Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation

The quality and variety of the Coast make it an important resource for many different forms of sport and recreation. The range of

activities has greatly increased in recent years, offering new challenges for those taking part – and for those who manage the coast and its

inshore waters. There will be a continuing need to keep the balance between different activities, the environment, coastal development and

other users of the coast.

Coastal Recreation: Need and limited information for local policy making. It is water sport. Approximately 26 million tourists Trends generally accepted that participation in visit the South West region per year countryside and water recreation is on the generating between £4-8 billion of income. Recreation, to many, is a vitally important part increase with the most marked trend of the Nearly 40% of adults in the region spend of life. It not only provides an activity of last 10 years in the growth of active coast and some of their leisure time in the water. interest but contributes to our health and well- water recreation including sports such as being. People have high expectations of the scuba diving, kayaking, kite surfing, climbing quality of their leisure experiences, and the The Regulators and power-boating. Dorset coast provides a rich and varied range European

of opportunities. • Bathing Water Directive (2006) - sets The British Marine Industry Federation (BMIF) water quality standards for bathing estimate that in 2009 13.2 million people Detailed trends in coastal recreation are beaches. This will also replace the (26.3%) regularly undertook some form of difficult to establish, there is only provided 1976 Bathing Water Directive from 2014. • Recreational Craft Regulations (2004) • Recreational Craft Directive (1998) sets safety and environmental design standards for certain types of recreational boats. • Other European directives on wildlife and environment may have indirect National Policy Planning Guidance Notes (PPG 17 - Sport & Recreation) provides guidance on local authority planning policy. DETR have a lead role in setting local authority byelaw powers and ratifying byelaw

Bathing at . Copyright: Dorset Coast Forum

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation proposals, and are currently reviewing these Poole Harbour Aquatic Management Plan recreational activities. For water-based powers. looks at ways of maintaining sustainable recreation activities have become levels of economic and social activity within concentrated around the urban areas of the Sport provides advice and grants aid the Harbour and its hinterland, while coast. and administers the National Lottery Sports protecting its natural environment. It Fund. Sport England and Physical Activity considers the activities of all those involved in Network work together to encourage adults the development, management and use of the and children to take up more recreational Harbour within a framework that facilitates the sports during their leisure time. integration of their interests and responsibilities. Natural England can influence management decisions within designated areas with Christchurch Harbour regards to sustainable development. The Christchurch Harbour and Waterways Management Plan provides a framework for National Governing Bodies of Sport are management through promoting the area’s voluntary organisations, though many take a safe and sustainable use, whilst balancing the lead role in setting standards and regulating demands on the natural resources. The Plan competitive activity, and representing the also tries to address ways in which to Windsurfing at Portland. Copyright: Mark general interests of their sport. British Marine minimise risks and resolve any conflicts of Simons Industries Federation represents the interests. recreational boating industry. The 2012 Olympic sailing events in Dorset County Authorities have statutory Weymouth & Portland has inspired the growth County responsibility for rights of way. of recreational water sports in what the Royal Harbour authorities have byelaw making Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Structure Yachting Association has credited as the best powers to ensure safety of navigation, which Plan set overall planning policy for Dorset. waters for sailing in Northern Europe. The can include speed limits and restrictions on Olympics will bring many tourists and water specific activities. Each harbour has its own Local Plans regulate development. District sport enthusiasts to the area, facilitating a byelaws. and Unitary Councils have some powers to significant financial boost for the local make byelaws for coastal and water economy. The Olympics has made it possible recreation to build the Weymouth Relief Road, built to Harbour Management Plan essentially diminish journey times and queues to and describes an overview of the Harbour and the Dorset’s Coastal Recreational from Weymouth & Portland, especially in the activities that presently take place in the Resource active period around and during the games. various areas. The South West Coast Path and the main

