OPTIONS: Options for locating visitor centre. Choice of future management and priorities for the area.

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1 TITLE: ISSUE: RESOURCES: NO STONE UNTERNED! Managing in a sustainable way the diverse recreational and leisure uses in an area of very high scenic and nature conservation interest. Location plan, site plan, photographs of features of conservation interest, newspaper cuttings, photographs of environmental issues, pressures and management solution bubble diagrams, matrix, map with key features and blanks for students use TASKS: Identifying the key activities and uses in the Ferrybridge area. Preparing an information leaflet and/or an interpretive board for visitors to the area. Analysing management techniques and developing own management plan. ROLE: Undertaking the role of one of the varied interest groups; visitor / watersport activist / residents / wardens / conservation group. Preparation of Management Plan for the area to accommodate diverse uses and interests. Potential for role play exercise. CONFLICTS: Recreational uses, visitor pressure and fragile areas of nature conservation ISSUES Importance of tourism and recreation to economy. INVOLVED: Multiplicity of uses and activities in the area, commercial fishing, recreation, leisure / watersports. Range of identifiable interest groups and local organisations. OPTIONS: Options for locating visitor centre. Choice of future management and priorities for the area. DECISION: Decision Making exercise involving reconciling conflicts of use, land and visitor management and the Management Plan Process. Page 10 / 1

2 BACKGROUND This Case Study addresses environmental management issues in the Ferrybridge area between Weymouth and Portland, so called because it is the crossing point over the Fleet Lagoon to Portland. The area is part of the 'Isthmus' which joins the 'Island' of Portland with the mainland at Weymouth and incorporates part of the Chesil Beach, The Fleet and the environs of Portland Harbour. The Chesil Beach and The Fleet area continues to receive increasing numbers of visitors, and in particular, school and student field study groups, coming to study both the geomorphology and the recreational and conservation management issues in the area. The Management Plan itself was prepared in response to the conflicts of interest and pressures which had become increasingly apparent in an area which was subject to very little control but which is one of the richest sites of environmental importance on the Dorset Coastline, but also recognised as being of outstanding importance for water sports and other recreational uses, notably within nearby Portland Harbour. The need for management of the area was therefore brought about by a number of factors including: The area's very high nature conservation interest, which is reflected by a wide range of national, european and international designations. The fact that there was little or no control over activities which did not involve 'development' and so did not need planning permission. The presence of 'Common Land' which allows for freedom of access for the public across open land. Ownership of land by both the Crown Estate as part of the 'Royal Manor of Portland' and the Ilchester Estate, who own the bed of the Fleet Lagoon. The wide range of different activities undertaken in the area by special interest groups, with little regard for and lack of awareness of the impact of their activity on other interests of importance. Many organisations with some interest in the area but no one agency taking a leading, coordinating or managing role. Page 10 / 2

3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN The principle aims and objectives of the plan can be summarised as: To manage the diverse recreational and leisure pressures in the area so as to minimise their visual impact and most importantly, minimise their impact on the area's internationally recognised nature conservation value. To inform and educate visitors about the area's nature conservation status, with a view to achieving greater understanding of the potential conflicts of interest and encouraging users of the area to respect its status and value and to promote a degree of 'self management'. To assist with the overall management of the natural features of Chesil Beach and The Fleet. To reduce erosion and damage and improve the appearance of the area through a programme of environmental improvements. To provide improved interpretation and other facilities for visitors. The issues addressed in the Ferrybridge Management Plan and which can be witnessed on site are very much an example of sustainability being addressed at the local level and which can be compared with issues of a national and global level. Page 10 / 3

