Dorset's coastline or 'Jurassic Coast' was designated a World Heritage Site in 2001 by UNESCO.

The coastline is managed by various different organisations including National Trust,  Dorset Wildlife Trust and private landowners. The  Dorset Coast Forum is an organisation that promotes the sustainable use of Dorset Coastline and look at long-term issues that affect the future of our coastline.

Dorset Countryside has a Coastal Ranger Team which is responsible for the management of the Dorset section of the South West Coast Path and management of the coastal corridor. Dorset Countryside manages Durlston Country Park in Swanage and also work closely with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and manage the Durlston Marine Project.

The Durlston Marine Project is a community-based marine research and education programme, based at Durlston Country Park, near Swanage. It focuses on the Durlston Marine Research Area - a voluntary marine nature reserve that extends 25 km (15 miles) along the Purbeck coastline from St Albans Head to South Haven Point.

Great Dorset Beach Clean

Dorset Countryside manages the annual beach clean with the help of volunteers, on over 25 of the county's beaches. This years autumn beach clean took place on the 19 September 2010, for more information please see Sunday 19 September 2010.

• Durlston Marine Project

  The Durlston Marine Project is our community-based marine awareness programme. It focuses on the Durlston Marine Research Area - a voluntary marine study area that extends 25km (15 miles) along the Purbeck coastline from St. Aldhelm's Head to South Haven Point.

• New coastal access rights - Weymouth Bay proposals approved

  Dorset County Council's Coastal Ranger and Countryside Access teams have been working with Natural England to bring in new coastal access rights at Weymouth Bay (Rufus Castle, Portland to Lulworth Cove). This will be the first stretch in England to gain the new coastal access rights.