Studland has finally been added to the list of locations in Dorset to have a legally enforceable ban on overnight camping and the lighting of fires including barbecues.
In April 2022, Dorset Council brought in Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour for areas of open land in Dorset, like Wareham Forest and some Dorset beaches like Lulworth, but in a major omission didn’t include most of Purbeck.
The damage to the environment that a barbecue can cause
The National Trust has been left to clear up after a dramatic increase in wild camping during the pandemic
Effective for three years
Now that has been rectified with a PSPO banning overnight camping on the beach in Studland, and a PSPO restricting the lighting of fires including barbecues across the Purbeck Heaths, including Studland, Arne, Brownsea, Middlebere, Stoborough and Creech.
The two new orders were introduced at the same time as the original orders were renewed.
They will all stay in place for three years until 2028, when it’s likely they will be renewed again.
Area of Studland beaches outlined in red, where a no camping order has come into force, but it doesn’t include the Shell Bay or Bramble Bush Bay beach area to the north west of the peninsula
Areas of heathland in Purbeck where a ban on lighting of fires has come into force. It doesn’t include Durlston Country Park in Swanage
“Small minority of people who can spoil it for others”
Councillor Gill Taylor, portfolio holder for health and housing at Dorset Council, said:
“Renewing our existing Public Spaces Protection Orders means continuing the important safeguards that have been in place for several years—protections our residents have told us they value.
“In addition to these renewals, we’re introducing two new Orders: one to help preserve the natural beauty and tranquillity of Studland Beach, and another to protect our rare heathland habitats, which are home to some of the UK’s most endangered wildlife.
“Dorset should be an enjoyable place for our residents and visitors alike. By working with our partners, these Orders help us to deal with a small minority of people who can spoil it for others.”
There is now a legally enforceable restriction in Studland on lighting fires or barbecues, so the National Trust doesn’t just have to hope people comply with the signs
Fine of £100, rising up to £1,000 if not paid
The National Trust and Forestry England has lobbied Dorset Council to extend the PSPOs to areas in Purbeck, since the Covid pandemic when there was an increase in visitors and wild camping.
Breaking a PSPO is a criminal offence and a person can be fined a £100 fixed penalty notice on the spot.
If the fixed penalty notice is not paid, the person may be liable for a fine up to £1,000.
The new laws won’t apply to people parking camper vans overnight on Ferry Road in Studland.
Overnight parking along the verges is already an offence and people parking there overnight are liable to receive fixed penalty notices but that is a matter for Dorset Council to enforce.
The PSPOs won’t have any impact on the overnight sleeping in camper vans. That’s already banned but it’s down to Dorset Council to enforce the parking rules
Further information
- The Dorset Open Land (Number 2) Anti-social Behaviour Related Public Spaces Protection Order 2025
- The Dorset Beaches (Studland) Anti-social Behaviour Related Public Spaces Protection Order 2025
