138 - Weymouth Lowlands : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

Weymouth Lowlands National Character Area (NCA) is defined by its complex geology of a broad ridge-and-valley pattern of chalk, limestone and clay and associated landform, a dynamic coast and its cultural heritage. The 68-kilometre stretch of coast is part of the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site; it is known as the Jurassic Coast and is designated as a Heritage Coast, reflecting its internationally important geology, beauty and access opportunities. The South West Coast Path traverses the whole stretch while from the Isle of Portland eastwards the path is covered by the new rights afforded by the England Coast Path. Sixty per cent of the NCA lies within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The underlying limestone geology, which extends into neighbouring Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase NCA, is part of an important aquifer complex supplying water to Weymouth, Dorchester and beyond.

Sweeping coastal views from windswept ridges and cliffs at the coast are dominated by the Isle of Portland, linked to the mainland by the 28 kilometres of Chesil Beach, a natural barrier beach and tombolo. Chesil Beach and The Fleet lagoon which it encloses are designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area and Ramsar site for their outstanding biodiversity interest, including their overwintering bird assemblage, and geomorphological and geological features. The Isle of Portland to Studland Cliffs SAC (designated for coastal habitats including limestone grasslands) and Crookhill Brick Pit SAC (designated for its great crested newts) are also within the NCA. Agriculture is generally mixed, mainly arable, cattle and sheep. The landscape is largely treeless with pockets of woodland in the Bride Valley to the west and Osmington to the east. Sparse hedgerows, post-and-wire fencing and some low stone walls in the Bride Valley and on slopes add to the sense of openness.

Weymouth sits at the heart of the NCA, and is the only major urban development in the area. The rest of the area is dotted with small villages, isolated farmsteads and manors linked by a network of small roads. A strong local vernacular using varieties of local limestone brings a sense of harmony. The A354 from Dorchester is the only major road into the NCA and to Weymouth. The rail link via Dorchester takes a parallel route. The area generally has an isolated, intimate nature, with a sense of being cut off from the rest of Dorset by the chalk ridge which forms the northern boundary of the NCA.

Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO)

See the Statements of Environmental Opportunity section for more details on the headlines listed below.

SEO 1

Conserve and promote the Weymouth Lowlands’ historic landscape and geodiversity including the Jurassic Coast, The Fleet and Chesil Beach, the suite of national and local geological sites and the distinctive relationship between geology, coastal geomorphology, soils, landform and land use, promoting opportunities for recreation in the area and interpretation of the unique features while also ensuring that the interplay between biodiversity, geomorphology and land use is complementary.

SEO 2

Protect, manage and enhance the distinctive farmed landscape, retaining the balance of productive mixed farmed landscape and diversity of habitats and associated species. Create connecting corridors of calcareous grasslands at the coast and on limestone ridges, manage the diverse range of intimate wooded pockets, wetlands, coastal habitats and fens for their contribution to sense of place, and their positive role in reducing soil erosion and enhancing water quality.

SEO 3

Protect and manage the rich heritage located within the NCA and the Dorset AONB, engaging both visitors and local communities in understanding the relationship between the historic environment, geodiversity and biodiversity and the role that this has played in shaping the landscape of today.

SEO 4

Safeguard and manage soil and water resources, allowing naturally functioning hydrological processes to maintain water quality and supply; reduce flooding; and manage land to reduce soil erosion and water pollution and to retain and capture carbon.