Monday, 28 March 2011

Studland Beach sand dune management notes

Problems and solutions at Studland Beach Problems:

  • Dune erosion caused by walkers - threatens plants and animals

  • Traffic congestion in the car parks leads to parking on the dunes and damage
  • Visitors leave over 12 tonnes of litter per week. Unless it is put in the bins provided, it is dangerous to small birds and animals
  • At least once a year, heath fires destroy plants and animals. The most common cause is a discarded cigarette end. Lizards and snakes can escape by burrowing, but may not escape predators once the vegetation cover has gone

The National Trust has:



  • Enlarged the four main car parks to increase capacity by 800

  • Built a visitor centre with shop, cafĂ© and information point

  • Closed some paths and fenced off parts of the sand dunes

  • Planted marram grass

  • Placed litter bins on paths and at the back of the beach

  • Placed fire beaters and water hydrants on the heather and gorse heath, and made fire breaks

  • Erected information boards and provided leaflets to educate people about the area

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