Studland sea flooding defences could be removed
The National Trust has applied to make changes at Middle Beach
Sea defences at Middle Beach, Studland could be removed under a proposal from the National Trust.
They say the decision will ‘let nature takes its course’ – but should result in a more natural beach after a couple of years.
An application to Dorset Council, submitted by a Wareham planning agent acting for the Trust, also asks for permission to also remove a small retaining wall.
The site, between South Beach and Knoll Beach, is adjacent to the 120-space car park at the Fort Henry end of the Trust’s Studland beachfront.
The agent say the work proposed will help tackle coastal erosion which has led to the closure, until March 2026, of a section of the Southwest Coastal Path in the area.
The decision to remove some of the sea defences at the beach is part of the Trust’s ‘Shifting Shores’ set of policies, as well as a local Shoreline Management Plan.
The strategy for Middle beach is that of ‘managed realignment’ in the short term, up to 2025, followed by an indefinite period of no active intervention.
Said a statement to Dorset Council explaining the tactics: “Managed Realignment allows the shoreline to retreat or advance in a controlled and managed way. No Active intervention allows nature to take its course either on undefended coast or by the removal of current defences.”
It is believed that the current defences are ‘locking in’ sediment behind the beach which, once the defences have been removed, and following a period of rapid erosion, will naturally replenish the beach with some of by the estimated 13,000 m³ of sediment already in place.
Said the application to Dorset Council, which is supported by the parish council and Natural England: “This application seeks to remove man-made stone gabions used as coastal sea defences, and the retaining wall. Regrading of the slope behind the beach is also proposed for health and safety reasons as the site is subject to coastal erosion.”
A removal method statement says the rock armour will be removed first, and then the existing gabion wall structure with large rocks placed on the beach during the Second World War to be retained.
Bracken and sycamore saplings in the adjoining area will be removed as part of the wider works to create areas of open sand for invertebrate species, breeding birds and reptiles.
Said the Trust agent: “It is considered the removal of the sea defences and retaining wall are a betterment visually to the landscape at Middle Beach, creating a cove at the southern end of the beach adjacent to Redend Point cliffs, with a small sandy beach area. Once the defences are removed, the shoreline will readjust quite rapidly to a natural alignment, in line with the shoreline management plan, and ensuring the beaches future.”