Accessibility improved at Knoll Beach in Studland

A drop off bay for less able visitors and an upgraded boardwalk complete the programme by the National Trust team.

The parking bay allows drivers to stop for a short period of time in front of the key facilities before finding a disabled parking space.

It is located in front of Knoll Beach office, along with the hireable beach wheelchairs and the wheelchair storage shed, and opposite the changing place toilet.

The new boardwalk runs in front of the beach office to the shop, café and across to the toilets and changing place, making it easier to access all areas.

Drop off bay (Image: National Trust) National Trust has also added a new Magic Mobility Xtreme 8 wheelchair to its fleet of four wheelchairs.

The Xtreme 8 is an all-terrain chair that can be driven on the beach and is free to hire.

Andrew Clarke visited Knoll Beach recently and said: “I use an NHS powered wheelchair which cannot go on the beach but would dream one day I could go along the beach like I used to.

"When I tried the beach powered wheelchair, one of the staff walked with me until I got my confidence then I went along the shore. It was amazing. I never thought I would be able to do this again.

"The changing places suite is also a massive help to me as it’s large enough to enter with my electric powered wheelchair and if I need to change, the shower is so helpful."

Other free-to-hire wheelchairs include Wheeleez Sandcruiser wheelchairs.

The changing place toilet provides more space than a standard accessible toilet, allowing access with an electric wheelchair.

The changing place (Image: National Trust) It is heated, has an adult-sized changing bench, shower, hoist, peninsular toilet and a height adjustable basin.

Other facilities at Knoll Beach include a dedicated accessible beach hut available for daily hire, ear defenders, and sensory bags.

There is also a Tramper mobility scooter from South Beach car park for the walk to Old Harry Rocks.

Emma Wright, visitor operations and experience manager, said: “We work hard to ensure everyone feels welcome here and have made accessibility a priority.

“It makes it all worthwhile when we hear stories like Andrew’s, and we are able to enhance someone's visit."