From Dorset & beyond
Dorset Deserves Better: Michael Dower and Giles Watts, who are leading the campaign to secure a re-think of Dorset's Local Plan, report that Cllr Spencer Flower, Leader of Dorset Council, has had a positive meeting with the Secretary of State and will shortly be meeting the Planning Minister to discuss the Local Plan further. Meanwhile we have made sure that Michael & Giles are aware of the Highways England 'M4 to Dorset Coast Connectivity' strategic study which could have major implications for the A350. There will be opportunities to review the campaign strategy at a meeting of alliance organisations on February 22nd (open to all Planet Shaftesbury participants, details through the event details, link below).
Our bus services: Dorset Council has drawn up a bus service improvement plan which it would like to implement through an enhanced partnership with the various bus companies (due to come into play in April). Last October the council made a bid for financial support for their ambitions from the government's £3bn funding for revitalising bus services nationally. Bids from across the country exceed the £3bn, but now it is feared that the Treasury may seek savings at the expense of services. Links to more information and a request to email the chancellor at the foot of this newsletter.
Dorset Sustainable Palm Oil Community: Would anyone like to be our point of contact for this campaign to make Dorset the world's first sustainable palm oil county? Please reply to the Forum post that includes their latest newsletter. (Link included below)
Hedgehog rescue: Dorset Mammal Group are helping some of our local hedgehog group members access first aid training this Spring. After that, they'll be capable of supporting injured hogs locally. If you have a spare rabbit hutch or hen house that could be donated for housing a rescued hog, please contact Mariko at shaftesburyhedgehogs@gmail.com
Dorset Amphibian and Reptile Network (DARN) aims to promote the conservation, recording and appreciation of native amphibians and reptiles across the county. Dorset has 12 of the UK's 13 native amphibian and reptile species, and a handful of non-native species. (Link included below.)
Portland Waste Incinerator will be discussed at a Dorset Green Party meeting with Dorset Councillor Brian Heatley, 22nd February, 7-8pm. For joining link email dorsetgreenparty@gmail.com