The Stour Valley

Our Vision

An evolving, healthy and thriving river valley landscape that connects and supports people, livelihoods, wildlife and heritage.

The Stour Valley is located in the lower River Stour, stretching 37km from Hengistbury Head on the Dorset coastline to the National Trust’s Kingston Lacy Estate north of Wimborne. Our vision is a landscape, in which wildlife can flourish and the local community can enjoy the benefits of the natural world on their doorstep.

The Stour Valley Partnership

The Stour Valley Partnership is represented by a range of local and national organisations. The partnership group first met in 2017 and have been working ever since to bring together their values and create a shared vision.

In 2023, a new partnership governance structure was created to take the Stour Valley vision through a delivery programme. BCP Council, Dorset Council and National Trust have joined forces to lead the project with the aim of building momentum and commitment to deliver real change.

These values are focused around restoring the health of the river, regenerating wildlife networks, understanding and celebrating our heritage, stimulating the local economy, creating opportunities to get out and enjoying a beautiful landscape full of great places to go and great things to do.