4 THE MANAGEMENT PLAN PROCESS SURVEY AND APPRAISAL Background research on the area and its value On site identification of uses and activities EXTENSIVE PRELIMINARY CONSULTATION Discussions with landowners, users and interest groups to establish issues, problems and expectations for the future. IDENTIFY KEY ISSUES, CONFLICTS AND OBJECTIVES Conflicts between user groups; aim for reconciliation and compromise Consensus of opinion on the Way Ahead PUBLISH MANAGEMENT PLAN Publish in draft and re-consult interest groups and Publish Final Plan PROGRAMME OF ACTION Identify clear programme of action for practical management and improvements on site IMPLEMENTATION Carry out works and improvements REVIEW CONTINUED LIAISON AND FUTURE PLANS Review plan in the light of experience. Talk to user groups to assess reaction through experience of changes. Discuss plans for future and further improvements in management and on site. The 'Management Plan Process' which is illustrated in this case study has many parallels with the 'Geographical Enquiry Process' as it involves the survey and appraisal of an area, the identification of issues, the carrying out of tasks and the review of what has been done. Page 10 / 4

5 FEATURES OF INTEREST THE FLEET LAGOON The Fleet is the largest tidal lagoon in Britain, being 13km long and extending from Portland Harbour to the well known Abbotsbury Swannery. As well as enjoying Site of Special Scientific Interest, (SSSI) status, the Fleet, together with the adjacent Chesil Beach, which forms the protective barrier between the lagoon and Lyme Bay, is a EU Special Protection Area, (SPA) and RAMSAR site in recognition of its value as a bird habitat and wetland. It has also been identified as a 'Candidate Special Area of Conservation' under the European Habitats Directive. Although it provides a habitat for a wide range of marine flora and fauna, some unique to this location, it is also of particular importance for wading and migratory birds. Common species include the Turnstone, Sanderling, Bar Tailed Godwit and flocks of Brent Geese, but rarities have included visiting Ospreys, Kentish Plover and many others. (A RAMSAR site is a wetland recognised as being internationally important following the signing of an international Convention in Ramsar in Iran). CHESIL BEACH Although highlighted in every geography textbook, the scale and enormity of the 25km length of Chesil Beach can only be fully appreciated by crunching through the pebbles to the top of the crest to view is splendour and the expanse of Lyme Bay to the West. The Beach's pebbles are naturally graded, increasing in size from west to east and continually moving with the tides and storms, which also change the Beach's profile. The Beach is essential for coastal protection being a natural sea defence, hosting a wide variety of flora and fauna which have adapted to this stoney habitat. As well as providing a home for sea campion and carpets of sea pinks, the Beach provides a nesting place for one of the largest Little Tern colonies in the South of England, with up to 50 pairs nesting annually, together with 20 or more pairs of Ringed Plovers. Previously subject to attack by predators such as foxes, the nesting birds and their young are now protected in the Spring 24 hours a day by the Warden of the Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve and his team of volunteer "nightwatchmen". NATURA 2000 MARINE SITES Natura 2000 is a network of areas designated to conserve natural habitats and species of wildlife which are rare, endangered or vulnerable in the European Community. The Natura 2000 network includes two types of area, Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA), some areas being both. Page 10 / 5

6 Chesil Beach and The Fleet are now a Candidate Special Area of Conservation, (SAC), under the EU Habitats Directive 1996 and 'Natura 2000' Programme. The Fleet is the largest example of a lagoonal habitat in England and is bordered by the shingle barrier beach of Chesil bank. It has the greatest diversity of habitats and species of all lagoons in the UK and marine inverterbrates and algae are extremely diverse. This imposes increased requirements upon the owners, the Local Planning Authority and English Nature as the statutory government nature conservation body and other responsible bodies, to ensure that the area is properly managed to maintain the environmental quality of the SAC. The more commercial use of the former Portland Naval Base and Portland Harbour brings with it the potential for a change in the nature of activities within the port and harbour areas, which could impact upon the water qualities of The Fleet. It is important therefore that management schemes are prepared for these valuable marine habitat sites. Operations which may cause deterioration or disturbance to the conservation features of value on the site may be subject to restrictions under a management scheme. The overall purpose of the Natura 2000 network as far as the marine sites is concerned is to enable the habitats to be maintained in a "Favourable Condition" or where appropriate, restored to a favourable conservation status over their natural range. A SAC Management Group has therefore been established as required by the EU regulations to examine all issues relating to the conservation value of The Fleet and Chesil area. Part of this process is the preparation of a list of activities which could be potentially damaging and the consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of SAC designation. A summary of these is included within this Case Study. THE HAMM Running parallel to Chesil Beach and the main A354, which forms Portland's only road link to the mainland, is the Hamm, a narrow strip of rough, low-lying grassland and shingle beach which is SSSI, renowned for its flora and intertidal marine species. Being Common Land, public access is freely available and this has brought with it problems of severe erosion which has resulted in numerous tracks created by pedestrians crossing from the main car park, many of whom are sailboarders, attracted to the comparatively sheltered waters of Portland Harbour and the prevailing South Westerly winds that increase in speed when blowing across Chesil Beach, which effectively acts as a aerofoil. (Plan 1 illustrates these areas of interest). Page 10 / 6