amenity beaches are significant coastal Poole Harbour

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation

Activities in Dorset’s coastal Portland has experienced rapid growth in promoting of cycling in the local area. zone sports climbing, following national publication Importance: Regional of new climbing guides. There are now Bathing /Beach Recreation Dorset has 50 bathing beaches which are approximately 600 sport routes with fixed Golf bolts which have been put in place in the last used for swimming and informal recreation. Golf is experiencing continued growth in decade. Lack of co-ordination between There are 8 ‘bathing only’ zones set up for popularity. At present there are 10 golf promotion and management has led to a public safety. The main resort beaches are courses located in the coastal zone in Dorset, number of issues ranging from impacts on vitally important to tourism and attract an with an additional 22 courses further inland. nesting birds and cliff vegetation (particularly intense level of activity, mainly during the The Sports Council’s golf strategy identified the nationally important Portland sea- summer period, whilst rural beaches provide countywide issues regarding the accessibility lavender) to local parking problems. Moves quieter sites. However, these sites are seeing of facilities for the beginner and casual golfer. are now underway to try and address these an increase in activity, especially for sports Development pressures for new and through a similar programme to that expanded facilities are controlled by the such as paddle boarding and kite surfing . established in Purbeck. planning system, and new golf courses are Importance: Regional/National now subject to environmental impact Climbing A mobile climbing wall service is now assessment. Importance: Local/Regional Climbing is a fast-growing sport nationally, operating in Dorset. Importance: and there has been particular growth in Regional/National Hang-gliding and Paragliding demand for artificial indoor climbing walls, Hang-gliding and paragliding has been a and for ‘sports climbing’, which uses routes Cycling localised minority activity on the coast for over with pre-prepared, fixed bolts in outdoor rock Dorset has experienced a growth in demand many years. The main clubs are located out- faces. for recreational cycling, following the of-county, and use sites in , accepted national trends. The main facilities Portland, and Bournemouth Climbing opportunities in Dorset are limited to for cycling are quiet rural roads and when weather conditions are suitable. the hard limestone cliffs of Purbeck and bridleways. Some parts of the coast path, Although a minority activity, there are safety Portland. However the activity has become including the Ridgeway are bridleways and concerns where take-off and landing areas very popular and continues to grow. Seasonal suitable for off-road cycling – but most of the are open to the public, and this has led to a and route restrictions have been agreed in path is footpath only. A Purbeck Cycle Path is local ban at during the main Purbeck to avoid conflict with nesting birds. promoted (Priest’s Way and Purbeck Way), season. Erosion at launch sites and The majority of climbers accept them, and the providing a circuit of Purbeck on lanes and disturbance to cliff-nesting birds is a concern scheme is monitored through an annual bridleways. There is an ongoing background on Portland, and a zoning scheme has been climbing forum. There are three quarries of problems of nuisance and damage from agreed with the main association who use the close to the South West path at Swanage, mountain-bike use on coastal footpaths and Island. Importance: Local/Regional which have become increasingly popular. The effective awareness raising is needed. There 3 venues now have a total of 160 routes. is continued restricted access for bicycles on South West trains which conflicts with the

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation

Personal Watercraft (Jet-skis) craft in the near shore area. Importance: Regional/National for Yachting National for Personal watercrafts (commonly known as Regional/National Dinghy Sailing jet-skis) are popular forms of recreation on the Dorset Coast. Their use particularly Sailing centres on urban areas, and they make Sailing is a well established pastime around considerable use of Poole Harbour (where a the Dorset Coast. The strongholds of both zone is set aside for them), Studland and yacht and dinghy sailing in Dorset are Poole Swanage Bays. They also launch and and Portland Harbour, with over 6,000 yacht navigate off the beaches in the conurbation berths and moorings. There is also significant and at Weymouth. activity centred on Swanage and Christchurch and a large marina at Weymouth. This is set Jet-skiing is probably the most controversial to increase with worldwide Olympic sailing recreational use of the coast, and has teams visiting Portland to train. attracted national attention from the media in has a small fleet of resident yachts and an a campaign to ban them. Concerns about active dinghy sailing club. Christchurch Sailing at Portland. Copyright; Mark Simons their use vary, and range from noise harbour has several boatyards and sailing disturbance to people, disturbance to wildlife clubs. The east of the County is a popular Sea Angling and safety concerns where the craft mix with destination for cruising yachts, with demand Sea Angling is widespread in Dorset, from swimmers or other water users. Such enhanced by yachts visiting from the yachting both shore and boat. The common law right of concerns are often strongly held, and taken stronghold of the Solent, and to a lesser fishing in the sea means that the sport is together have made the task of finding extent by foreign yachts. Studland and the exempt from licence, unlike freshwater conflict-free coastal sites for the activity very area south of Brownsea Island are popular fishing. The single most significant site is difficult. Importance: Local/Regional anchorages for day cruising. , which is a nationally and internationally recognised beach angling Power Boating The coast west of Poole is exposed, with venue. Boscombe Pier is an important venue Power boating is a popular activity centred on limited shelter at Swanage, Weymouth and along the Dorset coast for disabled anglers: the main resorts, with the Royal Motor Yacht West Bay. There is regular cruising activity as a result several competitions are held Club organising annual races at Weymouth, between Poole and Weymouth. The natural there annually. The extent of sea angling on Poole and Bournemouth, with the annual barrier of Portland limits cruising further west. some sites has a potential impact on fish Youth National Powerboat Championship The extent of visitor moorings in Dorset is populations inshore, and the extent of litter, being held in Dorset. In West Dorset the also limited, and some of the smaller harbour and discarded and lost tackle continues to activity centres on the powerboat club at moorings are for residents only. This can remain an issue. Importance: Regional Lyme Regis. As with other fast moving cause some problems for sailors in the west (Chesil Beach: National/International) watercraft there are both noise and safety of the county, with no available moorings implications associated with the use of the between Portland and . Importance:

