Just two weeks to get your vote in!!!

The Dorset Coast Forum want to hear about your most recent windsurf, kitesurf, jetski, waterski/wakeboard, kayak/canoe and birdwatching trip to Poole Harbour to understand the value these activities provide to the local economy and your views on how they are managed.

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and will be available online between now and the end of August 2013. All information you provide in the questionnaire is anonymous and confidential. To take part, visit www.dorsetforyou.com/poole-harbour-surveys or head straight to the windsurf specific survey here.

Richard Gowers, Chairman of the British Kitesports Association said “We are happy to work with the Dorset Coast Forum on this survey. We believe this to be a vital piece of work that will form a vital benchmark on how much impact sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing and kayaking benefit the local economy. We advise anyone involved in these activities to fill out a questionnaire.”

As a thank you for completing a questionnaire, the Dorset Coast Forum are offering the chance to enter a free prize draw to win £125, £75 or £50 in vouchers redeemable at a local watersports shop or the National Trust.

The Dorset Coast Forum have worked with local businesses, charities and national organisations to develop the questionnaires.

Poole Harbour Master Brian Murphy urges anyone participating in these activities to get involved whether you are a regular, a visitor to the area or trying one out for the first time. ‘The survey results will provide a greater depth of understanding of just how important these six activities are in Poole Harbour and the value of each to the local economy. We would strongly encourage you to please complete the relevant questionnaire.’

This research forms part of a wider European INTERREG IV A project called VALMER, which aims to develop and trial techniques to value the sea and the services it can provide, such as recreation in Poole Harbour.

Tara Hooper, an environmental economist at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, a VALMER project partner, said ‘this survey is an excellent way of highlighting just how important these recreational activities are, especially compared to other activities such as fishing and shipping, which are already measured in terms of their role in the economy.

For information about this project and outdoor activities happening along the Dorset coast follow iCoast on twitter (@iCoastDorset) and facebook (iCoast)