West Dorset Commons
West Dorset Commons is a community organisation based in Bridport, Dorset, England. It is involved in locally led initiatives focused on community development, sustainability and access to services, and has received significant media coverage for its role in the development of community transport projects in the Bridport and Lyme Regis area.
Independent national coverage was provided by BBC News in relation to the launch of a community bus service linking Bridport and West Bay: BBC News – “Community bus service linking Bridport and West Bay”.
The organisation has been particularly associated with the WB1 Bridport–West Bay shuttle, a pilot bus service launched in 2025 that attracted sustained local and national media attention, including coverage describing it as a success: Bridport News – “WB1 shuttle bus service a huge success”.
History
West Dorset Commons was originally established under the name United Diversity Bridport. The organisation later adopted its current name as its activities and geographic focus expanded beyond the town of Bridport to a wider area of West Dorset.
This transition was described in the organisation’s own publications, including an announcement inviting contributions to West Dorset (Bioregional) News: West Dorset News – “Share your stories with West Dorset (Bioregional) News”.
According to its published materials, the organisation uses the concept of the “West Dorset bioregion” as a place-based framing for its work, encompassing social, environmental and economic initiatives: West Dorset News – “Update on plans to get the Bridport bioregion into the Doughnut (and other crazy/genius ideas)”.
Community transport initiatives
WB1 Bridport–West Bay shuttle
West Dorset Commons has been involved in the development and promotion of a pilot community bus service between Bridport and West Bay, known as the WB1 Bridport–West Bay shuttle.
The launch of the service was covered by local media: Bridport News – “New shuttle bus launch Bridport–West Bay”.
BBC News reported on the service as a response to limited local public transport options and highlighted the role of community organisations working in partnership with local authorities and transport providers: BBC News – “Community bus service linking Bridport and West Bay”.
The Bridport News published multiple articles covering the release of the WB1 timetable, the launch of the service, early public response, and subsequent extensions following demand:
- “Timetable revealed for new Bridport–West Bay bus”
- “WB1 shuttle bus launches for summer”
- “WB1 bus to extend Saturday service after demand”
Later coverage described the service as a success, citing strong passenger numbers and positive community feedback: Bridport News – “WB1 shuttle bus service a huge success”.
The pilot was supported by funding from the Western Gateway Sub-national Transport Body, with delivery involving