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation

Scuba Diving the efforts of sports divers are also a potential increase in both local and visiting surfers Dorset is a popular dive area, and is resource to help improve our knowledge of especially during the summer months. Paddle nationally advertised within the diving press. the marine environment, with projects such as boarding is a new activity that is increasing However, there are 3 main reasons why SeaSearch. Importance: Regional/National with popularity, as it is ideal for Dorset’s local Dorset (mainly Portland) has seen a decline inshore water conditions, especially sheltered in diver numbers: the sinking of HMS Scylla in places such as Kimmeridge and Weymouth Plymouth, a more accessible launching facility Bay. Importance: Regional (Portland in West Bay and the ban on diving HMS Harbour: National/International) Hood. There are also fears that the 2012 Olympics could decrease visiting diver Walking numbers as boat movement is restricted. This Walking is the most popular of all recreational could potentially be rectified by the wreck-to- activities on the Dorset Coast, with an reef project planned for Portland. Clubs estimated 1 million people walking part of the visiting with their own dive boats also add to South West Coast Path annually. Most the level of activity. The greatest activity visitors to Dorset will spend some time centres on Portland, with two main dive walking along the coast, or at one of the many schools, and is a popular area for training natural attractions, whilst most residents will dives. There are also dive charters operating make short repeated visits throughout the out of Swanage, Weymouth, Poole, West Bay Diving in Dorset. Copyright: Seasearch year. The South West Coast Path provides a and Lyme Regis. continuous route along the coast from Poole Surfing/Paddle Boarding westwards, although there are continued There are a number of popular shore diving Surfing is a relatively new sport on the Dorset problems in dealing with slippage and coastal sites on the coast, and Chesil Cove and Coast, but has become popular with local erosion of the route in West Dorset, which Swanage Pier both have a national reputation surfers at Bournemouth, Highcliffe, highlights the particular need for long term as safe sites for training. Kimmeridge and Lyme Regis when the coastal maintenance and protection. It is now weather allows. Although surf is often small possible to walk the whole length of the coast Diving can create additional pressure at and messy during summer months, it is from Chewton Bunny to Sandbanks. slipways at peak times. The relatively small generally after winter storms that conditions Importance: National/International number of popular dive sites, can become are more suitable. In 2009, Europe’s first crowded on summer weekends, with boats artificial reef was opened at Bournemouth. Water Skiing/Wakeboarding queuing to use sites at times. As technical Currently the surfing conditions appear to be Three water skiing clubs are registered with diving increases in popularity, new, deeper less consistent than before the reef was built the British Water Ski and Wakeboard dive sites are being explored, therefore and the site is not particularly suitable for Federation based in Lyme Regis, Weymouth attracting a new calibre of divers. There are beginners. However, technical solutions are and Poole. Numbers in each of the clubs potential impacts to wildlife and underwater being developed to rectify the initial problems. have remained steady over the last few years, archaeology from diving activities; however If successful this creation should see an but has increased slightly as wakeboarding

