Work to remove ageing sea defences set to begin

Stone and concrete defences and metal cages filled with rocks will be removed from Middle Beach

Work to remove ageing sea defences from a Dorset beach and create a "more natural shoreline" is set to begin.

Stone and concrete defences, as well as metal cages filled with rocks along Middle Beach, Studland, will be removed from Monday.

It is the final phase of a five-year project by the National Trust, which said it would allow the area to "realign" into a natural sandy cove with improved habitat for wildlife.

Sand lizards and slow worms have been moved from the area by licensed ecologists in anticipation of the works, which are expected to last until the end of October.

Middle Beach will be closed to the public while work is ongoing, but the car park, cafe and other small businesses will remain open.

In a statement, the trust said the work was in "direct response" to the effects of coastal erosion, accelerated by climate change, which has seen cliffs fall by up to 4m (13.1ft) in one night.

The sea defences are no longer effective against rising tides, the National Trust explained

Tracey Churcher, general manager of the National Trust in Purbeck, said the removal would be a "long process".

She said: "The gabions (sea defences) are no longer effective against the rising tides, and they are also collapsing and pose a risk to the public.

"Rather than fighting the inevitable effects of coastal change, we agree with the local Shoreline Management Plan for Studland, which recommends the removal of failing sea defences, leading towards a more natural shoreline."

The concrete slipway will also be removed, which Ms Church confirmed would not pose a threat to dwellings and other permanent buildings.

Tracey Churcher said the work was a "vital investment" in the future of Middle Beach

National Trust coast and marine adviser, Sarah Coggins, said removing the artificial structures would allow the beach to "replenish itself" by using sandy material from the cliff.

She added: "The effects might look extreme at first, but projections show that over the next 20 years or so the cliff will realign to become a gentler slope."

The trust said the increased areas of open sand would also benefit insects and reptiles, including rare sand lizards and smooth snakes.

Ms Churcher said: "We realise the work may cause temporary inconvenience for visitors, but it's a vital investment in securing the future enjoyment of Middle Beach, preserving our natural heritage for everyone, forever."

In time, sand from the cliff is expected to to replenish the beach to create a more natural shoreline and better habitats for wildlife