What have we done so far?

Established the function of the land use group is to act as a network to support and enable local projects in the following areas:

• This team leads work on the Great Big Dorset Hedge project, including accessing funding for it, engaging local communities and carrying out mapping and survey work

• Tree protection - understanding the regulations and how to defend our trees

• Lifelines projects- encouraging community interaction, investigating the use of herbicides / pesticides and alternative practices

• Wildlife restoration networks / corridors

• Food production - sustainable local production methods.

What are we doing now and what’s next?

• Focusing on tree and hedgerow projects as grants are available now and need to be applied for.

• Establishing a database of information links.

What’s next/future plans?

• The Great Big Dorset Hedge

• Focus on sustainable food systems

• Continue to gather data on the different aspects of Land Use related projects

• Future plans / visions:

• Clean Rivers and Seas

• Locally produced food without plastic packaging

• Trees genuinely protected

• Farming without reliance on pesticides and herbicides

Policy Successes

1. Held an open event on Land Use and Biodiversity

2. Hosted a presentation by the Dorset National Park Team

3. Ran an online meeting on Food Systems & Forest Gardens: how to make change happen in your community.See a report of the meeting here.

4. Supported community conservation and rewilding proposals

Interested in getting involved?

We need help with submitting info onto a database (call Julie 07791741687). Experts in mapping would also be useful as map analysis is a useful basis for many land use projects.​

Contact Julie or Ian if you’d like to join the Land-use Team.