7 PLAN 1 TO WEYMOUTH FERRYBRIDGE BOATYARD THE FLEET LAGOON RAMSAR SITE PORTLAND HARBOUR SSSI SPA SAC CHESIL BEACH VISITOR CENTRE THE HAMM BEACH BOARD WALKS CHESIL BEACH FOOTWAY CAR PARK LYME BAY Reproduced with the kind permission of Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright NC/1308/00 TO PORTLAND Page 10 / 7

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9 Candidate Special Area of Conservation -EU Habitats Directive Potential Advantages and Disadvantages of Designation ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES Statutory protection and habitat conservation Grant aid possibilities Awareness raising of conservation value with statutory authorities and the public Promotes research and good management practice Extra bureaucracy - management plan required Possible EU role in decision making; loss of local control Extra management costs -financial -manpower Information gathering excercise Constraint on development of adjacent land Greater weight in planning decisions Cooperation between agencies Production of habitat management plan Constraint on water based operations in harbour Additional infrastructure / protection measures required Input of resources -finance -manpower Raises environmental image of the area Increased visitor pressure from general and specialist groups Percieved Constraint inhibiting economic development and expansion of commercial activities around Portland Harbour Page 10 / 9

10 THE PRESSURES The pressures which the Ferrybridge area has to accommodate are diverse and are present to different degrees throughout much of the year. They can be summarised as follows: 100, ,000 visitors per annum. The purpose of visits to the area is wide ranging from local people 'walking the dog', to those engaged in specialist sports or activities. Sailboarding/windsurfing with national and international competitions. Portland Harbour is renowned for sailboarding because the prevailing wind is from the South West and as it comes over Chesil Beach it increases in speed. However Chesil Beach also protects the Harbour so that the result is that there are high winds in the Harbour but the water remains relatively calm. All windsurfers have to cross the A354 and the grassland on the Hamm, where boardwalks aim to channel the visitor pressure. Boating and canoeing. This takes place within the Fleet but is limited to small craft due to the height of the Ferrybridge. Numbers are monitored in order to minimise disturbance to feeding and nesting birds. Sailboarding is not permitted in the Fleet. Bait digging on the intertidal muds of Fleet at low tide. This is undertaken by recreational fishermen and if kept to a modest scale can be accommodated. However, the fishermen's bait is also food to the wading birds but equally importantly, the waders will not feed if disturbed and the time available is limited to when the sandflats are exposed at low tide. Fishing/angling off Chesil Beach which hosts national competitions. Large numbers of fishermen use the Beach at particular times of the year, which can lead to problems of litter and the potential for disturbance to the nesting terns. Diving in the Harbour and part of Lyme Bay known locally as 'Deadman's Bay'! The area provides access to some of the best dive sites in the locality, all adding to the pressure of trampling on the fragile environment of the Beach and the Hamm. Swimming and general recreational visits to 'see the Beach'. Swimming in the Harbour is perceived by some to be less easy and less safe due to the large number of sailboarders, their proximity of the shore and in some cases, their speed. Educational field study visits; an increasingly significant activity. An activity which is being positively encouraged both to inform people about Page 10 / 10

