Dorset’s third community-led ‘conference of the parties’ – Dorset COP – was declared a great success, as more than 300 people gathered at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton on Saturday 1st November to discuss climate, nature, and community resilience.
© Richard Clarke of Clarkie Photography
Now in its third year, the one-day event continues to grow in reach and impact. Representatives attended from both BCP and Dorset Council, joined by the Mayors of Sturminster Cllr Virginia Edwyn-Jones, Mayor of Shaftesbury, described the day as ‘powerful’ and praised the event for fostering genuine connection. ‘It is always so powerful to hear people speak, rather than just read their ideas,’ she said. ‘It really does provide a far more meaningful understanding.’
The day was opened by Jennifer Morisetti, chair of Sustainable Dorset, who paid tribute to the late Jane Goodall and acknowledged the many pioneering Dorset environmentalists who have shaped the county’s thriving grassroots movement.
‘Dorset continues to lead the country in local COPs,’ Jennifer said. ‘The fact that Dorset’s third COP was oversubscribed shows how seriously people here take the threat posed by a changing climate to our wellbeing and prosperity.’
With 26 speakers and a series of practical workshops, the event covered themes from local food systems and community energy to clean transport and nature recovery.
Highlights included Cllr Carole Jones, founder of the Vale Family Hub, who shared how a community tackling poverty, food waste and isolation in North Dorset had created something genuinely transformative. Howard Johns, founder of People Powered Energy, gave a dynamic call to action, making the case for street-by-street solar and community-owned renewables.
River pollution – a pressing concern across the county – was addressed by Tanya Bellows, Julie Leah and Kim Creswell, while transport challenges in rural Dorset were explored in a session opened by Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council.
A workshop from the Sustainable Shaftesbury Advisory Committee presented a Nature Recovery blueprint for town design, offering a fresh take on how communities can prioritise biodiversity.
Attendee feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One audience member said ‘The sheer enthusiasm and positive attitude of the speakers – and the amazing work they are doing – was inspirational. It gave me the motivation to keep working for climate and nature, despite the apathy and resistance I often face.’
connection – and a clear reminder that Dorset’s communities are not waiting for permission to lead on environmental change.
‘This was an exciting day for environmental groups and individuals,’ said Jennifer. ‘We know we can combine forces to tackle the biggest challenge of our time. Also, huge thanks to all our speakers, and to everyone who came with energy and commitment. The work continues.’
To follow up on workshop outcomes, volunteer, or stay connected with Sustainable Dorset, email: [email protected]