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation becomes a more popular sport with young Other Activities There are three clubs based in the east of the people. There is a designated area for water- There are a number of other activities where county which take part in an annual regatta skiing and wakeboarding in Poole Harbour the Dorset Coast provides opportunities for programme for Hampshire and Dorset. There established in 1995 through the Aquatic local and smaller-scale activities. are no designated nudist beaches in Dorset, Management Plan which is used frequently. however Naturists do use the remoter parts On the open coast, water skiing tends to be Canoeing/Kayaking remains a popular of Studland Beach - there are localised undertaken principally in the resort areas of activity for school groups and outdoor sensitivities over the activity. Many naturalists Bournemouth, Swanage, Weymouth and education centres, as well as individual and tend to go abroad, as the facilities are much Lyme Regis. Importance: Regional small groups of adults. Popular routes include better. Kimmeridge-Swanage () and in Windsurfing/Kite surfing Poole Harbour, over to Brownsea Island. Surf Coasteering is a new and extreme way to Wind surfing is mainly limited to the kayak has also become popular as small surf experience the Dorset coastline. The activity accessible beaches on the coast. There are conditions are ideal. Kayak fishing is now very involves swimming, climbing and cliff jumping. popular sites at the beaches in Poole and popular along the Dorset coast, with more There are obvious serious risks to this activity Christchurch Bays, but the most significant launch sites and good inshore fishing areas which is possibly why it has become so site is Portland Harbour. Here the making the activity popular with older people. popular with young people. Because it is such combination of strong south westerly winds, International Canoe Championships are also a new sport it is unclear how damaging this together with the shelter afforded by Chesil held in Dorset. sport is to the coastline. However, conflicts Beach can provide unusual conditions, which similar to those discussed with climbing could allow high speeds to be reached. The site is occur, and coasteering groups should be therefore very well used when the conditions aware of any restrictions. Coasteering should are right, and is a venue for high-level be a group activity led by qualified and competitions. It is also becoming ever more experienced instructors; however, there are popular with both local and visiting kite surfers no ways of enforcing this which could lead to with the hope to attract more high level damage to the area and accidents. Some competitions. There has been some conflict of companies are also offering eco-coasteering, use as kite surfing is faster and more agile which focuses more on the geology and than wind surfing and can cover more ground. wildlife of the coastline. Erosion of sensitive shingle vegetation has been a concern, addressed by installing wooden walkways to the beach. Importance: Coastal Sports Development Regional (Portland Harbour: Kayaking. Copyright: Mark Simons The general view of growth in coastal sport National/International) and recreation masks much more Dorset is one of the few remaining national complicated patterns of change. There is areas where Coastal Rowing takes place. scope to improve sporting opportunities in

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation

Dorset, and it cannot be taken for granted that exist, they can be valuable in assisting training to the more informal activities such as sport and recreation will flourish in the best management and representing the needs of jet-skiing. way without assistance. Sports development their activity. Governing bodies of sport, and is the name given to the task of encouraging sports clubs provide essential organisation Management Issues and promoting sport, and provides one means and opportunities for many activities, but tend Alongside the promotion and development of of helping to integrate future activity with other to rely on voluntary effort to survive. The more sport and recreation, there is a need to interests. For coastal recreation, some of the casual and informal types of recreational address and manage the possible conflicts main issues are: activity, such as windsurfing and jet-skiing are which arise from regular recreational use. In generally not club-based and so lack a local brief the main areas, which need to be • Young People organisational structure. considered, and the issues in Dorset include: Research for the BMIF by Southampton