11 the natural environment of the area as well as some of the less obvious problems being faced in managing the pressures on the area. It is hoped that the field visits will encourage students and teachers to return to the area on holiday. Birdwatching, particularly in Spring and Autumn. The Fleet is one of a number of important birdwatching areas in the Weymouth and Portland area, particularly in the Spring and Autumn when large numbers of migrating birds pass through the area, some stopping to rest and feed near the Fleet. Oyster Farming in the high quality waters of the Fleet and Portland Harbour. The introduction of shellfish farming on a commercial scale into the Fleet has to be carefully controlled. Some concern has been expressed about the introduction of non-native, Pacific Oysters into the Fleet and the problems this might cause. To date these seem unfounded. Pressure of 'off road' 4 wheeled drive vehicles and scrambler bikes on the grassland and Chesil Beach. Such activities were a major problem causing severe damage to the Beach and its flora and fauna. This has been stopped through the provision of large stone blocks to prevent vehicles driving out of the car park and up onto the Beach. Potential Oil Spillage from Portland Harbour The waters of the Fleet flow in and out of the Harbour and so can be affected by any spillage of oil or other pollutants. The commercialisation of the former Portland Naval Base and Air Station emphasises the need for protection measures. Boat Maintenance and Repair Activities The presence of the boatyard adjacent to the entrance to the Fleet at Ferrybridge poses potential problems associated with maintaining and repairing boats and engines, which requires vigilance and quick action in the event of a problem and highlights the importance of on-site wardening. Ministry of Defence Activity in the Fleet Further up the Fleet to the west is a Royal Engineers Training Camp. Such uses all add to the possibility of accident or damage which could affect the Fleet's fragile environment and which have to be monitored. Viewpoint; Local Planner Some of these activities bring significant numbers of visitors with resulting economic benefits to the area and the need to accommodate them and allow for their expansion where possible, is entirely compatible with the strategy of developing "Sustainable Tourism" for Portland. This is a factor of increasing importance in view of the need to regenerate and diversify Portland's economy following the closures of the Naval Base and other MOD sites on the Island and the resulting job losses. Page 10 / 11

12 Ferrybridge area Chesil Beach / The Fleet and Portland Harbour. The Little Terns nest on Chesil Beach and require protection from predators. Portland Harbour is renowned for sailboarding. Most visitors use Chesil Beach Car Park to cross the Hamm grassland. A carpet of thrift- Sea pinks - forms a spectacular sight in Spring. Some species have adapted to live in this stony, salty environment. Chesil Beach is renowned internationally for sea angling. Bait digging - whilst not a commercial activity - can disturb waders who have to feed on the mudflats at low tide. The former wardens hut ; a temporary portacabin clad in wood - a sight for sore eyes!? Erosion of the Hamm. There were twenty of these tracks across grassland which is SSSI. The previous take-away food trailer. In keeping with the local environment? Page 10 / 12

13 THE PRESSURES Educational field study visits; an increasing significant activity Pressure of off road 4 wheeled drive vehicles and scrambler bikes on the grassland and Chesil Beach Bait digging on the intertidal muds of Fleet at low tide Boating and Canoeing Ministry of Defence activity in the Fleet 100, ,000 visitors per annum Oyster Farming in the Grade A waters of the Fleet and Portland Harbour Potential oil spillage from Portland Harbour Swimming and general recreational visits to see the Beach Boat maintenance and repair activities Bird watching particularly in Spring and Autumn Sailboarding / Windsurfing with National and International Competitions Diving in the Harbour and part of Lyme Bay known locally as Deadman s Bay Fishing / Angling off Chesil Beach which hosts National Competitions Page 10 / 13

