December 2025
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Date published
Thursday, 18 December 2025
News from the team
This is our final Newsletter for 2025, and what a year it has been offering challenges and achievements for the partnership in equal measure.
The most obvious challenges across the catchments came as a result of the drought. I am reliably informed that the spring of 2025 was the driest in 132 years, and with four heatwaves, the Met Office declared the summer of 2025 the hottest since records began in 1884. The result was that our rivers ran low, if at all, placing severe stress on the environment. Conversely, the end of the year saw storms and deluges of biblical proportions although, thankfully they were not overly destructive in Dorset. It seems our climate is changing!
Nevertheless, around the challenges the partnership has delivered some terrific work. Amongst a host of examples, the two WINEP projects in our area spring to mind (Frome Headwaters Flagship Chalk Stream Restoration and Stour Chalk Streams and Clay Vales) as they move into delivery phase. And who could forget the beavers who have been grabbing headlines for good, and sometimes less positive, reasons. Additionally, the Dorset Peat Partnership was successful in securing extension grant funding for 2025-26. Securing funding in the current financial climate is tough, nevertheless seven projects have been submitted for support from the EA Water Environment Improvement Fund. All these example (and there are more, but space has defeated me) are testament to the great effort, which is invested by partners to deliver better outcomes for the Dorset catchments.
This year we have also tried to be more outward facing and have delivered personal briefings to local MPs, potential funders and have attended various festivals and events.
There is much to be pleased about from 2025, but of course still much to do in 2026!
All that remains is for me, along with Zoë, Janine and Holly, to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.
Lee Hardy
2025 - Partner Highlights
National Trust
Gen Crisford
The first licenced wild beaver release in England took place in Purbeck in March, following years of preparation and patience.
Natural Flood management interventions were successfully implemented across South Purbeck farmland.
Wessex Water
Tom Hicks
We have delivered several nature-based solution projects in the Stour catchment, from wetland scrapes, ponds, two-stage ditches and sediment traps in the Dorset Stour, which are trapping sediment and phosphorus, preventing it from entering the River Stour and its tributaries.
Dave Jones
2025 saw the completion of all planned AMP7 improvements within the Poole Harbour catchment, the start of AMP8 projects to further enhance its watercourses and the construction of the Bulbury Lane wetland.
BCP Council
Cally Barnes
An understanding of the environmental baseline of Holes Bay through data collection has been undertaken in anticipation of a trial of saltmarsh restoration in 2026/7.
Dorset Wildlife Trust
Amanda Broom
By re-meandering rivers, re-wetting peat, and creating leaky dams, wetland creation at Tadnoll and Winfrith will boost wildlife, improve water quality for Poole Harbour, and showcase how working with nature builds resilient landscapes.
Delivery is now under way with farmer led interventions in the headwaters of the River Frome. Collaborative working has enabled grants for farmers to deliver a series of woody debris dams and leaky ponds.
Dorset Peat Partnership
Grace Hervé
Dorset Peat Partnership this winter have delivered further peatland restoration works at Winfrith Heath on DWT land, and NT Purbecks ventured back to Upper Greenland’s mire and Agglestone mire to do more great interventions to slow the flow of water and re-wet these amazing habitats.
Dorset Council
Amy Smith
The new Dorset local nature recovery strategy has been published – thank you to all partners who helped shape the strategy, from the priority on rivers and wetlands, to putting catchment projects on the map.
Catchment Sensitive Farming - Natural England
Victor Hyde
2025 has been a successful and enjoyable year engaging with farmers and farmer groups. Every farm visit, funding infrastructure improvements, advising on farming practices and helping with farm inspections has not only reduced river pollution risk, but our relationships and rapport has supported farmer wellbeing.
With farmer groups, a particular highlight was building relationships, particularly canoeing with farmers on the River Stour.
Dorset National Landscape
Ian Rees
Working with volunteers to deliver natural flood management monitoring, as part of an ambitious programme of activity in the Brit catchment.
Environment Agency
Henry Quinney
Throughout 2025 the Environment Agency has been engaging with partners to develop the Heart of Wessex initiative to support cross border delivery of Local Nature Recovery Schemes priorities for Dorset Somerset and Wiltshire - focused on protecting and enhancing our rare and important chalk streams and species, improving water quality and protecting communities from flooding.
Routine monitoring of watercourses has been carried out across Dorset throughout 2025 including electro fishing surveys, water quality sampling and kick sampling.
