Future Studland

The Future Studland survey is now live! This is a key step in creating a 20 – 50 year plan for the Studland peninsula. Following successful engagement events with residents in early July the survey is now available to all to take part. Whether you are a local resident, a visitor or someone who holds Studland close to your heart, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of this beloved area. The survey responses will inform the Future Studland plan that will shape the stewardship of Studland's natural beauty and accessibility for future generations.

The survey explores how and when people visit, their connection with its natural landscapes, and how they use the existing facilities. It will build a picture of the peninsula as it is used now and provide insight as to how people would like to continue using it whilst facing the challenges of coastal change.

Elaine Snow from Dorset Coast Forum, who are delivering community engagement for Future Studland and collecting survey responses says: "Studland's unparalleled natural beauty is at risk due to coastal changes and rising sea levels. The Future Studland engagement project is an opportunity for everyone to share their views before a plan is made. We are keen to collect a wide range of perspectives as possible and encourage anyone with an interest or connection with Studland to take part in our survey.”

You can take part in the survey here: https://www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/future-studland/surveys/future-studland-survey

Also, look out for the Dorset Coast Forum team popping up on Studland beaches throughout August to engage with Studland visitors and encourage them to share their views by taking part in the survey.

Paper copies of the survey are available at the Studland Village Shop and the National Trust Knoll Beach Visitors Centre.

Keep an eye on the Future Studland webpage to find out more https://www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/future-studland

>> See the full press release here

The Dorset Coast Team are heading to Studland over August and want to hear from you!

We'll be on the beaches ready to chat about Future Studland, hear your thoughts and meet everyone enjoying the landscape. Plus at Knoll Beach we'll have the big blue gazebo out with crafty activities for all ages.

Dates and times are planned as follows:

06/08 3.00pm – 6.00pm - Shell Bay

07/08 10.00am – 2.00pm - Knoll Beach

13/08 2.00pm – 6.00pm - Middle Beach

16/08 10.00am – 2.00pm - Knoll beach

20/08 10.00am – 2.00pm - Knoll Beach

27/08 8.00am – 2.00pm - South Beach

Please note all events are subject to change. Updates will be listed here and on our social medial.

The National Trust and Dorset Coast Forum are working in partnership to build a long-term plan for the Studland area.

The Future Studland plan will look ahead for the next 20 to 50 years. A key area it will explore is the balance between the area being a hugely popular place for people, as well as a nationally important wildlife habitat. It will also encompass travel and transport options, accessibility and the infrastructure in the area.

Future Studland will span the peninsula from Shell Bay to Old Harry Rocks, and include the beaches, roads, services and habitats, as well as the village itself.

Tracey Churcher, General Manager for the National Trust in Purbeck, said:

“With the coast at Studland changing so rapidly, we need to consider how we can continue to provide great visitor infrastructure and manage nature conservation on the precious heathlands over the next fifty years.

It is undoubtedly complex as whilst some issues relate entirely to relocating our facilities in the face of their imminent loss through coastal erosion. Others such as transport and access are wider issues which will need agencies across the area working together to bring about change.

For the engagement, we are working closely with statutory organisations, partners, tenants and other stakeholders to shape our plans. We would also very much like members of the public to share their views and ideas.”

Over the summer months, Dorset Coast Forum will be seeking and collating the views of residents, visitors, and local businesses. There will be face to face events, drop ins, posters around the local area and a dedicated website. If you are not able to join us at the July events there will be other opportunities and including and an online survey to take part in from next month.

Elaine Snow, Project Officer for the Dorset Coast Forum, said:

“Studland has been well loved for hundreds of years by visitors and locals alike, so we really want to hear from everyone who cares about the area. This is a real chance to shape the Studland Peninsula for the future. We want to know how people are using the spaces now and what they would like to see in Studland for years to come. We’ll be hoping to speak to as many people as possible about the project and gather their ideas and opinions. So do please take part, whether by meeting us face-to-face or doing the survey online.”

Engagement events are scheduled in July with two drop ins on the 9th and 10th at Studland Village Hall, more information is available on the website www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/future-studland. The team will then be on the beach in August with drafting of the results due in the autumn. The Future Studland plan is expected to be completed in 2025.

>> Read the full press release here

Dorset Coast Forum are lucky to work with volunteer photographer Mollie Light who has captured living images of Studland in April 2024.