Studland Middle Beach

Middle Beach is located on a stretch of actively eroding coastline in Studland Bay. Visitor facilities including the low lying café, toilets, pumping station and higher level car park were at risk or already destroyed. Climate change storm events have accelerated coastline change along this section of the bay, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Temporary relocation of some facilities had already taken place, however these remained within a 50 year coastal erosion risk zone. Removal of the remaining and largely ineffective coastal defences was also due, in accordance with the Trust’s Shoreline Management Plan. Landscape Architects from Nicholas Pearson Associates  worked with National Trust to design a longer-term solution for provision of visitor infrastructure, as part of their response and adaptation to climate and coastal change.

We carried out site appraisal and analysis, developed a spatial plan for the site and prepared landscape designs for the planning application for relocation of the facilities. Our spatial plan was required to meet current operational needs, whilst also allowing for flexibility to reconfigure the visitor infrastructure and car park in the future, allowing ongoing retreat from the coastal edge when this is required.

Spatial Plan

A key requirement of the project brief was to enhance visitor experience of arrival at Middle Beach and provide opportunities for visitors to understand more about the coastline and appreciate the stunning coastal scenery. The locations for the café and seating area as well as popular coastal viewpoints needed careful consideration whilst improving the operational aspects of the site.

The process involved working closely with the National Trust project manager and site team to understand the local sensitivities and operational requirements, and with National Trust planning advisors to establish a planning strategy. We collaborated with civil engineers, arboriculture consultants and National Trust ecologists to develop a design solution which integrates with the existing sensitive landscape context, minimised impacts on the existing retained trees and allows for flexibility to further ‘pull back’ from the shoreline in the future.

Planning approval

We prepared landscape information for the planning application, including the overall site masterplan, design and access statement, schedules of landscape materials and other supporting visuals. Planning consent was granted in January 2025 and construction took place in phases throughout 2025.

Back Story

National Trust has a substantial land holding across the Studland Peninsula, an area protected for its landscapes, wildlife, history and known for its beaches.  This popular area to visit often experiences issues from overcrowding, particularly at peak times of the year in good weather. In addition, National Trust visitor buildings and the car parks are at risk from wave action and tidal flooding from the sea, exacerbated by rising sea-levels and coastal erosion.  Before our work at Middle Beach, we were commissioned to carry out a strategic review of the National Trust facilities across the wider peninsula to help understand opportunities for adapting to the coastal change.

Our strategic review involved mapping the environmental baseline of the peninsula using GIS software, appraisal of the landscape character and capacity for change, preparation of spatial and facilities audits for each of the beach areas and car parks.  Our environmental appraisal and review of opportunities and constraints concluded with the identification of short, medium and long-term options for change with a review of associated pros and cons.

The study was a foundation stone of an in-depth consultation across the Studland Peninsular, led by Dorset Coast Forum involving local communities, Natural England, Local Councils and Public Transport organisations. The findings have informed the preparation of a long-term strategic plan for National Trust land-holdings in the area called ‘Future Studland’ with 4 key themes of ‘wild identity, infrastructure, travel and access & visitor distribution and communication’.

To arrange a call with one of our team to find out about how we can support you with your Environmental Design project, contact us.