Institute suggests that there remains a strong • All levels of ability Competition for Space interest in water-sports with some more Dorset produces some top-quality athletes, This is increasing as levels of recreation fashionable than others, by young and water sports are one of the areas where increase. This can pose a safety issue for generations, but it does appear that it is the County’s sportsmen and women have some forms of recreation, but it can have a becoming more difficult for many to take part. excelled in the past and continue to do so. To wider effect of reducing the quality of There are good opportunities to try out water continue and strengthen this tradition, there is recreational experience – particularly for activities, but less scope to continue with a need to ensure that support and training is activities where the remote nature of the them. Organised after-school clubs have available to encourage those with ability to coast is part of the attraction. Locations such declined, and there is increased competition achieve their potential. Weymouth and as Swanage, Studland, Poole Harbour and for parents’ time to support regular Portland will inevitably gain from the 2012 the near shore areas of the resorts are participation. With regards to the recent Olympics, with more money being put into extremely popular and can become recession, many water sports are no longer sailing academies and more young people overcrowded at peak times. There are as affordable as before, especially as many being encouraged to try a variety of water examples of accidents, near misses and require lessons and specific equipment. sports. Governing bodies of sport are in a nuisance as a result of too many users – or Heightened concern about safety and security key position to articulate the needs here. incompatible activities taking place at the is placing a greater load on youth sports same place at the same time. coaches and leaders to gain qualifications • Effective training and meet the necessary police checks. A good structure for providing training and Unfortunately it does appear that the number coaching is essential to maintain basic safety Liabilities of volunteer sport coaches has declined over standards, and promote performance. The Private landowners along the coast are the last decade. public and private sector schools and centres concerned about the risk of legal action if a

are important facilities for training in outdoor recreational user has an accident on their • Sporting organisations activities. Clubs also have an important role to property, and a number have sought to take A climate of support for voluntary play for the more organised forms of activity, out insurance. This has become an issue with organisations is important, and where they but there are challenges to deliver effective

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation many landowners who do not encourage the potential to create a disproportionate will lead to an increase in litter especially with recreational activities such as climbing or impact on the tranquillity of the remoter parts lost or broken kit being left. mountain biking on their land, and can do little of the coast. to stop unauthorised use. The extent of actual Sewage Pollution risk is not clear at present. Wildlife Damage and Disturbance It remains legal to discharge sewage from This is a potential impact of recreational recreational vessels. However, disposal of Safety activities. There is little substantiated sewage from boats should be discouraged Recreation generates the majority of call-outs evidence of widespread problems in Dorset, and if necessary prohibited i.e. in areas of to the Coastguard and Lifeboats. In 2008, the but there are localised issues. The main weak tidal movement. Disposal of sewage 35 lifeboat stations in the South West concerns are potential disturbance to cliff must occur as far from the shoreline as launched 1567 times, with Poole being the nesting birds in Portland and Purbeck due to possible. There are localised concerns at both busiest, launching 156 times. Other lifeboat climbing, air sports and close approaches by Studland and south of Brownsea about the stations in Dorset are at Weymouth, water craft. Potential disturbance of Little impact of flushing boat toilets on busy days, Swanange, Lyme Regis, Mudeford and an Terns nesting on Chesil Beach requires an and resulting beach pollution. If possible boat RNLI beach lifeguard area at Bournemouth. active warden presence. Direct damage due users are encouraged to use on-shore The RNLI lifeguards dealt with 8423 incidents. to recreational access is a pressure on the facilities. Elsewhere the levels of discharge This shows just how busy local waters have coast path and other well used rights of way. may not be sufficient to cause noticeable become and brings into question whether It’s also a concern for other activities at well problems - however as the general quality of enough is being done to regulate safety. used sites – angling at Chesil and windsurfing Dorset’s sewage discharges improves, it is Land-based activity is the single largest at Ferrybridge have required specific desirable to remove as many other sources of source of incidents, although most forms of management measures to be introduced. sewage discharge as possible. With the water activity are also represented. The Bathing Water Directive 2006, more scientific overall levels of incidents are increasing, and Litter knowledge and management came into force, the coastal emergency services are Litter is a continuing problem on the Dorset with an increase in annual water testing. continuing to develop awareness campaigns coast and a proportion of it is attributable to Several - but not all - ports and marinas in and publications – led by the RNLI’s sea recreational sources. Continued awareness Dorset currently offer pump-out facilities for safety liaison working group. raising within beach visitors, sailors and recreational craft and Wessex Water have anglers appears to be required. The Marine offered free connections to the sewage Noise Litter Summit of 2009 continues to raise the system for sites who wish to install them. With an increase of water users, motorised air profile of marine litter, and looked to find ways Many yachts do not have the necessary and water sports can be a major source of to tackle sources of marine litter and minimise holding tanks fitted to use these facilities at nuisance in some places. It is an issue at its input. The summit also showed just how present. some of Dorset’s resort beaches, and on the complex marine litter is as it deals with cross- northern shore of Poole Harbour was a borders and international issues. However, Promoting Coastal Recreation consideration in the location of the jet-ski with an increase in recreational activity along Sport and recreation are already actively zone. Small amounts of noisy activity have the coast and inshore waters inevitably this promoted in Dorset by the private sector,

