The coast and countryside of the Dorset National Landscape is a popular area for recreation and leisure. While the National Landscape designation carries no statutory purpose to enhance access, the remit is to manage the demand for recreation within the context of the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of nature to people’s well-being has been well documented. The Dorset National Landscape’s high-quality landscape and heritage makes a substantial contribution to people’s nature connectedness and physical health and mental wellbeing, offering opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, relaxation and inspiration. Many people, however, still face barriers to accessing the benefits of this landscape.

Dorset has an extensive public rights of way network of nearly 3,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways. The National Landscape includes 71 miles of the South West Coast Path National Trail (part of the King Charles III England Coast Path) and several other promoted long-distance walking and cycling routes. Walking is the most popular recreational activity nationally and it is the main activity of leisure trips.

Nearly 75,000 people live within the National Landscape boundary, making it one of the most heavily populated National Landscapes in the country – though as the fifth largest National Landscape, it remains sparsely populated in many areas. Local communities have a fundamental role in safeguarding its future; the more people feel a connection to, use and enjoy the landscape, the greater their pride of place and involvement in its protection.

In 2023, there were estimated to be over 10 million day trips to the National Landscape and 5.9 million visitor nights. The landscape underpins our tourism-based economy and supports local services. Tourism supports nearly 10,000 full time equivalent jobs in the National Landscape, with visitor spend contributing £800 million to the local economy (2023 figures). The impact of visitors needs to be carefully managed to ensure that the National Landscape can continue to sustain these benefits for generations to come, while retaining its natural beauty.

The landscape also presents a huge educational resource; it is a popular destination for visiting school trips and students; it is also utilised in local education. Engaging people of all ages in the landscape and its special qualities is an important step in fostering good stewardship.

• Landscape & landform

The varied landscape offers a range of experiences for recreation and learning, both inland and along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The National Landscape includes coastal and market towns, attractive villages and a wide range of natural and cultural heritage assets, with key sites such as Corfe Castle, Studland, Maiden Castle and Durdle Door. Away from these key ‘honey-pot’ sites, visitors and local communities can experience tranquillity in less well known but equally beautiful countryside and coastal locations.

• Wildlife

The sites managed for wildlife by the National Trust, Natural England, Dorset Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Dorset Countryside and others often provide accessible countryside for visitors through provision of car parking, links to public transport and other visitor facilities. Wildlife also provides an inspiration for people to explore and help conserve the landscape. Additionally, there are 6,160 hectares of open, accessible countryside in the National Landscape.

• Living textbook

The National Landscape offers a ‘living textbook’ for people of all ages to experience, spanning geology, wildlife, human influence and natural processes in the landscape and adjoining marine environment. The landscape is firmly embedded in many educational initiatives in Dorset e.g. a strong Forest Schools network, outdoor education centres and Kingston Maurward College. There are also established networks of adult learning for the large population of active retired such as U3A, village societies and the WI.

• Cultural legacy

The legacy of landscape inspired work by authors, poets, scientists and artists is an important resource that can galvanise an appreciation of landscape and landscape change. The National Landscape today remains a source of inspiration and has a vibrant contemporary arts community, which together with a rich cultural tradition, adds to the quality of life of residents and draws many visitors. The landscape is used effectively as a venue for cultural performance – such as the Inside Out Dorset festival, produced by Activate, as well as many smaller scale local productions. The strong arts community in Dorset also provides a creative way to engage diverse audiences, nurturing a sense of place and communicating complex issues.

Local museums play an important role in preserving and animating significant collections of cultural importance.

