How the Partnership works

Defra is the Government department responsible for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks in England. It provides 75% of the core funding required to establish and implement management plans for all AONBs. Additional financial support is provided by the local authorities within the AONB area, with the team fundraising for specific project activity.

The Partnership has worked closely with the Heritage Committees covering West Dorset & Weymouth & Portland (joint), North Dorset and Purbeck Districts. These committees are now in abeyance and the AONB Partnership's engagement at a local level may be dictated by the Localism agenda.

The Partnership has a team of seven staff responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating action to conserve and enhance the AONB.