1. Growing and sustaining a unique economic asset
Dorset Coast Forum
Growing and sustaining a unique economic asset

2. A Brief History Disconnected coastguard and footpaths Formed in 1973
Became a Charity in 1974 – focussing on information for long distance walkers
1978 – the Path was complete
2003 – the Isle of Portland was added to achieve 630 miles

4. The Threats
30% + cuts in NE/LA grant funding since 2010 – decline in standards
Winters 2012/13 and 13/14 saw extreme conditions resulting in a large number of section closures
Unique identity of the South West Coast Path – the UK’s longest national trail - threatened
The Great Britain Tourism Survey showed a sharp decline in domestic visits to the South West during of -10.8%

5. Association Response
Trail Partnership Project - partners provided seed corn funding for the Association to develop as a charity
Recruited a leader for the charity
Created a Development Plan for the Path and a Business Plan for the Association
Ran a test Appeal – raised £40,000 from businesses and the community
Established corporate partnerships – value £25,000 per annum
Bid for Coastal Communities Funding

6. Capital programme – repair 41 sections of the Coast Path & install 50 information boards
Revenue programme:
Develop the Association as the lead body for the South West Coast Path
Develop the brand of the Association and the Path
Develop revenue streams inc membership, donations, corporate support, trusts and grants
Develop volunteer network and build staff team
Increase reach to more audiences

7. Coastal Communities Fund
Evidencing our impact… Visitor expenditure has increased to over £500 million, sustaining 11,193 fte jobs, which is more than a 5% increase on 2014

8. Fundraising – Individual giving
6500+ Individual Membership Subscriptions from £22
Members receive a range of benefits including a copy of the Complete Guide, Newsletters and E-newsletters, offers with our shop and other retail outlets, plus events and activities throughout the South West.
Donations and Legacies:
Additional funds from donations and legacy giving contributed £200,000 since 2015 so far, giving vital funding towards Path improvement works. 
The aim is to grow and develop an Individual Giving Programme for Members and Supporters.

9. Fundraising – The Challenge
Started in 2015
A mass-participation effort throughout October
A programme of ‘Hosted’ events or ‘D.I.Y.’ contributions
Funds raised via entrance fees & individual sponsorship efforts
The 2017 Challenge:
In partnership with The National Trust
30,000 miles were pledged, 45,000 km or 46 times around the Path.

10. Fundraising – Business members
500+ paying £65 - £330 per year
The South West Coast Path attracts over 8.6m tourists a year who spend more than £500m with local businesses.
Business Members receive a range of benefits including advertising to an online audience of over 1.4 million and direct communication with our members.
Access to promotional opportunities inc. Discover England’s South West Coast Path project aimed at inbound visitors

11. Discover England’s South West Coast Path

12. SWCPA funded projects

13. Monitoring the condition of the path
1. NE Grant £430,000 / year. They need evidence of path condition as part of their reporting to their funder. If local reps didn’t do it, it would take huge amount of staff time – which is better spent directly maintaining the path.
9,766 items surveyed (4,349 signs & 4,586 other items)

14. Survey results
9,766 items surveyed (4,349 signs & 4,586 other items)

15. Challenges ahead
Further declining funding and path maintenance standard – unknown funding gap and timescale
More National Trail being established – with no source of maintenance funding
Increased usage benefits businesses, communities and health and wellbeing – need to increase revenue streams at the same rate
Assumption that the job is done…

16. How you can help
Don’t assume the Coast Path will always be there – take a proactive approach to helping to value it and protect it
Dorset Coast Forum added £137,000 to CCF Bid for projects
Support us if you can – from your business or personally – join with us
Thank you for being a great advocate of the Path, encourage as many people as possible to have a similar great experience.
Walk it and enjoy!

17. Any questions?