English beach to introduce strict new rules with ban on popular activities

STUDLAND Beach in Dorset has revealed plans to crack down on popular tourist activities.

The council in Dorset is hoping to put a stop to unauthorised beach camping and barbecues in a bid to prevent wildfires and protect wildlife.

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Dorset Council want to make Studland Beach safer for locals and tourists[/caption]

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Dorset Council have proposed two public space protection orders (PSPO) that could impact your next trip to the beach.

The first rule will help control the lighting of fires on open land, particularly in the heathland.

It’s not just the actual lighting of fires either, the rule would be against placing, throwing, or dropping items likely to cause a fire.

There would be no lighting of barbecues (including disposable ones), or use of Chinese lanterns and fireworks.

This PSPO is in place in other areas throughout Dorset – but not Studland itself at the moment.

Back in 2022, almost 12 acres of the Studland Nature Reserve were destroyed in a fire which was believed to have been started by a disposable barbecue and campfire.

The second order they’re hoping to put in place for Studland Beach would be to stop overnight camping.

It would make it an offence to camp on designated land without permission from the landowner or when asked to leave.

There has been an issue of ‘wild camping’ on Dorset beaches, which has led to increased nuisance complaints and property damage.

The current PSPOs covering other areas of Dorset are due to expire in June and are likely to be extended for another three years. 

Dorset Council have opened up a discussion on the potential orders which closes on Sunday, 20 April.

Councillor Gill Taylor, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for health and housing said; “These orders are important for the protection of our natural landscapes.

“Similar orders for other areas have been in place for the past three years, helping to raise awareness of the issues.”

Studland Bay in Dorset is almost four miles long and is a popular tourist destination with golden beaches, dunes, and heathland.

On the beach, you can go swimming, walking, birdwatching, and water sports and there over a million people visit every year.

Back by a wildlife reserve, Studland Beach is regarded as one of the finest beaches in the country and over the years has bagged awards for conservation and accessibility.

We spend a weekend at Knoll House, a spot very near Studland, that was one of Enid Blyton’s favourite getaways.

We also tested out the Ford Nugget campervan for a long weekend in Dorset taking it along the coastline.

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More than a million people visited the beach last year[/caption]