Residents of Wareham, Stoborough, Arne, and Ridge have been interacting with the Environment Agency, RSPB, and Natural England since 2017.
The Moors at Arne scheme has developed the idea of allowing tides to move further inland to create the proper conditions for wildlife that lives on salt marsh or mudflats, without increasing the risk to life or property from flooding, to mitigate the loss of intertidal habitats due to a phenomenon known as “coastal squeeze.”
The Moors at Arne have reached the point where further development requires planning permission as a result of continued community discussions and support, evaluations of the flood risk and ecological conditions, and meticulous heritage excavations.
In the event that permission is granted, it will take three years of labour to carefully establish the conditions required to transform 150 ha into a prime location for wildlife and plants with access for tourists to enjoy the scenery.
The planning application and supporting documents will be made by appointment only available on the planning portal of the Dorset Council, at the Wareham Library, and the Blandford office of the Environment Agency.