Project Updates
- assess risks associated with future coastal change
- consider how these changes could affect the community, infrastructure and environment
- explore long-term options and actions to help communities adapt over time
- information on the Future North Swanage Adaptation Plan
- a short presentation on Adaptation Plans by Ross Fitzgerald, Jacobs. You can view the presentation slides here and view a video of the presentation here
- displays showing emerging ideas and outcomes from earlier discussions which you can view here
- opportunities to ask questions, share local knowledge and provide feedback
Project updates
UPDATE January
The Future Coast North Swanage team have taken a number of enquiries about the recent landslip to the side of The Pines Hotel. Project Officer Sara has informed all relevant organisations and further investigations are being made. If you have any photographs (taken with your safely in mind) of the slip, please do upload them onto the Future Coast Click
Access at this point on the beach is now extremely difficult and we advise everyone to please be cautious and mindful of their safety. For further information please contact Sara Parker.
The Dorset Council Ranger team regularly inspect the Sheps Hollow steps and have reported on 30/1/26 that there has been erosion around the timber supports at the base. These are a support feature and not structural which means there may be a little more flex in that flight of steps. Inspections will remain ongoing.
30/1/26 erosion around timber supports Sheps Hollow Steps Credit: DC Ranger Team
Future Coast North Swanage - Adaptation Plan and Community Drop-In
As part of the Future Coast Dorset project, Dorset Council is working with coastal communities to develop Adaptation Plans for areas affected by coastal change, including North Swanage.
Our coastline is constantly shaped by natural processes such as cliff recession and coastal erosion. These changes are expected to increase in the future due to climate change and sea level rise. By planning ahead, communities can better understand the risks they face and explore ways to adapt and build long-term resilience for future generations.
What is an Adaptation Plan?
The Adaptation Plan will:
The Plan is being developed collaboratively, combing technical evidence with local knowledge and community input.
Community Drop-In Event - Have Your Say
Ross Fitzgerald of project consultants Jacobs presents at the Adaptation Plan Community Conversation - drop-in 4th February 2026
A public drop-in session took place in Swanage on 4th February 2026, giving everyone the opportunity to learn more about Adaptation Plans and share their views. This event immediately followed a workshop with invited guests representing the community, local businesses, statutory bodies and partner organisations.
The drop-in session included:
Adaptation Plan community workshop 4th February 2026, the Mowlem, Swanage
Why get involved?
Community insight is a vital part of the Future Coast North Swanage project. By attending the drop-in session attendees shared local knowledge, concerns and ideas and helped shape a Plan that reflects the needs and priorities of the future community.
Technical Reports
Ahead of the Adaptation Plan event on the 4 February 2026, the Project Team uploaded various technical reports produced by consultants Jacobs.
These reports provide background information and evidence that will help inform upcoming discussions where we will work together with the community to shape an Adaptation Plan focused on long-term resilience for future generations.
The reports also explain some of the work already undertaken and outline key updates and next steps for the project. We encourage community members to explore the documents ahead of the workshops to support informed and meaningful conversations.
The reports are available on the Useful links & information section of our webpage.
Coastal Walk & Talk
Ever wondered why how and why our cliffs are changing? Join us for an interactive walk from Ocean Bay and explore real examples of coast erosion. This is an opportunity to learn what Cliff Behaviour Units are - sections of coastline where cliffs share similar characteristics and patterns of erosion or instability. Understanding these units helps us predict how cliffs will respond to natural forces and plan adaptation strategies. See our events section for more details.
Engagement Round 2 Spring 2025
Engagement Round 2 began with phase 1 of the delivery stage of the project with a 6 week long baseline survey period starting on 26th May giving the community the opportunity to have their say. Events hosted by DCF during May and June provided an opportunity for the community to see the work that has continued behind the scenes since spring of 2024 and meet new additions to the project team.
2024 created strong links within the community continuing with a successful 2025.
The current Swanage Landslide Group consisting of representatives from the local Coastguard team, the Environment Agency, Dorset Council and Swanage Town Council, the National Trust and DCF has now expanded following the recent engagement events to include 2 representatives from the local community and has transformed into our Future Coast North Swanage Steering Group.
Community Engagement May to June 2025
Dorset Coast Forum have hosted two in-person drop-in events and an online presentation, where the baseline understanding and findings were presented and members of the project team available to answer questions and participants encouraged to complete the baseline survey. You can view a recording of the online presentation on the 5th June 2025 here
Future Coast Dorset Project Officer Elliott Saloman-Carter presentation update All Saints Church Hall 19th June 2025Engagement Round 1 Spring 2024
During Round 1 of engagement, local residents and stakeholders provided us with essential data/local knowledge of the area. Thank you to everyone who took part.