DCF eNews Winter 2026

[Leicester Fisheagle]

 

 

Sunset at St Catherine’s Chapel, Abbotsbury on New Year Eve (Credit: Sara Parker) Welcome to DCF eNews Winter 2025/26   DCF News #CoastalInnovation #EnjoyTheCoast #RespectTheCoast #CoastalConnection #CoastalRecovery Grants & Funding News Save the Date - Conferences & Events   DCF News   DCF Conference 2025   That’s a Wrap!         A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Dorset Coast Forum Annual Conference on 19th November. This year was extra special as we celebrated 30 years of Dorset Coast Forum – a fantastic milestone for our coastal community!   The event was a great success, with 100 members coming together to enjoy 12 inspiring presentations, grouped into three thought-provoking sessions:   Rising to the Challenge: Navigating Climate and Ecological Crises The Changing Tides: Fishing and Marine Nature Recovery Shorelines and Stories: Building Coastal Community Connections   We’re incredibly grateful to our speakers for their engaging contributions, the information stand exhibitors, our hosts at RNLI College in Poole, and our generous sponsors: Suttle Projects, who sponsored the conference and DCF’s 30-year celebration and Moffatt & Nichol who sponsored their information stand.   For more details of the conference, including  presentation slides, see our page on link below.   DCF Conference 2025         25th Anniversary of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site     2026 marks 25 years since the Jurassic Coast was inscribed as a World Heritage Site for  its exceptional and globally valuable geology, palaeontology and coastal geomorphology.   In celebration of this milestone, many stakeholders along the World Heritage Site are running special events and exhibitions. We will be helping to promote these events and  have created a 25 year  logo to help mark celebrations that are associated with the anniversary. Please  keep your eyes peeled for  events lists in your area. Here are some tasters of what we already know stakeholders have planned:   On Sunday 15th February Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre are running a Beach Clean Championships in partnership with Clean Jurassic Coast. Help keep our World Heritage Site clean and safe for all marine life! You do not have to be a seasoned beach cleaner and everyone is welcome to join in. There are even prizes to be won! Find out more here Charmouth Beach Cleaning Championships The West Bay Discovery Centre is planning a seasonal exhibition on Changing Landscapes. Running from March to October 2026, the exhibition will explore the role of geology in shaping the world around us and will be accompanied by walks and talks. More details to come but you can keep up to date with the Discovery Centre at their website  West Bay Discovery Centre Later in the year, Bridport Museum is planning to launch an exhibition of what could be a brand new species of ichthyosaur, recovered from the coast near Freshwater and currently being expertly prepared before a journey to Bristol University for study.   Do you have any events you would like to use to  celebrate the 25th anniversary of the WHS? Contact us to let us know!   For advice about the World Heritage Site you can contact Sam at sam.scriven@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and 01305 224739         Outdoor Classroom Day - 21 May 2026   Schools across Poole and Purbeck are invited to celebrate Outdoor Classroom Day on 21 May 2026 with DCF and partner organisations including South West Flood & Coastal, Andrew Simpson Centres and Litter Free Dorset. Co‑hosted this year by the National Trust, the event will take place at Shell Bay, Studland. Following a successful 2025 event engaging 7 schools and over 160 pupils, this free day of outdoor STEM activities (suitable for Years 5–9) promises even more fun and learning.   Find out more and register your school’s interest via Save the Date! Outdoor Classroom Day 2026 is 21 May!             Data from the 2025 boating season shows strong positive outcomes for the SBMP Eco‑Mooring Project, which protects Dorset’s largest seagrass meadow. All 87 eco‑moorings were well used, alongside continued scientific research led by the University of Southampton. SBMP volunteers analysed over 45,900 time‑lapse images monitoring compliance with the Voluntary No Anchor Zone (VNAZ). Results show excellent behaviour by boaters: 73% used a mooring 14% anchored outside the VNAZ Just 8% anchored within seagrass meadows — a significant reduction from       previous years   Encouraging signs of seagrass recovery were recorded in former anchor scars, alongside the highest number of seahorse sightings to date during monitoring dives. While compliance remains high, paid mooring use reached 45%, an improvement on 2024 but still below the level needed to sustain the project long‑term. Continued support is vital to ensure eco‑moorings remain available in future seasons.   To find out how to support the project, pay to moor for the 2026 season, or attend engagement talks and events, visit the SBMP project page.   Visit SBMP project page         Swanage Neighbourhood Plan     The Swanage Neighbourhood Plan survey is now closed, and the engagement report will be available on our project page shortly. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey or joined us at one of our engagement events. Results have been shared with those developing the draft neighbourhood plan. Once prepared, the Draft Plan will be shared for a formal public consultation.   Visit project page   Swanage Green Seafront Stabilisation & Shore Road Enhancement Scheme           The  Green Seafront Report is now live and can be found here. Swanage Town Council are working on further feasibility studies and monitoring  of the site, as part of next steps for the project. A report on the engagement  for Shore Road will be available soon and will give insight into the responses to the four proposed options.   