Originally published in 1999 and reviewed in 2009, the local Shoreline Management Plan sets out the policy for managing the coast and our response to coastal flooding and erosion risks for 25, 50 and 100 years.

The construction of Europe’s first artificial surf reef was completed at Boscombe, Bournemouth this year and is set to put Bournemouth firmly on the UK surf map. 

The Environment Agency

HM Government Agency, responsible for river flood defence and local flood warning plans.  Encourages the provision of adequate, economically, technically and environmentally sound and sustainable flood and coastal defence measures.  Also discourages inappropriate development in areas at risk from flooding and coastal erosion and monitors local authority high level targets for flood and coastal defence.

Natural England

HM Government Agency, responsible for enabling UK legislation & conservation of dynamic coasts, and managing European Habitats Directive and International Agreements in the coastal zone.

(SCOPAC) Regional Coastal Group responsible for inter-authority co-ordination of coastal defence.  Conducts local coastal research and reports to DEFRA and other coastal groups throughout England & Wales.

Dorset Coast Forum

County-wide Coastal Zone Management Group, responsible for development local coastal management policies.

Dorset Wildlife Trust

Responsible for developing the Dorset Biodiversity Strategy and a consultee to the Councils' flood & coastal management programme.

A collection of more than 20,000 interactive maps and images recording the cultural heritage, natural environment and local history of Dorset.  Hosted by Bournemouth University and funded by the Big Lottery.