West Dorset: Natural beauty of Jurassic coast promoted for the Olympics (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)
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West Dorset: Natural beauty of Jurassic coast promoted for the Olympics
10:30am Saturday 28th April 2012 in Local News
Golden Cap
The natural wonders of West Dorset’s Jurassic coast are being celebrated by a partnership of organisations promoting the wild side of the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.
The Dorset Coast Forum, Dorset Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Partnership, Natural England, RSPB, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Wild About Weymouth and Portland and Dorset Countryside make up the Natural Weymouth and Portland Partnership.
With a wide range of venues, activities and events, the partnership hopes to inspire local people and visitors make the most of the environment and the variety of wildlife that lives in and around the area – including those under the sea.
The partnership also wants to ensure that the environment, wildlife and people benefit long past the end of the Games.
Simon Williams, head of Weymouth and Portland 2012 Operations, said; “With the eyes of the world on Weymouth this summer we’re keen to make the most of what the area has to offer – including the amazing Jurassic Coast World Heritage site and some of the best wildlife in the UK.
“We’re also investing in work that will leave a legacy long after the Games have finished”.
“We want to encourage people to get out and about into the natural world. We’re equally keen this is done in the greenest way possible and with minimum impact on the environment.”
Under the banner of ‘Natural Weymouth and Portland’, the partnership aims to encourage the public to discover, enjoy and help conserve the natural environment and wildlife, and enable better access through new interactive centres, walks, talks and water-based activities such as kayaking.
Brian Bleese, director of operations and development at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “The Olympic Games coming to Weymouth and Portland is a great opportunity to get people involved in learning about and helping to conserve the wonderful natural environment that enhances the enjoyment of all our outdoor activities.”