Visit project page           Preston Beach Recycling Scheme Last November a recycling scheme was delivered by the Environment Agency on Preston Beach in Weymouth. Over 11,000 cubic metres of beach material was moved from the Furzy Cliff section of beach, back towards the Greenhill rock groyne. A similar sized recycling scheme should not need to be repeated for 5-10 years, depending on weather conditions and the rate of material loss through longshore drift. An engagement summary for the scheme is available on the project page.     Visit project page   Lyme Regis Cobb Stabilisation Scheme             Engagement Event at the Jubilee Pavilion, November 2025 (photo credit Lyme Regis Town Council)   A well-attended engagement event was held in late November to raise awareness and provide updates on the ongoing Cobb stabilisation scheme. The event explained why the Cobb required stabilisation, the proposed technical option to achieve this and the complexities and key players involved in taking the scheme forward. All of information presented is available on the project page and an event engagement summary will be released at the end of the month.    Temporary repairs to a significant void in the outer wall of the Cobb were carried out in early November. However, adverse weather during the required spring low tides prevented full repairs from being completed. These works are now scheduled to take place during the next suitable spring tide window in the coming months.   Visit project page         Future Coast Dorset Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP)   Engaging Young People in Dorset’s Coastal Future   The Future Coast Dorset team recently invited GCSE and A Level students to apply for a new Coastal Adaptation Pathways Student Panel, launching in February 2026. The panel will build students’ understanding of coastal adaptation while ensuring Future Coast programmes at Charmouth and Swanage reflect the voices of future generations. Future Coast North Swanage       Not only has Winter 2025/26 been storm busy but the Future Coast North Swanage team have been busy offering plenty of opportunities for the community to get involved.   This includes a new citizen science initiative Future Coast Click, a series of on-site Coastal Walks & Talks based on the cliff characteristics and patterns of erosion or instability which will continue into February, and our upcoming Adaptation Plan Community Conversation drop-in.  Check out our Events for full details.         Future Coast North Swanage project page     Future Coast Charmouth   Work is also underway on an Adaptation Plan for Charmouth to help communities adapt to long-term coastal change. An assessment has been completed of erosion trends and future scenarios, identifying risks to key assets and infrastructure. This evidence will inform the Adaptation Plan, alongside community input, to ensure practical and sustainable options are developed. The goal is for the Adaptation Plan to be embedded within Dorset Council’s Local Plan and other strategic frameworks.   A community workshop is being held on 5th February, which will focus on potential triggers for coastal change and the actions needed to respond. The workshop will also provide updates on project progression, including new beach access design, drainage improvements and asset rollback.   Future Coast Charmouth project page   BCP Cliff Management Guide           The BCP Cliff Management Guide initial engagement phase closed in July and the report can be found here. DCF have spent early January meeting with clifftop residents through a combination of door knocking and letter posting. The aim of our approach is to gather answers to three key areas: Property responsibilities – What questions arise when buying, selling or renting? Spotting erosion – Would you know what to look for and how to report it? Building works & gardens – Have you had to consider the cliffs when planning works? Responses are welcomed from cliff top residents until Friday 30th January by emailing Elaine Snow at elaine.snow@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk  More information can be found on the project page.   Visit project page   Portland Underhill to Wyke Regis Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Strategy           DCF led two drop-in events at the Masonic Hall and Beehive Cafe in early December as well as an online presentation. You can watch the online presentation here This engagement round asked for views on the short list of proposed measures for managing long term coastal flood and erosion risk across the strategy area. The response from the events and accompanying survey are currently being analysed and an engagement report will be available at the end of the month.    Visit project page   Weymouth Harbour and Esplanade Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Scheme     DEFRA have released new funding reforms to be implemented from April 2026. The Weymouth FCERM Scheme will be subject to new funding rules meaning the delivery of the Outline Business Case (OBC) will be delayed as it will be required to comply with the new guidance.    Technical works on the OBC continue to progress, including surface water investigation in collaboration with relevant Risk Management Authorities.   Visit project page   #CoastalInnovation                 Christchurch Bay and Harbour Flood & Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy BCP Council and New Forest District Council have formally adopted a new joint strategy which outlines how coastal flood and erosion risk will be managed over the next 100 years, from Hengistbury Head Long Groyne to Hurst Spit, encompassing Christchurch Harbour. The Strategy highlights that ageing existing coastal defences and the changing climate (including rising sea levels) put over 3,500 properties at risk from coastal flooding and or being lost to coastal erosion. See summary document and website.           Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster  A green growth revolution is underway which positions Dorset as a new UK destination for international investment in clean energy. Bringing together private sector organisations, the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster (DCESC) is on a mission to unlock investment and align processes to ensure the UK Industrial Strategy can be delivered in Dorset and the English Channel. Read Energising Dorset’s Economy    Weymouth Peninsula harbour walls repair and replace work continues Work to replace the harbour walls at Weymouth's Peninsula resumed in January with huge sheets of metal being installed in front of the old crumbling walls. New walls will ensure the peninsula is structurally sound and will provide homes and businesses with better protection against predicted sea level rises for the next 70 years. The long-term aim for this area is to eventually develop the Peninsula with a mix of attractive residential, commercial and community led spaces. For more details see Peninsula Harbour Walls repair and replacement scheme - Dorset Council     South West Flood & Coastal launch website South West Flood & Coastal has launched a website reflecting the shared service between BCP Council and East Devon District Council. The site provides information on coastal projects of all scales and is designed for residents, students, and coastal management teams alike. Take a moment to explore the content >> South West Flood and Coastal     £1.4million allocated to strengthen cliff stability management Essential work to help bolster the stability of cliffs across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s coastline is set to take place after BCP’s Cabinet recommended allocating £1.4million of funding. Updates will be made on South West Flood and Coastal     Long Groyne project wins Civil Engineering Award The Hengistbury Head Long Groyne project team  were delighted to be announced winners of the Resilience Award at the ICE South  West Civil Engineering Awards 2025 ceremony. The award acknowledges “one of the  UK’s most environmentally ambitious coast protection schemes, combining  innovative engineering with large-scale marine biodiversity enhancements”.       Crown Estate supports feasibility study for offshore wind port at Portland The Crown Estate has announced in December that it will support clean energy company, Morwind, to produce a feasibility study to further their proposals for Channel Gateway, a deep-water offshore wind port at Portland. The proposed wind port facility would bring thousands of jobs to Portland, Weymouth, Dorset and the South West, creating up to £2.7 billion of economic benefit.     Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Funding Policy Read about the government response to the consultation on reforming our approach to floods funding. Sign up to the mailing list to receive updates. #EnjoyTheCoast         The Winter Walking Challenge is back for 2026! Join the Birds of BARI team on their winter walking challenge to: ·      To get outside every day in January - it could be for a brisk 15 minute walk at lunchtime or a full hike ·      To walk a little further every week - upping your steps and adding some hills ·      To join them for group walks throughout January - explore new places and meet like-minded people. Check their Facebook group for more details:   Entries open for 2025 South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Now in its 14th year, the competition celebrates the extraordinary beauty, diversity and stories found along the 630-mile Trail, from its dramatic headlands and golden beaches to its wildlife, heritage and the people who call the Coast Path home. Entries close at midnight on 31 January 2026 #RespectTheCoast                 Litter Free Dorset campaigns for Weymouth Water Quality In 2025, Litter Free Dorset worked to keep Weymouth’s waters clean through its Water Quality project. With murals, events, and campaigns including Love Weymouth Harbour, Only Rain Down the Drain, Don’t Feed the Locals, and What Not To Flush, the team reached 11,000 households, 80+ hospitality businesses, and 20 boating groups with practical water‑care guidance. More water quality campaigns are on the way this year - watch this space!     Poole Harbour Paddle Power Map Over 1500 copies of the Paddle Power Map were handed out to paddlers using Poole Harbour last year – the digital version is also hosted on the DCF website.  Alongside this the BARI (Bird and Recreation Initiative) team has delivered wildlife friendly water sports sessions to over 140 instructors at 6 of the largest water sports operators working in the area.    Bathing Water Classifications 2025 The Environment Agency has published the 2025 bathing water classifications for 449 designated bathing sites in England. 87% meet standards for ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ classification, an improvement on 2024. Includes ‘Excellent’ classifications for Bournemouth, Poole, Swanage and Weymouth beaches.   A practical guide for local communities and local authorities to recognise your local rivers’ rights The Rights of Rivers toolkit - produced by Hogan Lovells and the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) is an excellent resource for any community looking to recognize and protect the rights of their local river. The resource offers practical advice and legal steps which local communities can take to protect their rivers, from council motions to river representation. You can find it here.  #CoastalConnection         Southern IFCA's Community Drop-In Surgeries - Poole, Thursday 22nd January 2026   Southern IFCA are hosting Community Drop-in Surgeries at two locations in Poole on Thursday 22nd January 2026. Join them for a chat and share your thoughts on local fisheries and conservation matters with the Chairman, Chief Officer and some of the team.     