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Getting the balance right between Dorset’s Housing, Nature & Countryside
Dorset is renowned worldwide for its stunning Jurassic coastline, unique heathlands, inspiring landscapes and rich biodiversity. However, these are all under increasing pressure from Development.
Dorset CPRE’s 2026 Online Conference, ‘Getting the balance right between Dorset’s Housing, Nature and the Countryside’, explores how the county’s treasured landscapes and natural history can be protected and nurtured in the face of increasing pressure from Development.
Following a welcome and introduction by Dorset CPRE President and former BBC Chief News Correspondent, Kate Adie, presentations will include:-
- The current state of Nature in Dorset and the challenge of increasing new development – Imogen Davenport, Conservation Director Dorset Wildlife Trust.
- Biodiversity Net Gain – Is it being delivered? Professor Malcolm Tait and Dr Keira Chapman, from the Planning for Nature team, will talk about the project which is investigating the success of new planning policies to protect biodiversity, and their past research into the delivery of biodiversity net gain on development sites.
- Water Management – its effect on Nature and mitigating impacts of development – Matt Wheeldon, Director Wessex Water will talk about how water management strategies can protect both people and the natural environment.
- Landscape Led Development – Protecting Dorset’s Unique Character – a representative from Land Use Consultants, who have produced landscape sensitivity reports for both BCP and Dorset Councils will give a presentation on the role of landscape sensitivity mapping in shaping new development.
- Dorset and BCP Councils – The challenge of meeting development needs whilst protecting and improving the environment. Councillors Nick Ireland (Leader of Dorset Council) and Millie Earl (Leader of BCP Council) will talk about the challenges their councils face in protecting the environment in the face of increasing government housing targets.
After the presentations, there will be a debate on the issues raised and a Q&A session.
Please come and join us to find out what can be done to protect and improve Dorset’s precious landscapes and valued environment. Visit our Summer Planning Conference event page for more information and to book.
