The Dorset National Landscape covers just over 40% of Dorset, stretching from Lyme Regis to Poole Harbour and inland as far as Blandford Forum. To check if an area falls within the National Landscape boundary you can check on our National Landscape National Landscape Map by inserting a location name or postcode.

The National Landscape Team provide advice directly to local authorities, primarily concerning landscape and visual impacts. If you are making a planning application, you will need to first contact the relevant planning authority, who will then consult the National Landscape Team if they consider it necessary.

If you wish to discuss a planning application affecting the Dorset National Landscape, for example because you are concerned about its impact, please contact the Team’s Landscape Planning Officer, Richard Brown.

However, prior to making contact it is advisable to review the planning protocol through which the Team provides advice. In particular, section 4.2 of the protocol defines the scale of developments for which the National Landscape is likely to be consulted. Download the Dorset AONB Planning Protocol.

Stepping into Nature activities are open to all to attend and are particularly suitable for older adults, people living with dementia and their carers.

See all the Stepping into Nature activities here. For details on how to join, please see description on each activity.

The field guide and set of 6 walking maps, featuring the artwork of Amanda Wallwork may be available in your local Tourist Information Office to pick up, but if not please email Kate Townsend, Dorset AONB Project Support Assistant to obtain a set by post – whilst stocks last!

The campaign for the creation of a National Park is being led by an independent group, with contact details available on their website: www.dorsetnationalpark.com

A digital version of the current National Landscape Management plan can be found in here. In the resource library you will also find more detailed documents about the Dorset AONB Partnership and our projects.

If you would like a printed copy of the Management Plan, please contact Kate Townsend, Dorset National Landscape Project Support Officer, who will be able to send out a copy by post.