Following distressing scenes at Durdle Door in 2020 of overcrowding, littering, graffiti and irresponsible behaviour, Lulworth Estate is urging people to sign a petition to protect beauty spots as lockdown eases.
The petition is calling for the government to protect the UK’s countryside and coast from post lockdown damage by holidaymakers.
“Visitors simply unaware of the impact they were having”
In a statement, the Lulworth rangers who look after the estate said:
“Remember the almost daily news headlines and images last year of how our natural beauty spots were being abused? Mass littering, fly-camping, graffiti and fire being caused by visitors simply unaware of the impact they were having.
“We are asking that the government should fund nationwide and sustained countryside public behaviour messaging and education.”
The Lulworth Estate says it would like to see the government take the initiative as lockdown eases with measures including:
- Messaging ahead of the current lockdown ending
- An ongoing campaign directed at staycationers across the UK
- A sustained education initiative, thus creating a lasting legacy
“Let’s get the message out there”
With Dorset expected to be a top location this year for holidaymakers, the Lulworth Estate owned by James Weld, does not want a repeat of last year’s damage to the environment:
“We want everyone on a trip or holiday to learn to take collective responsibility for looking after the UK’s green (and blue!) spaces. From your National Park, to your local park or beach, let’s get the message out there to look after these special places.
“Let’s face it, with this week’s uncertainty for any foreign holidays, it’s likely we’ll all be holidaying in the UK.”
Live on the UK Government and Parliament Petitions website
The petition ‘Protect the UK’s Countryside and Coast from post lockdown damage’ is now live on the UK Government and Parliament Petitions website and already has nearly 500 signatures. 10,000 signatures will receive a response from the government, while 100,000 will be considered for debate in parliament.
Dorset Council says it already has plans in place to cope with a significant increase in the number of visitors to the county’s beauty spots this summer and is working alongside Dorset Police, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Dorset health partners, to help prevent last year’s antisocial behaviour.
To sign the petition
The petition ‘Protect the UK’s Countryside and Coast from post lockdown damage’ can be signed on the UK Government and Parliament Petitions website
