the Dorset Council and all local authorities and communities to help ensure the environment, communities and economy are thriving and prosperous. It would bring extra resources, promote truly affordable homes for local people, and support and attract business, jobs and skills.

• Dorset deserves National Park recognition for the area’s nationally and internationally important landscapes, World Heritage Coast, wildlife and heritage.

• Dorset needs a NP to better safeguard and enhance its outstanding environment, wildlife and heritage.

• In these difficult times for public sector financing, this is a significant opportunity to secure a National Park for Dorset and bring significant extra public sector funding and the associated economic benefits to Weymouth and Portland’s communities.

Decision: That this council writes to both the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and The Glover Review Panel supporting this proposal for a National Park.

 

Wool Parish Council

Wool Parish Council welcomes the opportunities a National Park could offer Dorset, including our community, our local environment and economy, and asks the Glover Review to request Natural England to undertake a full assessment of the proposal at the earliest opportunity. We are keenly interested in our outstanding landscapes, wildlife and heritage, and a thriving and sustainable future for our communities, the area deserves and needs such a designation. A Dorset National Park would be a national as well as local asset and help us pass on to future generations our exceptional landscapes, biodiversity and heritage. Our communities and the local economy would

benefit from the support and stimulus that an NP can bring, including for genuinely affordable homes which are much-needed.

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Worth Matravers PC

Worth Matravers Parish Council, at its meeting on 6 June, discussed the proposed Dorset and East Devon National Park. The Council agreed to write asking Dorset County Council/Purbeck District Council to ensure that the National Park proposal is seriously evaluated as part of local government re-organisation.

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