CONFLICT ON THE DORSET COAST.

CONFLICT ON THE DORSET COAST.

Describe the kinds of conflicts that occur on the Dorset coast and what

can be done to solve these problems.

Poole Harbour

Poole Harbour Environment

Poole harbour Largest natural harbourLarge areas of mudflatsNumerous muddy creeks and saltmarshesHome to large numbers of birdsMild winters and warm summers

Sailing The 4000 hectares of open

sheltered water are a honey pot for watersport enthusiasts

Marinas and large numbers of moorings (places to anchor your yacht!) on Northern shore

8000 boats can be moored there in summer

Cross channel ferries use harbour

Canoeing is done from Poole beach

Windsurfing is in the north –east.

Waterskiers like to use Wareham Channel

Permits are required and these can cost from £50 per fortnight.

Skiers must keep to designated area in the Wareham channel or ski outside the harbour

This island is one of many in Poole harbour

It is popular with bird watchers, fishermen and wild fowlers.

Brownsea Island

Where reeds grow in the saltmarshes, reeds have been harvested in the past for roof thatching.

This still happens on a smaller scale today

Exploitation of the saltmarshes

Farming of Oysters and mussels

Mussels and oyster are grown in ‘beds’ in the harbour area.

But now the ‘farmers’ are worried about contamination from the increased number of pleasure

Resolving the conflict

An acquatic management plan …zoning certain areas for quiet users e.g bird watcher, fishermen , aquaculture

Encouraging sailors and surfers to leave harbour and use the sea reducing congestion and pollution

Build safer moorings e.g. Fisherman’s Dock Spread visitors throughout the year, by holding events

conferences in the ‘off peak’ season. Regular consultations with interested parties e.g council,

conservation groups, DEPRA to oversea strict anti pollution guide lines.

Studland Peninusula

Studland Peninusula

Lies to the south of Poole Harbor

An area of Heathland and sand dunes

Home to numerous species of rare plants and reptiles

Resting place for migratory birds

Conflicts on Studland 20,000 people a day can flock

to the area in summer. Most visitors arrive by car 200 cars can be illegally

parked Up to 400 yachts offshore can

leave unpleasant pollution (sewage) Walkers can disturb nesting

and migratory birds

SolutionsPoop scoops schemes on beaches help reduce dog

messEncourage people to come to area on ferriesDig ditches on the heath land to stop 4x4 access to

dunesErect fences to stop illegal parking , enlarge car

parks where possible but options here are limitedBuilt footpaths along ‘desire lines’ to protect

plants and nesting birds.