Studland NNR

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About Studland NNR

Studland National Nature Reserve is a remarkable mosaic of heathland, dunes, woodland and beach on the Isle of Purbeck, managed by the National Trust and Natural England. Its shifting sand dunes, acidic heath and freshwater pools form one of the finest examples of a lowland heath and dune system in southern England.

The story of Studland NNR

Studland's heath and dunes were once royal hunting ground and common land used for grazing, turf cutting and sand extraction, and the area was nearly lost to conifer plantations before conservationists argued for its open character. The heath was declared a National Nature Reserve in 1988 and is managed by the National Trust in partnership with Natural England, lying within the Dorset Heaths Special Protection Area. During the Second World War, Studland Bay was used as a training ground for the D-Day landings, and the beach saw rehearsals for the Normandy invasion; a memorial at Fort Henry on the beach marks the visits of King George VI, Winston Churchill and Eisenhower. The heath supports all six native British reptiles, including the rare sand lizard and smooth snake.

Visiting with care

Park at the National Trust car park at Knoll Beach and follow the dune trails to the heath, or walk the South West Coast Path from Old Harry Rocks. Stay on marked paths in the heath to protect ground-nesting birds and adders, and keep dogs under control during the bird breeding season.

Interesting facts

• Studland was declared a National Nature Reserve in 1988 and lies within the Dorset Heaths Special Protection Area.
• All six native British reptiles are found here, including the rare sand lizard and smooth snake.
• Studland Bay was used for D-Day training rehearsals in 1943–44 and was visited by Churchill and Eisenhower at Fort Henry.
• The reserve is one of the largest continuous areas of lowland heath and dune habitat in southern England.