Tourism in Studland Bay Nature Reserve - case study
Studland Bay is a popular tourist destination in the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. It can be accessed by ferry from the desirable area of Sandbanks in Poole during the summer and is only a few minutes drive from the resort of Swanage.
Studland Bay is an example of a place where conflict can occur between interest groups.
The issues
- Areas such as this are home to rare species of plants and birds.
- The nature reserve is an area of sand dunes. These are dynamic, but often unstable and vulnerable environments.
- The area is attractive to tourists because of the dunes and the wide, sandy beach. The beach can get very crowded in summer months.
- Visitors need somewhere to park and also demand other facilities, such as paths and public toilets.
- Tourists bring their problems such as litter and fire hazards (caused by barbecues and cigarette ends).
How is the area managed?
- Vulnerable areas and areas recently planted with marram grass (which is used to stabilise the dunes) are fenced off to limit access and damage.
- Boardwalks have been laid through the dunes to focus tourists onto specific paths.
- Car parks have been provided and people are not permitted to drive onto the beach.
- Fire beaters are positioned within the dune area in case of a fire.
- Facilities including a shop, caf茅, toilets and litter bins are provided near the car parks to focus tourists into one area.
- Information boards educate visitors about the environment and how they can help to protect it.