The Dorset National Landscape is an area of outstanding natural beauty; a landscape of national and international significance for its natural and cultural heritage assets. It is a landscape rich in natural beauty which has been shaped by millennia of human occupation. Natural beauty and landscape quality goes beyond the look of the landscape: it includes the elements which comprise the view (topography, geology, hydrology, wildlife, archaeology and other built heritage) and the cultural heritage made in response to it. This management plan sets out the legal basis and background of this landscape and articulates a policy framework for the conservation and enhancement of its natural beauty.

Now in its fifth edition, this management plan builds on previous iterations; it is for the landscape of the designated area, not for one organisation or partnership. It fulfils a legal requirement and is derived through local consensus. It sets out an approach to conserving and enhancing the National Landscape’s natural beauty (which itself is further defined). It is for all people and organisations engaged in activities which have implications for the area’s natural beauty, such as strategic planning, development management, land management, conservation, celebration and education.

It is the overarching document which describe the policies, landscape condition and implementation strategy, supported by the:

  • Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) which describes the various landscape types and character areas of the National Landscape, their characteristic features and the landscape condition.
  • Nature Recovery Plan, the strategic aims of which are embedded in the Dorset Local Nature Recovery Plan
  • Climate Adaptation Plan

This plan has been developed and reviewed with the input and involvement of a wide range of stakeholders. Through this process, local people and organisations have provided extensive input in identifying the local actions and priorities that will conserve and enhance this nationally important landscape.

This plan has been subject to a Strategic Environmental Assessment, an Equalities Impacts Assessment and a Habitats Regulations Assessment. Each has helped shape the policy framework and adds to its robustness.