14 THE PLAYERS The area is one in which a large number of organisations had some interests but was one where no single organisation was taking the lead. However as might be expected in such an area, a broad partnership has now been established to develop management policies, be involved in the decision making process and the programme of action which is being implemented. Local Businesses/ Commercial Organisations Recreational User Groups RECREATIONAL & COMMERCIAL INTERESTS The main players involved in the project have been: Heritage Coast & Countryside Service, Dorset CC LOCAL AUTHORITIES Weymouth & Portland BC Planning and Car Parks And involving consultation with: with close involvement and co-operation of: Crown Estate Royal Society for the Protection of Birds LAND OWNERS & INTERESTS And with close liaison and involvement of: CONSERVATION GROUPS Dorset Wildlife Trust Ilchester Estate Court Leet of the Royal Manor of Portland Portland Harbour Master Chesil Beach and the Fleet nature reserve English Nature British Trust for Conservation Volunteers Marine Conservation Society Page 10 / 14

15 IMPLEMENTATION AND ACTION The Management Plan has been very much action orientated with a view to achieving improvements on the ground. With this in mind, specific projects undertaken have included the following: The provision of three boardwalks across the Hamm to direct pedestrians to the shore of Portland Harbour. Provision of an earth bund, which has been allowed to recolonise with plants from the locality and adjacent footway segregated from, but within the car park alongside the road frontage, with 3 exit points opposite the boardwalks to direct pedestrians and sailboarders, thereby improving road safety by limiting the crossing points over the main road, the A354. This has also reduced the number of tracks across the Hamm from 20, which had developed as a result of indiscriminate crossing, to three. Removal of concrete and pipe railings around part of the car park and their replacement with wooden posts and large blocks of Portland Stone from the Island and put in place to prevent 4x4 vehicles going on to Chesil Beach. Most significantly, the removal of the old public toilets and its holding tank which had the potential to overflow into the Fleet; the removal of a mobile 'take away' caravan and the removal of a wooden clad portacabin which had acted as a base and part time office for the Warden of the Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve, who is employed by the Ilchester Estate, the owners of the Fleet and the Swannery at Abbotsbury. The construction of a new Visitor Centre, jointly funded by the Crown Estate and the Borough Council with assistance from the Court Leet and the Ilchester Estate. The Centre incorporates new toilets, a cafe outlet, a permanent office for the Warden and for the first time, a display room within the building which overlooks both Chesil Beach and the Fleet, which has been fitted out as a visitor information and interpretation area with interactive displays. All of this work has led to changes in the management of the car park, which has resulted in its transition from what might be described as a 'Municipal Car Park' with its concrete posts, a large number of signs and poor quality public toilets, to one which is now more appropriate to an area subject to 'Countryside Management'. Another important factor about the area is that; being Common Land and essentially an open area of SSSI status, the success of the project can partly be met by what is not present rather than what is present. The aim has been to introduce appropriate management without impacting upon and changing the character of the area in a detrimental way. Page 10 / 15

16 The area is a focus for those who enjoy watersports. The shore of Portland Harbour acts as a local beach and alternative to busy Weymouth. Four-wheel drive vehicles caused extensive damage to grassland and shingle on the fringe of Chesil beach. An earth bank, wooden railings and footway prevent people crossing the road where they like and channel them to crossing points and boardwalks Large blocks of Portland Stone - local materials now define the edge of the car park. The new Chesil Beach Centre provides toilets, a snack bar, outdoor seating, a proper office for the warden, an information and interpretation area and display for visitors. The road crossing points link to the boardwalk and help improve road safety by limiting the crossing points over the busy fast road to Portland Three boardwalks now channel people across the Hamm and help reduce erosion. Waders feeding through the mudflats of the Fleet. Tourist information leaflet The geology of Portland Stone, recreated as if in a quarry. Page 10 / 16