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation tourism interests and some local authorities. Management Techniques Harbour and elsewhere. With better safety Promotion has an important role in shaping Almost all forms of coastal recreation demand equipment, these boundaries are being future activity on the Dorset Coast, and in some level of management. In many cases pushed especially in the diving sector, which addition to the messages given by general the needs may be limited to the provision of has seen a small increase in diving related tourism. Organisations involved in managing basic access facilities, and the management accidents. recreation could benefit from involvement issues revolve around the quality of the promotional activities and publications about facilities provided. Some coastal activities Codes of Conduct recreation in Dorset. Portland is an example require a more active approach: intensive Conduct codes are produced by most of the where lack of such contact has led to beach and water activities often bring with national sports associations and unnecessary levels of conflict between them a need for staff to ensure safety and organisations such as the BMIF have climbers, wildlife and locals. Co-operation deal with conflicts. produced codes of conduct, which outline between managers, promoters, authors and acceptable behaviour and rules for particular publishers is a practical means of improving A range of techniques are available to help try sports. the overall management of coastal recreation and ensure that enjoyable recreational activity by: is available to those that want it, and to Working Groups and Forums Much of today’s information is sourced from reduce conflicts where they occur. Some of These can help reduce conflicts and agree the internet, which enables better accuracy in the main mechanisms include: management schemes. The Purbeck information, more information stored in one Climbing Forum is one such group, providing place and it can be kept up-to-date more Recreational facilities a means of agreeing and monitoring easily. However, the opposite of this can Recreational facilities need to be provided to management. Harbour users’ groups can also happen, leading to misinterpretation of support activities in appropriate places. The be effective. information. aim should be for these to be managed and maintained at a high standard. For water Permits & Charging • Ensuring areas promoted for new based recreation, there is a particular need to Can be introduced where an organisation has activities are capable of sustaining focus management on the public slipways powers to do so, and can be effective. them; and launch points which are focal points for Harbour authorities have the power to • Agreeing management measures to many users. introduce permits and charging within their avoid conflicts before they arise; boundaries. Poole Harbour Commissioners • Delivering safety, environmental and Self regulation through clubs use this mechanism effectively for water- other management information to Self-regulation through clubs can be very skiing. recreational users in a positive way – effective. Groups of users are often the best before they visit a site and take part in regulators of their own activities, working to Charging is justified where recreational activities. guidance and codes of conduct issued by the activities benefit from management, and governing body of their sport, and there are provided that means to collect charges from several good examples of schemes in Poole all users who benefit are in place. Some uses are price-sensitive however, and care must

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation be taken when deciding on a suitable ensure a high standard of design, and avoid a The main legal mechanisms for regulating charging structure. The introduction of proliferation of signs – which is both recreation are the byelaw making powers of charges can have the effect of displacing ineffective and unsightly. Ideally some level of harbours, local authorities and the National activity. co-ordination needs to be achieved between Trust. Dorset will need to take account of the the different authorities to ensure a consistent results of this when they are published. standard of information. The Coastguard and Where bye-laws are introduced they need to Donation Sports Council have published a national be effectively ‘policed’, and the ability of Zoning of recreation can be effective for good practice guide to provide advice on authorities to back up bye-law creation with activities where conflicts can be reduced by design and siting. enforcement must be considered before any limiting either the areas or times when new measures are introduced. Harbour activities take place. Although most often Published information and codes of practice authorities remain a source of good practice considered as a management tool for water are also useful in promoting good safety and in regulating recreational activity, and the up- sports, zones can also be applied to terrestrial environmental conduct, and there are a dated Poole Harbour Aquatic Management activities. Where schemes are in place they number of useful national publications. More Plan 2006 is one of the leading examples of a need to be well publicised, and there needs to focussed information on local management co-ordinated approach to coastal recreation be coordination to ensure activities are fairly issues also needs to be provided. The main management. This plan co-ordinates provided for in zones that suit them. As with issue with publications is ensuring that they management of the harbour and serves as a charging, care is needed to ensure zoning are effectively distributed, and there can be Management Scheme for the European does not merely displace problems elsewhere problems in delivering stand-alone leaflets to Marine Site. It covers present and future on the coast. Zoning has been used users who are not members of clubs. More needs for nature conservation and recreation. successfully at several sites in Dorset, use of the internet, the media and specialist including Bournemouth seafront and Poole magazines is needed. Beyond byelaws there are a range of views Harbour, while seasonal restrictions have about the benefits of adopting national proved effective in managing cliff climbing in The Role of Legislation legislation to increase the level of control over Purbeck. A positive approach to managing recreation watercraft use. Concerns are expressed by through the positive provision of facilities, many about the safety of powered watercraft voluntary cooperation and ‘education rather in the hands of poorly or untrained users. The than legislation’ is the accepted ideal. In many lack of legal requirement for minimum Information Provision cases it proves a successful approach, but in standards of training, age limits or third party Good quality site-based information needs reality a measure of legal backing is also insurance for those using watercraft is an to be provided to raise awareness of local important to the success of many issue, particularly in relation to the use of fast- regulations and sensitivities. Information management schemes. Powers are needed motorised craft. Many harbour authorities needs to be well presented, clearly written to ensure that measures can be backed up by consider that a national registration scheme and effectively distributed. Public launch enforcement, particularly where a minority of for watercraft would assist them in enforcing points are one important place to focus site individuals may ignore other measures. regulations. The British Water Ski and based information boards. Care is needed to Wakeboard Federation supports legal

