Dorset and East Devon Coast >>> 5th most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Jurassic Coast has been designated as one of the most visited sites in the UK:

Top 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

1. Tower of London 42%

2. City of Bath 32%

3. Stonehenge 31%

4. Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey 24%

5. Dorset and East Devon Coast 21%

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire named in top 20 most visited world heritage sites (From Herald Series)
Dartmoor popular as poll shows 10% never visited national park | Western Morning News

Meanwhile, the campaigning group to create a National Park from this site have commented on the government's plans for the parks - and has urged the Dorset County Council to consider a bid for a new national park in its own devolution negotiations:

APRIL 5, 2016 BY THE DORSET AND EAST DEVON NATIONAL PARK TEAM

Government publishes 8 Point Plan for National Parks in England

We welcome the 8-Point Plan for England’s National Parks published by the Government on 23 March 2016.

The Plan sets out the Government’s ambition to put National Parks at the heart of how we think about the environment and rural economy in the future.

The Plan sees National Parks as:

• Inspiring natural environments, which connect young people with nature
• Thriving natural environments, which showcase the benefits of designated landscapes
• Drivers of the rural economy, which generate income for local businesses, and support local communities, skills and employment
• Landscapes and heritage which promote recreation, health and wellbeing, and encourage involvement and volunteering.

The Government’s Plan reflects our aims for the Dorset & East Devon National Park to promote a strong and sustainable local economy, thriving communities, and a healthy natural environment.

We look forward to Dorset and East Devon having the advantages and opportunities which other National Park areas already enjoy.

Based on evidence from the South Downs National Park, we estimate that the Dorset & East Devon National Park would bring additional funding of around £10m pa from central government, and further funding from other sources. Working fully in partnership with local people – communities, businesses, farmers, landowners, local authorities, voluntary organisations – and the Local Enterprise Partnership, the National Park Authority would invest and spend resources to benefit the local economy.

In addition to the direct economic benefits of National Park funding, wide-ranging economic opportunities would be available to businesses and communities within and around the National Park.

The area’s fine natural environment is its greatest economic asset. A recent report for Dorset County Council confirms this. A Dorset & East Devon National Park would help the area to make the most of its natural assets.

We look forward to working with Dorset & East Devon stakeholders, including Local Authorities and communities, and with Natural England and the Government, to make these ambitions a reality.

We ask Dorset councils to ensure that a National Park is included in Dorset’s bid for local government re-organisation and devolution in early 2017.

Government publishes 8 Point Plan for National Parks in England – Dorset and East Devon National Park Team

With thanks to:
More News on a Dorset and Devon national park | East Devon Watch

See also:
Dorset and East Devon Coast - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

And:
County councillors to debate future of local government in Dorset | Dorset news
Special meeting to debate future of local government in Dorset | Blackmore Vale Magazine

And this study from 2007:
The Costs and Benefits of World Heritage Site Status in the UK - Cases Studies
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