New measures prevent last year's scenes at Durdle Door

Lulworth Rangers say they've taken preventative action this year.

Author: George SharpePublished 3rd Jun 2021

As lockdown restrictions eased last year, pressure mounted on Lulworth Rangers as visitors flocked to their beauty spots.

In their wake, many left behind bags upon bags of litter, and performed dangerous stunts jumping off Durdle Door. Last year staff picked up 20 bags of litter per day during half term, now it's just one or two.

But, the rangers are putting this year's vastly improved behaviour down to new measures brought in for 2021.

This was all of the litter collected from Durdle Door

Staff numbers have increased to steward the area - they're handing out bin bags for people, and monitoring people trying to access parts of the estate that are out of bounds.

Derek Billings is one of the rangers. He said:

"We've put a lot of work in over the winter, setting ourselves up so that we wouldn't face the same issues that we experienced last year.

"So far, although we expected after the initial easing of lockdowns back in April, we were bracing ourselves for the worst possible scenario, what we experienced last year.

"But that actually hasn't been the case, people have been very well behaved. A lot less litter is being left on the beach and the visitors that are coming are really enjoying their day out, so we jsut want that to continue going forward."

But, the rangers say people need to know a couple of thigs before they do show up to avoid disappointment.

BBQs are banned at the site due to the high fire risk, and there are some site limitations in place.

Derek added:

"Knowing all that information before people arrive means they're going to have a very fun day out and not be disappointed that we're coming up to them and try to, what they would perceive as, spoil their fun."

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