In this latest edition of 'Sustainable Stories,' we’re thrilled to spotlight Sarah Wise, a dedicated Dorset changemaker whose influence spans several initiatives, including Wimborne War on Waste, Planet Wimborne, and the Fair Ground shop, alongside her work with DEED. Sarah's journey into environmental activism has woven together community action, education, and sustainability, all grounded in her early experiences and enduring passion for the natural world.
Where did your passion for sustainability begin?
"My first memory of being concerned about the environment goes back to primary school. Our school joined a campaign to 'Keep Britain Tidy,' and my teacher fully embraced it. We made a film about a dustbin called Captain Choppers, and we all had to run around collecting rubbish to feed him. It even got shown on TV and featured in the local newspaper! I recently found some photos and thought, ‘That’s when it all started.’ I was around eight or nine years old.”
Growing up in the Sussex countryside near Brighton, Sarah had a natural connection to the environment. This bond strengthened as she pursued her O Levels in environmental sciences and went on to study rural environment studies at university. Her travels with VSO after university deepened her awareness of the global challenges facing our natural world, particularly as she witnessed the impact of deforestation firsthand. “Seeing beautiful, pristine forests and, sadly, areas where development had stripped them bare, really opened my eyes. It made me realise how interconnected everything is—people, places, rivers, and entire ecosystems. It was a wake-up call to the importance of aligning our lives more closely with the natural world.”
From Sussex to Dorset: Establishing Roots in Sustainability
Sarah moved to Dorset in 2000, initially taking on a two-year role with DEED, which involved delivering training and educational resources on global issues to teachers in schools. What was intended as a temporary position soon transformed into a lifetime commitment to the county. “After years of working abroad, I felt that working back in the UK, in a place where I understood the language and culture, would make my efforts more impactful. I moved to Wimborne in 2002, and the connections started to grow. Twenty-two years later, these links have formed a web of community-driven initiatives that continue to support sustainability across Wimborne.”
The Birth of Wimborne War on Waste and Planet Wimborne
In 2017, Sarah found herself increasingly frustrated by the litter she encountered on daily walks. “I’d see plastic bags, coffee lids, straws—you name it. I came home one day and told my family how fed up I was, and, together with friends, we decided to take action. We founded Wimborne War on Waste to raise awareness about the impact of single use plastic, organise litter-picking events and encourage local people to reduce their plastic usage.” Soon after, the release of David Attenborough’s Blue Planet brought a wave of public awareness that bolstered their efforts. As Sarah puts it, “What started as litter picks evolved into a movement. Wimborne Minster town eventually gained recognition as a plastic-free community thanks to the passionate volunteers, businesses, community groups and leaders who shared the same vision.”
The ripple effect continued, leading to the formation of Planet Wimborne, a broader network of environmentally focused groups. “Planet Wimborne came from the need to offer people a space to find support and resources, a ‘one-stop shop’ if you like for all things environmental” Sarah explains. “We didn’t want to dictate actions; we wanted to amplify the efforts of others, helping the whole community collaborate and grow stronger together.”
A Shifting Culture and Hopes for Dorset’s Future
Sarah has noticed an increase in sustainability-focused conversations in Wimborne, but she feels there’s room for growth. “It’s heartening to see initiatives like lending libraries of things and repair cafes becoming more common and used. The council and local businesses are more open to sustainability discussions, too. But because much of this work is volunteer-led, it’s a slow journey. I’d love to see a team of dedicated sustainability advisors who could support local projects professionally and help turn more ideas into actions.”
Looking ahead, Sarah envisions a future for Wimborne and Dorset where green spaces are preserved, and community-led projects thrive. “The Zero Carbon Dorset vision (image below) is so relevant. We have wonderful natural assets, like the River Allen, but they’re at risk. I hope people start to understand the importance of caring for these spaces—whether through daily litter-picking, growing food locally, or simply appreciating what we have. We need more people engaged and empowered, particularly young people. This requires a curriculum shift that prioritises sustainability.”
With a lifetime of dedication and an unwavering commitment to the environment, Sarah’s journey is a testament to the power of community-driven change. Through her work, she’s not only made a difference in Dorset but has laid the groundwork for a sustainable future for generations to come.
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