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May 2025

  • Date published

    Friday, 30 May 2025

News from the team

May has been a busy month for the team, core activities include validation of farmer nutrient accounts for the Poole Harbour Nutrient Management Scheme (PHNMS), CaBA self-evaluation and the annual CaBA Monitoring and Evaluation form circulation to partners. Since the last newsletter, we’ve also held our Poole Harbour Delivery Group and Stour Delivery Group meetings. These provided an opportunity for partners to update each other on the fantastic work that is happening across the partnership to improve water quality and enhance biodiversity both in channel and in riparian areas. A busy summer is on the horizon with visits to the newly restored Dorset Peat Partnership sites amongst other things. The pace is quickening with regard to the two WINEP projects happening in the DCP area, Stour chalk streams and clay vales and the Frome Headwaters flagship chalk stream restoration. Meetings are being set up, work streams planned, for delivery and work on the ground starting soon. You can find out more about these and other WINEP projects here.

Happy reading…
Zoë

Partner update

Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy consultation

Dorset is a beautiful place and home to lots of plants and animals. But wildlife in our county is declining and spaces for nature are disappearing.

So, people and organisations across Dorset have been working on a plan to restore and protect nature in our county.

Have your say on Dorset’s local nature recovery strategy and…

  • learn more about exciting plans to make more space for nature in Dorset
  • share your ideas and feedback on the strategy
  • hear from individuals and organisations already making a difference in Dorset 

Together, let’s help nature thrive in Dorset.

Find out more and help shape the strategy, by visiting dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/nature-recovery-strategy.

 

Wider news

The Itchen Salmon Delivery Plan
Wildfish have launched a new plan to protect the endangered Atlantic salmon species in the River Itchen. The plan involves habitat restoration, improved fish passage, and water quality initiatives, achieved through collaboration among environmental organisations, conservation groups and fisheries experts.
 
Forestry England woodland creation programme
Over the past four years, Forestry England has created 16 new woodlands and planted 1.8 million trees. The woodlands cover 1,000 hectares of land and most of them will be accessible to the public. Through the Nature for Climate Fund, seven more woodlands are planned to be planted over the next year. 

The Freshwater Network
Freshwater Habitats Trust have launched a new strategy which aims to increase freshwater biodiversity by reconnecting landscapes and creating a network of high-quality waterbodies. Small water bodies and wetlands will be a key focus of the strategy, as they make up 80% of the freshwater environment.

Stream in Dartmoor National Park, credit Freshwater Habitats Trust

Is A River Alive?
Robert Macfarlane has recently published a new book, ‘Is A River Alive?’, where he explores rivers as living beings, and considers how rivers should be recognised by both the imagination and the law.
 
Preparing for an Environment Agency farm inspection
The Environment Agency (EA) has published a blog and produced a video explaining what is involved in an EA inspection. It includes details of what they are typically looking for in an inspection, how to prepare, how they address any non-compliance issues, and what happens following an inspection. 

 

Local news

Canford Heath peatland restorations
An article has been published by the BBC highlighting the restorations delivered by Dorset Peat Partnership on Canford Heath. Following a fire in 2022, the fire-damaged pines have been repurposed and utilised in the restoration works.

Burnt heathland in 2022 (left) and three years post (right), credit BCP Council

Electric marine propulsion technology
Poole Harbour Commissioners have secured funding to develop electric propulsion systems for marine vessels, which are designed to be low in emissions. The project will also involve a feasibility study as to whether existing vessels can be converted to adopt these electric systems.
 
Bird flu updates
Defra have published an update of the current guidance for captive birds to prevent the spread of avian influenza (bird flu). As of the 18th May 2025, there have been confirmed cases in captive birds within the Dorset catchment, and biosecurity measures have been put in place. 

 

Get involved

Swanage Green Seafront and Shore Road survey
The second consultation round is open until Sunday 29th June, for the proposed creation and enhancement of green spaces along Swanage seafront.

The Poole Harbour Fishery Order 2015 Management Plan (2025 Revision)
Southern IFCA are asking for your views on their current management plan, which is up for review. The plan details how aquaculture activity will be managed within a defined area of Poole Harbour. Scroll down to find this consultation in this link, and have your say before the 30th May 2025.

Water vole surveys
The People’s Trust for Endangered Species’ National Water Vole Monitoring Programme is now open between the 15th April - 15th June for citizen scientists to record and monitor water vole sightings at an allocated site. 

Water vole, credit People’s Trust for Endangered Species

 

Funding

Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025
Defra have opened this year's round of funding, which can be used for improving farming productivity, managing slurry or improving animal health and welfare. The window for applications is open from the 29th May to the 10th July 2025.
 
Stobart Sustainability fund
Funding is available for community-led sustainability projects, which aim to tackle climate change, reduce carbon emissions or protect and enhance the environment.
 
Community match funding
The Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation has 3:1 match funding, for up to £5,000 available for new projects improving the environment within their local community.
 
Open Rivers Programme
Funding is available for projects involving dam removal. The application window is open from the 9th June until the 4th July 2025. 

 

Events and webinars

Putting people at the heart of river recovery
The Catchment Systems Thinking Cooperative (CaSTCo) will be presenting a webinar about the benefits of citizen science alongside professional and regulatory monitoring. This will be taking place on June 10th 2025. Register your place here.
 
Exploring how Local Nature Recovery Strategies can help chalk streams
Catchment Based Approach will be presenting a webinar where they explain opportunities for protecting and developing chalk streams within Local Nature Recovery Strategies. It will be taking place on June 11th 2025. Secure your place here. 

 

Jobs