Landslip warning along Swanage coastline following wet weather

Swanage Coastguard is asking walkers to take care around the coastline due to the current risk of landslips.

Dorset has been battered by foul weather over the past few days – and was even placed under Met Office weather warnings.

Advertisement 

But as residents head out for strolls on the beach over the coming days, the emergency services want to ensure that everyone is safe.

Studland landslip

Recent landslips at Middle Beach in Studland have meant that the education block has been removed

Studland coastal path closed off due to recent landslip

In Studland part of the coastal path next to Middle Beach has been closed off due to a recent landslip. The National Trust has now removed the education block that used to be along this stretch next to Middle Beach cafe.

Swanage Coastguard warns that the northern end of Swanage Beach could also be prone to landslips as a result of the recent rainfall.

The north end of Swanage Beach is prone to landslips

Stay safe from landslips

In its blog, Swanage Coastguard said:

“With gloomy weather and news you may be tempted for a walk along the beach in the week. 

“The rain has seen an increase in small landslips especially to the north end of the beach. 

“Keep clear of the base of any cliffs here in Swanage or elsewhere along the coast. Small mud slips can cause small dogs to get stuck and as these develop may cause problems for walkers.”

Safety campaign

This warning comes amidst a wider winter coastal safety campaign from HM Coastguard.

The service is advising people how to reduce the risk of emergencies when exploring the country’s coastlines this Christmas.

Advice includes staying well back from cliff edges and fierce seas, checking the tide times, wearing suitable shoes and keeping a fully-charged mobile phone to hand.

Claire Hughes, Director of HM Coastguard, said: 

“We are prepared and ready, as always, to deal with all emergency situations. But please take note of our safety advice and don’t take risks, be responsible for your actions and follow the Government’s Covid-19 guidance.”

Hive Beach rockfall
Dorset Council

Rockfall at Hive Beach

Along the Dorset coast

Swanage is not the only Dorset beach facing safety warnings.

Following a rock fall at Hive Beach in West Dorset on Thursday 17th December 2020, the council is urging people to stay clear of the immediate area.

Dorset Council warned that the recent rain and strong waves could cause further instability to the rocks.

As a result, the South West Coast Path has been closed and rerouted inland.

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

Storm Ciarán sweeps into Swanage brushing away its flood defences Concrete blocks along Swanage seafront to protect against flooding were strewn across the road by the force of Storm Ciarán, while Studland beaches had about five years of coastal erosion ... 1 month ago BBC snubs Purbeck by filming Enid Blyton stories in Cornwall 1 week ago Polar Express magic arrives in Swanage for Christmas 3 weeks ago Crisis at Swanage Railway as £450,000 survival fund is launched 1 month ago Restaurant with perfect view of Swanage Bay to open in 2024 2 weeks ago

Most recent

Business is blooming in Swanage town centre Bucking the national trend of empty shop units, Swanage in Dorset is seeing lots more new businesses opening up in the heart of the seaside town. 11 hours ago Inspiring Christmas trees at Swanage festival 1 day ago Enchanted evenings light up Purbeck secret garden 2 days ago Swanage seafront survey result gives council splitting headache 3 days ago Plans for growth at Swanage community garden 4 days ago