17 CHESIL BEACH CENTRE The provision of the Royal Manor of Portland 'Chesil Beach Visitor Centre' represents a significant achievement in the implementation of the Ferrybridge Management Plan. The environmental assets of the area have been brought to life within the building by creating an exciting display involving the complete painting of the walls and ceilings to depict the natural history and other interests in this diverse and fascinating place. The unique atmosphere is captured through the wall and ceiling murals and also a three dimensional model of Chesil Beach, an audio presentation and models of wading birds 'feeding' through the ceiling of the Centre, representing the mudflats of The Fleet. This is complemented by a re-creation of the geological series of the Portland Stone using its famous Jurassic Limestone, an interactive touch screen with detailed information about the Reserve and Portland. Most recently, the installation of a 'live video link' with a camera overlooking the Little Tern's nesting sites adds to the features of interest in the Centre. In employing these interpretative techniques the aim has been to inform and educate the many visitors to the area and to communicate the management objectives for the Chesil Beach and The Fleet in a very visual but effective manner. However there are many other ideas which can be explored and discussed as part of the work on this Case Study. The Visitor Centre now acts as a focus for all visitors to the area and through the Reserve's Warden, provides a permanent and full time presence in the area, which has been the single most effective means of improving on-site management and ensuring that incompatible activities do not take hold. ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PLAN In its locality the implementation of the Management Plan can claim to have had a number of successes, which can be summarised : The awareness of the area's very high nature conservation interest has been raised considerably. The Ferrybridge area is now a 'place to visit' rather than a place to be passed through, for locals as well as visitors. The Plan provided a focus and a framework for action by a range of interested parties. Erosion is now being controlled if not entirely eliminated. Tangible environmental improvements have been achieved. Page 10 / 17

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20 There is now full time on-site management by a Warden and a long term commitment by the Ilchester and Crown Estates as well as the Borough Council to the maintenance and protection of this valuable area. There is increased local awareness of the area's nature conservation interest, a factor which has helped in the maintenance and expansion of a team of local volunteers who provide invaluable assistance to the Warden of the Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve. The exercise has demonstrated that with multi-agency cooperation and a willingness to be positive, achievements can be made, notwithstanding the fact that some partners may not feel that their ideal objectives have been met. However the most important factor is that all visitors now have the opportunity to be better informed and to better appreciate the value of the area which in turn means that there is increased protection for the nature conservation value of the area. LESSONS FOR OTHER AREAS The approach adopted in the Ferrybridge area and many of the projects carried out could equally be undertaken in other locations where similar pressures and management issues arise. This Case Study provides a basis for such issues to be examined in the students' local area To assist with this, it is helpful to consider what lessons may be applied and these can be summarised as follows: Managing what appears at the outset to be unmanageable, is possible Commitment of time and resources, both in manpower and finance is essential There is a need to establish relations with and between numerous groups with potentially conflicting interests. The importance of the role of a coordinator to help establish a consensus needs to be recognised from the outset Stick to overall objectives agreed at the outset of the project but be prepared to be flexible to reflect changes and minimise/resolve conflicts Lobby hard for contributions and sell the benefits of being involved to different interest groups 'Nothing Succeeds Like Success'; encourage wider involvement once early successes in the project can be demonstrated. Page 10 / 20

21 Why bother with all this conservation, what's it for and why is it important to protect the plants on the beach and the marine life in the Fleet? The Little Tern is a nationally rare bird with only about 2000 pairs in the UK. Watching the Little Tern, we can learn about the aerodynamics of birds as it plunges into the Fleet to catch fish, chases off predators and flies in tandem with its mate. We can also learn about their migration to Africa in winter and how they relate to others animals. Fishermen watch the Tern to find shoals of mackerel as they both feed on the same foodsource - whitebait. Visitors to Chesil Beach are thrilled to see this rare and beautiful bird - a sign that this is a wild place where nature still thrives. The Little Tern is only one of many species which are becoming scarce and which need protection. Every time a species becomes extinct, there is a loss in biodiversity. At present the extinction of species is taking place faster than at any time during the earth's history, mainly as a result of population growth, exploitation and misuse of natural environment. The natural world has been of tremendous value to man and it can continue to do so without damage provided it is done in a sustainable manner leaving resources and diversity of species for future generations. The protection of the flora and fauna of Chesil Beach and the Fleet contributes in a small-way to the protection of important and threatened species. It is a practical example of the idea that we should all "Think Global - Act Local". Page 10 / 21