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation standards for those operating powerboats and landowners. The powers to do so may be makes them suitable for informal and more other fast motor craft. In the absence of clarified by the DETR byelaw review, but the adventurous land and water recreation. national measures, there has been a move to resources to act remain open to question. introduce localised registration and Integrating Recreational Activity restrictions, and an example is a permit Recreation management is one of the main within Dorset’s Coastal Zone scheme for jet-skis in Poole Harbour areas where the ideal is a more active Sport and recreation need to be integrated introduced in 1998, which requires those approach to management on the whole of the with the other interests on the Dorset coast. using craft to: open coast. There is a need for co-ordination The main potential interactions are as follows: of policy, and a detailed plan of action. This is

• be registered with the harbour one of the areas where detailed coastal zone • Archaeology authority and display a registration management plans could be of particular Marine archaeological sites are frequently number; value in the future. discovered by sports divers, though some can • carry adequate third party insurance; damage sites through the collection of • Scope for Growth sign to indicate they understand the souvenirs and intensity of number of divers on main harbour bye-laws. One of the key needs is to identify the scope for the Dorset Coast to accommodate an a wreck. More might be done to involve sports divers in marine archaeological work, through Taking the Lead with Management increase in active sport and recreation. The training or to give areas archaeological status A high standard of recreation management current focus of activity is within the urban areas of the coast, and in the future a thus not allowing divers near the site. On land must be one of the principal concerns of any there is potential for erosion through visitors coastal zone management programme for continued focus on these areas is likely to be a sensible approach. They are places where walking across coastal sites. Dorset. Detailed decisions need to be taken the resource is attractive, where infrastructure locally, and the lead role in implementing • Coastal Defence is in place, and where local management is recreation management needs to be clear. Coastal defence works are a potential source most likely to be achievable. Portland Harbour The only clear statutory lead roles are those of recreational amenities and access, and represents a particular set of opportunities for of harbour authorities within harbours, and may also be a mechanism for protecting the recreation, following the withdrawal of the rights of way authorities (County and Unitary coast path. Beach replenishment used as a Navy. Portland Port Ltd has the lead role in Councils) on land. Elsewhere landowners form of coastal defence in areas such as realising this potential, in balance with the may manage activity on the beaches and the Bournemouth provides recreational and other interests in the harbour. shoreline, which they own, with the possibility amenity beaches. of the use of byelaws through District local authorities in some cases. What is not clear is Outside of the developed coast and resort • Educational Use who is in a position to lead with activity areas the scope for growth is more limited by There are a variety of recreational clubs and offshore, beyond the established harbours the lack of infrastructure and exposed schools in the area which offer tuition in both and bathing beaches. It is likely that the local conditions. It is important to retain the terrestrial and water sports. Codes of conduct authorities will be best placed to take an character of the remote, quieter areas, which produced by recreational councils and bodies overall co-ordinating role, in partnership with

