Beauty spot visitor levels unsustainable, says trust

The number of visitors is having a "detrimental impact" on the very landscape people are coming to enjoy, the trust says

A riverside beauty spot is coming under pressure from too many visitors, the National Trust has said.

Eye Bridge in Kingston Lacy, Dorset, faces issues with cars impacting on the natural habitat and blocking local roads.

The trust said visitor numbers were not sustainable with the current parking facilities.

Anti-social behaviour, litter, illegal barbecues and dog waste were also adding to the problem, it said.

Victim of its own success

Located on the River Stour, the area is a popular route for walkers and has been owned by the National Trust for about 40 years.

Eleanor Egan, the site's manager, said the peaceful location was now in danger of becoming a "victim of their own success".

"More and more people are choosing to visit, which is terrific, but we still need to ensure nature is given a place to thrive and the site protected from overuse and pollution, whilst at the same time making Eye Bridge fit for the future and for future generations," she said.

Eye Bridge has a small car park, with space for 10 vehicles.

In previous years, the trust has opened an adjacent field for overflow parking.

Weather conditions and increased frequency of the river flooding made the field unusable this year.

The trust said it was working on ways to promote alternative car parking at the site, including clear "no parking" signs on local roads and opening a 28-day temporary car park in another nearby field.

It has asked visitors and residents to fill out an online survey, giving their thoughts on the future of the site.

The National Trust said the site was also "suffering due to more extreme weather events as a result of climate change".

It meant "the place we all love" was being impacted by "pollution, water run-off entering the river, erosion and wildlife disturbance", it said.