How do you spend your time on Dorset's beaches?

Andy Jones
·2-min read
Chesil beach <i>(Image: Newsquest)</i>
Chesil beach (Image: Newsquest)

A new survey has been launched to find out how people spend their time on the county's beaches.

This summer, Litter Free Dorset and Dorset Coast Forum have launched the new survey to find out about people's top beach spots, favourite water activities, and thoughts on litter and water cleanliness.

The launch of the new survey comes after Weymouth Beach was awarded the Blue Flag and Seaside awards for the summer of 2024.

However, as reported, there are still issues with litter along the beach after pictures showed overflowing bins and mountains of single use plastic left after the year's first real hot weekend.

READ: Weymouth second best beach in UK due to parking charges

The county's beaches are host to a fantastic range of water sport activities and it’s important to protect them.

Dorset’s coastline is also home to some of the UK’s most precious landscapes, including the Jurassic Coast and South West Coast Path which beckon adventurous hikers and dog walkers alike.

Therefore Litter Free Dorset is calling on everyone, whether local to Dorset or visiting the county, to provide input to inform future projects on the coastline.

READ: New 10-year Weymouth Seafront Strategy is unveiled

Sophie Carpenter from Litter Free Dorset said: “While existing platforms such as Swimfo and the Safer Seas and Rivers apps provide data on water quality, the information is usually 24 hours old, therefore there is a growing demand for more real-time water quality monitoring.

"By taking part in this survey, you are helping shape the future of water quality monitoring across the Dorset coastline.”

Over the past five years Litter Free Dorset has collaborated with coastal communities to deliver projects which aim to reduce litter and enhance bathing water quality, such as promoting water refill points, installing cigarette butt bins and toy libraries, and empowering local artists to create inspirational street art in public spaces.

READ: 'Millions' of nurdles and microplastics on Weymouth Beach

Furthering understanding of how people spend their time on Dorset’s beaches will not only help with the development of future projects, but also identify where further water quality monitoring should be prioritised the group says.

The insights gathered from this survey will be shared with local town and parish councils, potentially influencing enhancements to current coastal amenities.

The survey only takes five minutes to complete and to find out more or to request a paper survey email: litterfreedorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

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