Sustainability

🌿 Caring for Our Coast

At West Bay Discovery Centre, we’re passionate about protecting the beautiful coast and countryside that inspire our stories. From cutting our energy use to reducing plastics and supporting local makers, we’re always looking for ways to care for our environment.

Thanks to our ongoing efforts, we’ve proudly received several eco and sustainability awards, celebrating our commitment to keeping West Bay special for generations to come.

♻️ Our Mission

We aim to inspire visitors and volunteers to take meaningful action — to reduce carbon emissions, help mitigate climate change, and protect the incredible wildlife and habitats that make West Bay so special.

We also recognise that tourism can have an environmental impact. That’s why we work closely with local groups like Litter Free Coast & Sea, Plastic Free Bridport, and Clean Jurassic Coast to help everyone enjoy West Bay responsibly — leaving only footprints in the sand.

“Our environment policy sets clear standards and targets to help us operate more sustainably — today and for the future.”

🌱 Our Aims

Make sustainability part of everyday conversations with visitors, volunteers, and partners.
Continually review and improve our environmental performance.
Use resources wisely and avoid waste.
Improve energy efficiency wherever possible.
Work with others to share knowledge and good practice.

⚡ What We’ve Achieved So Far

Energy

100% renewable electricity.
Careful temperature and lighting controls.
LED lighting throughout.
Independent Low Carbon Dorset review (2023) confirmed strong performance.
Solar panels were explored but not possible on our listed building.

Waste

Minimal waste — many exhibition materials are borrowed locally.
Recycling of paper, card, plastics, glass, and cans.
Volunteers regularly join in beach cleans.
Eco-friendly, refillable cleaning products to reduce plastic waste.

Website

Hosted by Krystal, chosen for their green credentials.

Transport

We promote bus, cycling, and walking options on our website and in the Centre.

Shop

Focus on locally made, sustainable products.
Minimal and biodegradable packaging.
Plastics and non-recyclable materials are being phased out.
All card suppliers now use plastic-free or compostable wrapping.

Outside Area

Managed without artificial fertilisers or pesticides.
Planted with native and pollinator-friendly species.

🌊 Raising Awareness

Education is key to change.
Through our interactive displays and exhibitions, we inspire visitors of all ages to understand and protect our environment.

Past exhibitions such as “Washed Ashore,” “Turning the Tide,” and “Beneath the Waves” have reached thousands of visitors, exploring issues like marine pollution and local wildlife conservation.

We’ve also introduced two interactive screens (funded by Dorset Community Energy) — one on local climate impacts, and one on simple everyday actions visitors can take to live more sustainably.

Our Plastic Free Bridport checklist has even been adopted as a model for local businesses.

🌻 What’s Next?

Continue leading local efforts to reduce single-use plastics.
Create fun, educational eco-activities for families and schools.
Work with Dorset Community Energy and Dorset Climate Action Network.
Develop our outdoor space further as a wildlife haven.
Support Totally Local Bridport to promote sustainable local shopping.
Source palm-oil-free biscuits for volunteers — helping Dorset become a Sustainable Palm Oil Community.