Coasts in Mind offering training opportunities for young people  In February 2026, the team will host a fully funded workshop with Dorset History Centre, giving 16–25‑year‑olds the chance to explore archive material relating to Poole. Youth groups from across the harbour area are welcome. The session will appeal to those interested in geography, history, heritage, museums, or the environment, and is ideal for young people looking to gain new skills, boost their CV, or connect with others. To find out more or book places, contact Hazel hcrabb@MOLA.org.uk or Oliver ohutchinson@MOLA.org.uk.     Consultation: Significant water management issues The Environment Agency is seeking views on the significant water management issues which present challenges to the health of our water environment. Deadline 20 May 2026     Take Part in the Great Big Nature Survey! The Wildlife Trusts want to hear your opinions on some of the biggest questions surrounding nature and our collective role in caring for it.     MMO Update: New and improved marine licensing service Marine licensing users can now use an improved Marine Management Organisation’s marine licensing service. This requires either a Government Gateway ID or a Gov UK one login ID.  If you have already used the new service you can sign up to give the MMO feedback by filling in this short form.     Seafood report shows UK import and export levels on the rise Seafish have published the UK’s only annual report which offers an analysis of seafood data across the entire supply chain, from catch to plate. Link to report here #CoastalRecovery           Bivalve Washout at Studland Bay A major washout of bivalves occurred on Knoll Beach, Studland, on Boxing Day, noticed by beachgoers and reported by Dorset Wildlife Trust. Species included otter shells, rayed trough shells, red-nosed cockles, slipper limpets and whelks and large numbers of razor shells, along with sand mason worm tubes. Middle Beach also saw deep piles of dead seagrass and uprooted plants. Similar events in March 2018 and November 2024 suggest a possible emerging pattern. While the seagrass and seahorses get all the attention, sandy seabed is also a protected habitat in Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone. The sand might look uninhabited but this washout shows that it is full of life – it’s just all buried beneath the surface!         Bivalve washout Knoll Beach, Studland, 26 Dec 2025 (credit: Peter Tinsley, Dorset Wildlife Trust)     New plan to restore and protect Dorset’s environment A new local nature recovery strategy has been adopted to help restore and protect Dorset’s natural environment over the next decade. It was developed by Dorset Council in partnership with BCP Council and Natural England and reflects the views of local farmers, communities and environmental experts. You can view the strategy here     The Wildlife Trusts’ 2025 marine review A year of disasters, discoveries and determination around UK shores. The Wildlife Trusts’ annual Marine Review highlights the work of over 100 Living Seas marine ecologists around our shores, supported by thousands of volunteers.     Building clean energy while our seas flourish: introducing the Marine Recovery Fund Defra have launched the new Marine Recovery Fund, creating a mutually beneficial partnership between clean energy development and environmental protection. Offshore wind development does not have to come at the expense of nature.   Study Records Zooplankton Transporting Microplastics to the Deep Sea A new study has, for the first time, recorded and measured how fast microplastics move through the gut of a key zooplankton species in and used those measurements to estimate how much plastic these tiny animals might be transporting—and sinking down—through the ocean each day. Grants & Funding News Naturesave Trust Grant open: Theme Marine conservation Naturesave Trust is inviting grant applications from charities, community groups and organisations working to protect and restore marine environments, including projects focused on marine conservation. Closing date: 26 February   Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2026 The Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2026 is now open for applications. The fund is open to applicants who want to install a water bottle refill station in a busy or environmentally important coastal location. Since the fund began we have enabled nearly 50 fountains to be installed around the coasts of the British Isles and we can’t wait to see more popping up later this year. Closing date: 28 February   Water Efficiency Fund Ofwat has funding available for designed to drive sustained and measurable reductions in water demand through collaborative and innovative approaches. Closing date: 10 March   UK Community Tree Planting Grant International Tree Foundation are offering funding, free trees, and expert advice for community-led planting projects such as orchards, hedgerows, and woodlands on publicly accessible land. Includes maintenance support for two years. Closing date: 31 March Save the Date - Conferences & Events     Coastal Futures 2026, London & Online, 28-29 January 2026 This conference is an opportunity to challenge conventions, spark new ideas, and shape the future of our oceans. They'll be exploring key themes like balancing blue growth, coastal resilience, and innovating for a healthy ocean.    2nd Ocean Advocate Summit, 21 February 2026, Bristol With passionate ocean speakers from all walks of life, workshops to help you consolidate your desire to do more for the ocean, and exhibitors, artists, musicians and storytellers to weave reflection and inspiration into the day, you will leave ready to take action.  If you have information to share, or wish to unsubscribe, please email dorset.coast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Find links to our projects at @dorsetcoastforum | Linktree       Copyright © 2026 Dorset Coast Forum, All rights reserved. Dorset Coast Forum mailing list

[Mal Thomas]

Thanks for posting, I had just read it. This is the Seminar we attended.