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation inform users of techniques and information, • Marine Aggregates work to ensure that recreational and which will result in safe and hopefully conflict- No major interactions, although marine commercial traffic do not conflict. It is free recreation. Warning and information aggregates are a key source for beach important for a diverse range of activities to signs can be placed at slipways and other replenishment schemes, which have co-exist safely both off-shore and on-shore. access points to the water as well as in car recreational benefits. Dredging for aggregate This can be done through obeying harbour parks and popular land-based recreational can cause visibility to be disturbed which speed limits, traffic signals and safety sites. could potentially lead to a decline in diver instructions. numbers if diving in Dorset becomes • Fishing associated with poor visibility. • Tourism Recreational angling and collecting of fish by Recreation is often difficult to separate from divers impact on the same resource as that • Maritime Industries tourism. Most visitors will take part in used for commercial fishermen. There are Water recreation forms the core of business recreational activities during their stay. some limited conflicts, particularly where for many of the maritime industries in Dorset. recreational ‘catch’ is sold illegally. Some • Wildlife part-time commercial fishing boats • Military Activity Recreation is a potential source of localised supplement their income from recreational Military activity is a limitation on recreational damage and disturbance, which is a particular users. activity in the , especially concern at sensitive sites. Recreational around and the Purbeck development can also impact on coastal • Geology and Geomorphology area throughout much of the year, although wildlife, though it is generally tightly The fixing of bolts for climbing and the throughout the summer months ranges are controlled. removal of loose rock can cause physical generally open due to summer leave of damage to rock faces. Recreational collecting military personnel. Elsewhere military and Policy Directions for Recreation impacts on the fossil resource, although is not recreational watercraft share water space. on the Dorset Coast likely to be a cause of damage to more The following policy questions about the valuable specimens, but there are associated • Pollution & Environmental Quality future of coastal recreation in Dorset are safety issues. Recreation is a potential source of noise, litter posed for discussion: and localised sewage pollution, and this is

• Landscape & Seascape discussed above. Recreational users demand 1. How should growth in recreational Recreational activity allows people to enjoy a high standard of water quality, and the activity be catered for? the quality of the coastal landscape. It can improvement of sewage treatment has • Is a focus of future sport and active create localised impacts on landscape general recreational benefits. recreation within urban and resort through erosion, and is also a source of • areas desirable? development pressures. Watercrafts add Ports & Shipping • visual interest to the coast, provided that they Poole and Portland Harbours are two of the Where are the main sites where do not also create intrusive noise. most important areas for recreation on the further activity could be promoted - Dorset coast, and the harbour authorities and properly managed?

Dorset Marine and Coastal Topic Paper Series 2010 Access and Recreation

• Are the recreational facilities on the • How will Dorset’s local authorities • Is effective distribution of existing Dorset coast sufficient to meet future respond, if they receive new coastal publications and codes of practice needs? Where are new facilities recreation bye-law powers? being achieved? needed? • Is there a Dorset view on the value of • How can effective information on a licensing scheme for recreational future trends be secured from sports craft? organisations and the industry? • What are the likely impacts of environmental legislation? 2. Are new management arrangements needed for offshore recreation on the 4. What are the priorities for promoting open coast? sport and active recreation on the coast? • What is the extent of actual • Is a more active approach to recreational conflicts on the open promoting watersports to Dorset’s coast? young people needed? • What are the management priorities? • How can voluntary organisations, • How can co-ordination between the which support coastal recreation, be different managing authorities be supported? achieved? • Do the facilities for recreation training • Is zoning of water sports on the open and coaching in Dorset need to be coast worth considering? improved? • How can the tranquillity of the remote • How can better links between those stretches of coastline be maintained in promoting coastal recreation, and the long term? those managing it be made? • Is a more active role by local authorities in managing open coast 5. What are the education and information activities a realistic prospect? priorities for coastal recreation users? • How could more be done to promote • Should on-site signs and information higher standards of recreational safety be better co-ordinated, and produced in Dorset? to a consistent standard? • What are the priority needs for 3. Would increased legislative powers environmental awareness, and how benefit coastal recreation management in are they best delivered? Dorset? • How can the impact of existing educational campaigns be sustained?