Welcome to the Dorset LNP website.  Residents of, and visitors to, Dorset cannot fail to be impressed by the stunning environment we live in, parts of which are recognised nationally and internationally for their special interest and quality. As well as these ‘special’ places, Dorset’s environment is made up of ‘ordinary’ countryside and green space, many less visible natural systems which provide crucial goods and services to support our way of life, and other natural assets which may not be immediately apparent.

In recent years the environment in Dorset has fared reasonably well, especially when compared with other parts of Britain, but there is still a marked, ongoing decline. Our environment from grasslands and heaths to marine, as well as our heritage assets, are extremely fragile and easily degraded. In such a ‘green’ county, environment appears to be taken for granted so the LNP aims to highlight the huge economic value in terms of ecosystem services that it provides.

The world is facing a triple crisis…

…all of which are caused by humans and the way in which we have lived upon the planet, accelerated dramatically since the industrial and agricultural revolutions. They are both specific and intrinsically connected:

The Climate Emergency

This is real, immediate, and will be dramatic. The impacts will be felt globally, and that includes Dorset. This will directly through changes to weather patterns, or indirectly through water availability or migration. We will see changes to species and ecological adaptations, and there will be associated changes to disease patterns, agricultural production systems and health.

The Ecological Emergency

It is clear that natural environments in Dorset and beyond continue to degrade, despite legislation and action groups’ best efforts. Soil continues to denude through intensive farming, and habitats are lost through this and housing and industrial development such as roads and rail. Losses in biodiversity lead to weaker natural populations and ecosystems, as well as reducing potential futures. Genetic conservation is vital for future resilience against novel diseases, both of humans and the rest of nature.

The Health and Wellbeing Emergency

Human lifespans are finite, and life expectancy has probably peaked. The benefits of medicines and healthcare have reduced mortality to approaching its natural limit, and we are now seeing this benefit eroded by increases in obesity, diet-related diseases such as diabetes and a surge of mental health concerns post-pandemic. Exercise rates are low, engagement with nature is poor and health inequalities need to be addressed. Access to and appreciation of our connection with nature is decreasing.

None of the three is good news. Together they are an immediate call to action. Humans do not sit discretely from nature but have created a world where this is being forgotten. This is both folly and a recipe our children will not thank us for. We need to work, play, and co-exist far more harmoniously with the natural world around us.

Purpose of Dorset’s LNP

The Dorset LNP brings together a wide range of partners in public, private and voluntary sectors across the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole and Dorset council areas.  It exists to maximise the benefits to be gained from protecting and enhancing the unique natural assets of the area for people, wildlife and businesses.

The Dorset Local Nature Partnership will:

• Provide leadership for those working to protect and enhance the environment in Dorset
• Advocate the good management of Dorset’s natural environment for its own sake and the many benefits it offers
• Articulate the importance of Dorset’s natural environment to economic and social wellbeing in a manner appropriate to diverse audiences
• Ensure that the natural environment is taken into account in policy and decision-making

Publications

See our Publications page for all our publications or follow the links below:

• Vision and Strategy
• Good Practice Case Studies
• Natural Capital Investment Strategy
• State of Dorset ‘s Environment: Natural Value Report
• Position Papers
• Annual Reports
• Newsletters

Contact Dorset LNP

If you have any queries please contact the Dorset LNP at the details below.
Email: info@dorsetlnp.org.uk
Twitter: @dorset_lnp
Maria Clarke – Dorset LNP Manager
Brooklands Farm, Forston, Dorset, DT2 7AA
01305 264620

Or you can send us an enquiry form here, or why not sign up to receive our latest news and events.