Opportunities

Dorset National Landscape provides outstanding health and wellbeing opportunities through active recreation and nature connectedness, which aligns well with the Our Dorset Working Better Together Strategy priorities, though resourcing at scale is required. Green and blue spaces present opportunities for social prescribing, building on good practice nationally. The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan recognises the value of the natural environment for health and wellbeing and the Landscape Review highlights the importance of taking a pro-active approach to widening opportunities to engage with the landscape to underserved communities. Exemplars of good practice are projects such as Flavours, Stepping into Nature and Nature Buddies. Collaborative initiatives between local communities, businesses, environmental & cultural organisations, social media communities & influencers can help reduce the negative impact of tourism in popular areas and spread positive impacts inland.
Research shows that an emotional connection with nature and landscape leads to more pro-environmental behaviour; artist-led initiatives enable this type of connection. Dorset has a strong arts community, and there are good examples of artist-led approaches to improving the public realm, landscape interpretation, and creative consultation with local communities, all of which could be further developed with additional funding. High-quality cultural programming, including festivals, can help extend the season, reduce pressure at peak times and spread economic benefits throughout the year. Work with the National Landscape Association, endorsed by the Arts Council England Memorandum of Understanding, can bring new and wider opportunities.
Voluntary codes of conduct for activities such as fossil collecting and coasteering raise understanding of impacts, reduce conflict and pressure and could be extended to include other issues such as inconsiderate use of the working landscape, foraging and kayaking. Increased public awareness of environmental issues could make more people receptive to communicating landscape issues such as climate and coastal change at a local level.
The successful Purbeck Goes Wild initiative, providing nature-based opportunities for school-aged young people, provides a useful collaborative model for establishing sustained landscape-focussed engagement with schools and youth organisations in other parts of Dorset.
With support from the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, there is a growing network of farmers and landowners who have the confidence and infrastructure to welcome schools and other groups to learn about food production and nature.
Volunteering can bring multiple benefits to health, wellbeing and employment prospects but environmental organisations need to remodel volunteer opportunities to be accessible / meet the needs of a wide range of people.
Promotion of inland walking & cycling routes and public transport can spread visitor economic benefits and reduce the pressure on the coast, though better maintenance and waymarking of some routes would be needed to build a reliable and user-friendly offer. The Rights of Way Improvement Plan will provide a framework for improvement delivery. National Nature Reserves provide enhanced opportunities for access to natural landscapes.
Roadside boundary signs are a simple but impactful way to raise awareness of the Dorset National Landscape and opportunities for inland recreation could be signposted with traditional ‘fingerpost’ signs.
Rationalisation and improved quality of landscape interpretation and safety signage, using JCT interpretation framework for coastal initiatives. There are also opportunities for artist-led approaches including temporary, site specific and permanent interpretative materials.
Nature connectedness for people who are unable to visit the countryside could be enhanced through high quality, engaging online content.
Connect with communities close to the National Landscape to maximise health, wellbeing and enjoyment opportunities.

Pressures

High visitor numbers during peak holiday times often brings congestion and overcrowding to popular coastal sites. Conversely inland areas lack visitors and the associated economic benefits they bring.
Public transport provision is very limited especially in rural areas away from the coast. People without cars are restricted in their ability to access the wider landscape. Most visits to the countryside are by car, impacting significantly on the environment and local community.
The rights of way network is fragmented in many parts of the National Landscape, reducing the opportunities for recreation and forcing walkers and riders to use unsafe country roads. In addition, several areas designated as open access are inaccessible from any public right of way.
Recreation and traffic pressure, from both residents and visitors, is impacting rural road and footpath networks, particularly along the coast.
A significant number of people don’t visit or have access to the National Landscape due to poverty, limited access to transport, rural isolation, lack of confidence, disability and cultural barriers. There is a need to ensure inclusive access to the landscape, promoting equitable enjoyment of natural spaces and supporting health and wellbeing for all communities.
Climate and coastal change bring an increase in rockfalls, landslips and storm damage and potential danger to people visiting the coast and engaging people in understanding the hazards is challenging.
Ongoing budget constraints, increasing pressure on funding sources and short-term funding reduce the capacity of organisations to build long term relationships with communities and develop sustainable engagement opportunities.
Organisational and curriculum changes in schools and budgetary constraints for schools and environmental organisations make it difficult to offer long term landscape-focussed learning with schools.
Second homes, holiday accommodation and high cost of housing has an impact on communities.
Environmental volunteering is limited due to time and income pressures.
Marine and beach litter as well as road litter and fly tipping continue to be detrimental to wildlife and natural beauty.
There is limited awareness about the National Landscape, the change of name and the work of the Partnership amongst visitors and local people.
Instagram tourism creates destination sites within the natural environment and bypasses the usual routes of promotion and education that help establish responsible visitor behaviour.

