COASTAL erosion is being blamed by the National Trust as the reason for the closure of a much-loved and historic café in Studland. 

In November, it was revealed Middle Beach Café, which has been trading along the seafront in Studland Bay for nearly 70 years, had to close after the landowner National Trust took the decision not to renew its lease. 

Over the past few years, sea defences put in place by the trust have failed to prevent climate change from doing its work and eroding the cliffside. 

The trust say it has had a “visible impact” on the coastline and at high tide there is very little beach left. 

Read more: Studland's Middle Beach Cafe closes after National Trust decision

Bournemouth Echo:

It is also said the issues at Middle Beach is not solely due to rising sea levels, but also the changing weather patterns of drought and then torrential rain has caused significant cliff erosion. 

Tracey Churcher, general manager of the National Trust at Purbeck, said: “Whilst we are unable to prevent the impacts of climate change, we are working in a pragmatic way, to continue to provide the facilities. 

“The best way to do this is to move the facilities to an alternative location before the erosion creates safety issues and sadly we are now close to that point.” 

The National Trust has submitted a planning application to Dorset Council to open a temporary catering unit in Middle Beach’s car park.