Wider news
Environmental Improvement Plan 2025
The Environmental Improvement Plan 2025 sets England’s roadmap for cleaner air and water, thriving wildlife, and resilient landscapes. It includes major investments in water infrastructure, flood defences, and nature-friendly farming, alongside targets for climate action and public access to green spaces. The plan links environmental recovery with economic growth and community wellbeing to deliver lasting benefits for people and nature.
Ghost ponds bring biodiversity back
Restoring buried “ghost ponds” is proving a highly effective way to revive biodiversity. Dormant seeds in the soil allow plants and wildlife to return quickly after excavation. Professor Carl Sayer’s research shows how simple restoration can transform landscapes. The approach highlights the power of collaboration between scientists and local communities.
Landscape Recovery builds nature infrastructure - Natural England
Natural England’s Landscape Recovery scheme is restoring habitats and tackling climate change through large-scale projects. Backed by £500 million, it supports biodiversity, farming livelihoods, and community engagement. Over 50 pilot projects are already underway across England.
Ock and Thame Landscape Recovery Project
Photo credit: Freshwater Habitats Trust
River Anton Chalk Stream Resilience Programme – Wessex Rivers Trust
The Wessex Rivers Trust is leading restoration of Hampshire’s River Anton to improve its resilience. This chalk stream project tackles water quality, quantity, and habitat issues across the catchment. Partners include Southern Water, councils, regulators, fishing clubs, and local communities. The goal is full restoration by 2035, benefiting wildlife and people alike.
Local news
Dorset Local Nature Partnership appoints new Chair
Dr Phil Sterling has been named Chair of Dorset Local Nature Partnership. He brings over 30 years of experience in ecology and conservation, including leadership roles in habitat restoration. Phil aims to strengthen partnerships and drive nature recovery across Dorset. His focus will be on tackling climate challenges and connecting communities with the natural environment.
Nature-based flood management in Swanage
A £325k Environment Agency funded project led by the National Trust is using natural techniques like leaky dams, scrapes, and bunds to slow water flow and reduce flood risk along Swan Brook. Early results show improved resilience and biodiversity benefits. Monitoring continues, and landowners are encouraged to adopt similar measures.
Restoration of the Little Piddle – Dorset Wildlife Trust
Dorset Wildlife Trust is restoring the Little Piddle stream to improve water quality and habitats. The project involves re-meandering the channel and planting native vegetation. These changes will benefit species like trout, kingfishers, and aquatic plants. The work also reduces flood risk and reconnects rivers with natural processes.
Little Piddle in October 2025
Photo credit: Ben Atkinson
Get involved
Volunteers wanted - Dorset Wildlife Trust
Dorset Wildlife Trust is looking for volunteers to help at its visitor centres. Volunteers will welcome visitors, share wildlife knowledge, and support events and activities. It’s a great way to meet people, learn new skills, and make a positive impact on nature. Anyone interested can apply online and join a friendly conservation team.
Funding
Water Efficiency Fund
Ofwat has funding available for designed to drive sustained and measurable reductions in water demand through collaborative and innovative approaches. Applications close on the 10th March 2026.
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. Apply by 31st March 2026.
Webinar: Funding for chalk streams
A video has recently been shared by the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) on exploring long-term funding solutions for chalk stream restoration. Hear from experts on diversifying funding sources.
Events and webinars
2026 Farming events - Defra
Defra’s Farming and Countryside Programme is planning its 2026 engagement with farmers. The team wants suggestions on events to attend. Farmers and organisers are invited to share ideas through the blog. This feedback will help shape future policy and ensure farmers’ voices are heard.
Litter Free Dorset Summit 2026
Join Litter Free Dorset on 14th January 2026 at Shire Hall Museum, Dorchester for a day of inspiring talks and workshops focused on tackling litter and promoting circular economy solutions. Hear from experts including Dan Dicker (Circular & Co), Roy Beale (Clean Jurassic Coast), and more. Tickets are by donation (suggested £10) and include lunch.
Jobs
- The Environment Agency are searching for a Senior Environment Monitoring Officer. Submit your application before 4th January 2026.
- The University of Southampton are offering a fully funded PhD to study how seagrass and saltmarsh restoration can revive ecosystems in nutrient-rich estuaries, focusing on Poole Harbour. The project combines fieldwork, lab experiments, and industry collaboration to guide future habitat recovery. Applications close on 8th January 2026.