Landscapes

We believe that landscape is more than just ‘the view’. It’s the ever-changing relationship between people, place and nature.

Some of England’s finest sea cliffs, open rolling countryside, heathland, villages and towns are in our care. For many years the Dorset Branch of the CPRE has campaigned successfully, on behalf of future generations, to save and protect the Dorset countryside.

Dorset contains two National Landscapes (formerly AONBs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Dorset AONB (West Dorset) and a small part of Cranborne Chase AONB). We are proud of our iconic and much loved landscapes such as Lulworth Cove, The Jurassic Coast, Chesil Beach, Corfe Castle, Colmers Hill, Eggardon, Maiden Castle and many more.

Dorset also has 11 National Nature Reserves, 141 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), over 1,254 Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCIs) and 23 sites recognised to be of international or European importance (SACs, SPAs and RAMSAR sites). There are also 63 Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS) and 45 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs).

The Dorset countryside means a lot to all of us. In the face of increasing pressures for development, we must join together to defend it.