Nearly three-quarters of the district lies within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, indicating its national importance. West Dorset's 26-mile coastline is a World Heritage Site. There are over 50 Sites of Special Scientific Interest recognised by Natural England as being of national importance for nature conservation value. There are over 500 Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCIs).

The whole district spans over 400 square miles and boasts a rich built and natural environment that includes over 7,500 listed buildings and 79 conservation areas. All this helps make West Dorset a popular visitor destination with tourism bringing around £210 million a year into the district and supporting about 7,000 jobs.

Dorset Countryside (Inland Team, West) manages a number of sites in West Dorset that offer beautiful places to explore and relax.

• Thorncombe Woods 

• Hilfield Hill

• Bishops Limekiln

• Buckham Down

• Shatcombe Lane

Local Nature Reserves on behalf of West Dorset District Council (WDDC):

• Bothenhampton

• Jellyfields

Manages and maintains local trails:

• Wessex Ridgeway (Western Section)

• Frome Valley Trail

• Brit Valley Way

• Area Ranger Inland Team (West)
  Name: Lawrence Weston
  Email: l.weston@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 251228
  Full details for Lawrence Weston