Many organisations can contribute to delivering these objectives, including (but not limited to) Dorset Council (local highways authority, greenspace & mitigation teams), Dorset Wildlife Trust, RSPB , National Trust, Natural England, , Parish & Town Councils, Dorset Coast Forum including Jurassic Coast, South West Coast Path Association, Dorset Local Access Forum, NFU, The Ramblers, Transport Action Groups, Recreational user groups, Dorset, Litter Free Dorset, Dorset Heaths Partnership, Dorset Local Nature Partnership, Dorset Dogs, Dorset Local Visitor Economy Partnership, Visit Dorset, Dorset Race Equality Forum, South West Dorset Multicultural Network Dorset Youth, Activate Performing Arts, Artsreach, Arts Development Company and other cultural partners, museums, galleries, educational institutions, Historic England, , Active Dorset, Public Health Dorset and East Devon National Landscape.

OBJECTIVE B1: ENABLING ENJOYMENT AND ACCESS FOR WELLBEING

Everyone can experience and access Dorset’s landscapes, enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits they provide, whether in person or remotely. Opportunities to connect with nature and the countryside are plentiful and accessible, supporting physical and mental health for all, while respecting the special qualities of the National Landscape.

Policy B1a: Expand and improve opportunities for health and wellbeing through access to, and connection with the landscape

Address barriers to access, particularly for under-represented groups
Support and develop activities that foster wellbeing by enabling people to strengthen their own connection to nature and the landscape.
Develop, co-create and support measures to improve access to the coast and countryside for all, ensuring compatibility with the purposes of National Landscape designation.
Enable remote engagement with the landscape for those unable to visit in person.

OBJECTIVE B2: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND ACCESS

Sustainable tourism and access are widely available, supporting local communities while protecting Dorset’s natural beauty. Visitor experiences are designed to spread economic benefits, reduce pressure on sensitive sites, and encourage responsible enjoyment of the landscape.

Policy B2a: Develop and promote sustainable visitor experiences and access

Develop and support visitor experiences that are compatible with the purposes of National Landscape designation, helping to spread economic benefits and reduce pressure on the busiest areas.
Engage communities, cultural organisations, and tourism businesses in creating and promoting sustainable visitor experiences, including showcasing local food and drink.
Improve connectivity and functionality of the public rights of way network, including long-distance routes.
Promote integrated, sustainable access and public transport options within the National Landscape.
Support and promote measures to reduce litter – including marine and beach litter – and encourage safe, considerate use of the coast and countryside.
Support opportunities for organisations providing outdoor activities and nature-based tourism.

OBJECTIVE B3: FOSTERING UNDERSTANDING AND AWARENESS

There is wide awareness and understanding of the Dorset landscape, its special qualities, and the importance of its management. People of all ages and backgrounds are inspired and informed, with opportunities for learning and engagement that celebrate the area’s unique character.

Policy B3a: Enhance interpretation and communication about the National Landscape

Support and develop diverse visitor experiences that showcase and celebrate the special qualities of the National Landscape, reaching wide audiences.
Rationalise and improve interpretation to enhance the visitor experience, reduce visual clutter, and inform the public about landscape features and safety, especially along the coast.
Promote understanding of the dynamic nature of the landscape and how it is responding to climate change and other pressures.
Highlight the significance of the National Landscape designation and the work of the Dorset National Landscape partnership and its wider network.

Policy B3b: Support the use of the National Landscape for life-long learning

Support initiatives for children and young people to learn about the Dorset National Landscape through outdoor, curricular, and extra-curricular activities.
Encourage lifelong learning opportunities within the National Landscape.

OBJECTIVE B4: ENGAGING LOCAL PEOPLE IN LANDSCAPE STEWARDSHIP

Local people are actively engaged in conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, cultural heritage, special qualities, and ecosystem benefits of the National Landscape. Community action and volunteering are at the heart of landscape stewardship, fostering a sense of ownership, reciprocity and pride.

Policy B4a: Support and diversify community engagement and stewardship

Encourage and support parish and town councils, schools, community groups, children and young people, businesses, and individuals to participate in conserving and enhancing the National Landscape.
Prioritise support to create opportunities for engagement with the landscape for underserved communities.
Promote sustainable living within communities to reduce local environmental impacts and increase access to environmental benefits.
Inspire and engage people in monitoring and recording landscape change.
Support and celebrate local distinctiveness through events and engagement initiatives.

READ THE NEXT CHAPTER

Back to previous chapter