22 QUESTIONS AND TASKS Identify the key activities, pressures and uses in the Ferrybridge area, completing the bubble diagram provided. How might these conflict with each other; prepare an interactive matrix to illustrate them. Identify the features of interest in the Ferrybridge Area and the best location for a visitor centre on the plan provided and indicate what features you would incorporate within the centre. Based on the information provided, prepare an information leaflet or an interpretive board for visitors to the area. Why are environments like Chesil Beach and The Fleet considered to be important and why do they need to be managed? Prepare a report as the warden of the Nature Reserve advising the Borough Council on how the existing management of the area could be changed or improved. How could the ideas for managing sensitive environments such as Chesil Beach and the Fleet be used at another location with which you are familiar. ADDITIONAL STUDENT TASKS An Impact Matrix is included, which enables students to identify the potential impact of a series of land and water based activities and other factors on the following features on interest: Fleet Lagoon Chesil Beach Shingle Water Quality Intertidal Flats Bird Populations A system of scoring impacts from negative -2 to positive +2 is suggested. Blank and completed charts are also provided for students to complete on the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Special Area of Conservation designation, taking account of the viewpoints of different interest groups, which could include the Reserve Warden, Local Residents, the Portland Harbour Authority, Local Planning Authority, English Nature etc. This should assist in understanding the complexity of different issues in the area and the close interrelationships between commercial, recreational and conservation interests which need to be managed. Page 10 / 22

23 THE PRESSURES Boating and Canoeing Oyster Farming in the Grade A waters of the Fleet and Portland Harbour Bird watching particularly in Spring and Autumn Swimming and general recreational visits to see the Beach Page 10 / 23

24 PLAN 1 Reproduced with the kind permission of Ordnance Survey Crown Copyright NC/1308/00 Page 10 / 24

25 Candidate Special Area of Conservation -EU Habitats Directive Continue to complete the matrix identifying potential impacts and scoring on the range. Complete the matrix identifying potential impacts and scoring on the range Negative impact Neutral Positive impact IMPACTS ON LIST OF ACTIVITIES Fleet Chesil Beach Water Intertidal Bird Lagoon Shingle Quality Flats Population Agricultural Run Off Roads Building / Operation Pollutants from Ferrybridge Industries Shipping in Lyme Bay Shipping in Portland Harbour Sewage Discharge from STW/ Pipes Sailboarding / Sailing Jet Skiing / Water Skiing Canoeing Diving Dog Walking Bait Digging Rod and Line Fishing Fixed Net Fishing Mooring Local Plan Policies Land Drainage Licensing of Camping or Caravanning Rights of Way Page 10 / 25

26 Candidate Special Area of Conservation -EU Habitats Directive Complete the matrix identifying potential impacts and scoring on the range Negative impact Neutral Positive impact IMPACTS ON LIST OF ACTIVITIES Car Parking Fleet Chesil Beach Water Intertidal Bird Lagoon Shingle Quality Flats Population Promotion/Marketing of Area Recreational Shooting Tern Fencing Predator Control Habitat Management Educational Visits Coast Protection Refuse on the Beach Army Activities Having completed the matrix, summarise the key positive and negative impacts for each feature of interest. Use your results to prepare a priority list of 6 objectives to help manage the Chesil Beach and the Fleet Area. Page 10 / 26

27 Candidate Special Area of Conservation -EU Habitats Directive Potential Advantages and Disadvantages of Designation Complete the table of Advantages and Disadvantages of SAC Designation ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES Page 10 / 27

28 THE ROLE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER The Planner s role in preparing and implementing the Ferrybridge Management Plan was as follows: Identifying the need for a management plan to address the problems in the area. Preparing the plan; consulting interest groups; revising the plan. Overseeing the implementation of projects set out in the plan to ensure action on the ground. Raising money for the projects from a wide range of sources. Designing and commissioning the fitting out of the Chesil Beach Centre displays. Promoting the construction of the Visitor Centre and ensuring committment of funding from partner organisations. Considering the planning application for the Visitor Centre. Preparing the Case Study about the project for Educational Field Study Groups. Page 10 / 28