A Landmark Conservation Project Reaches Its Final Stage
The National Trust is entering the final phase of a five-year project at Middle Beach in Studland. The aim: to remove failing man-made sea defences and allow nature to reclaim and reshape the cove.
This carefully planned work will create a more resilient coastline, enhance local wildlife habitats, and restore Middle Beach as a sandy haven for future generations to enjoy.
What You Need to Know
- 🚧 Beach area: Some closed areas due to safety (8th Sept – 30th Oct). But the main part of Middle Beach remains open as does the access path.
Fore/Adventure and Sae Seaweed are also still open.
- 🚻 Facilities: Car park and toilets remain open
- ☕ Food & drink: Sandy Salt Pig Café is open as usual
- 🦎 Wildlife: Work includes creating new dune habitats for reptiles such as sand lizards and slow worms
Why Remove the Sea Defences?
Over the past decade, coastal erosion — accelerated by climate change — has taken a heavy toll on Middle Beach. Cliffs have fallen by several metres in a single night, and traditional defences such as gabion baskets (wire cages filled with stones) are no longer effective.
National Trust General Manager for Purbeck, Tracey Churcher, explained:
“Removing the broken and now toppling gabion sea defences is the last stage in a long process. The gabions are no longer effective against the rising tides, and they also pose a risk to the public. Rather than fighting the inevitable effects of coastal change, we’re following the Shoreline Management Plan, which recommends allowing a more natural shoreline.”
Nature’s Role in Shaping the Cove
By removing the concrete slipway and collapsing gabions, waves will once again be able to shape the coast naturally. The cliffs will supply sandy material, gradually replenishing the beach. Over the next 20 years, experts predict the shoreline will realign into a gentler slope, forming a sandy cove with more beach space for visitors to enjoy.
National Trust Coast & Marine Adviser, Sarah Coggins, said:
“Holding the cliff in place with hard structures has caused more harm than good, with a 350-metre stretch of beach now submerged most of the time. Removing these defences will allow the cove to replenish itself naturally and become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”
Protecting Wildlife and Habitats
The work to preserve Middle Beach in Studland is also about safeguarding its rare and fragile ecosystems. The dunes and sandy habitats provide homes for reptiles such as sand lizards, adders, and slow worms.
Ahead of construction, ecologists relocated reptiles to a nearby safe zone and created artificial hibernacula — underground shelters built from logs, stones, and vegetation — to support them through the winter.
The project will also remove invasive bracken and sycamore saplings, extending the dune habitat that benefits local insects, birds, and reptiles.
Supporting Visitors During the Works
While parts of the beach will be closed for safety between 8 September and 30 October 2025, facilities remain open. The main part of Middle Beach also remains open as does the access path.Visitors can still enjoy the car park, toilets, and the popular Sandy Salt Pig Café.
Tracey Churcher added:
“We realise the work may cause temporary inconvenience for visitors, but it’s a vital investment in securing the future enjoyment of Middle Beach. It’s exciting to see how nature will reshape the coastline, creating a beautiful and resilient natural space for the community and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”
Looking Ahead
This final stage marks a significant milestone in the National Trust’s vision for Middle Beach. By allowing natural processes to take over, the work to preserve Middle Beach in Studland will restore a much-loved part of the Purbeck coast and ensure it remains a thriving landscape for wildlife and people alike.
Read more about visiting Studland Bay on the National Trust website.
