In order to implement the range of statutory and non-statutory policy and guidance relating to the environment, local authorities have to ensure they employ the right blend of professional officers. Dorset County Council is no exception and because of the county's unique landscape, this is even more vital.

The integration of landscape and ecological services is key to the concept of 'landscape ecology' which relates to the study of landscape structures and patterns and ecological processes.

The Natural Environment Team is a team of professional specialist advisors within the Planning Division of the Environment Directorate at Dorset County Council. They provide:

• Advice
• Guidance
• Landscape design and management services
• Strategic policy counsel, both within the county council, other local planning authorities, Environment Agency, Natural England, Defra, Non Governmental Organisation's (NGO's) and to outside clients

The team comprises three Ecologists and a Chartered Landscape Architect.

Current projects include:

• Landscape and Ecological Assessment for potential ball clay sites
• Weymouth Relief Road
• Green Infrastructure Project
• Interim Planning Framework
• Woodfuel Project
• Bat and Biodiversity Planning for District and Borough Councils

Team members:

• Dr Philip Sterling - Natural Environment Team Manager and Ecologist
• Danny Alder - Ecologist
• Tony Harris - Senior Landscape Architect 

Tel: 01305 224290 (Ecology) and 01305 221699 (Landscape)

Email: net@dorsetcc.gov.uk

• Planning for Biodiversity

  Providing information on how to integrate planning and development with the safeguarding of our ecological assets in Dorset.

• The Dorset Landscape

  Information and textual documentation of the Dorset Landscape and Landscape Character Assessment.