Studland Peninsula

Much of the Studland Peninsula is a National Nature Reserve of sand dunes and heath. There is also a long swimming beach which stretches three miles from South Haven point to Old Harry Rocks.

The estate boasts a wide range of classic coastal habitats and is a perfect retreat for wildlife, from sea birds and deer, to lizards and snakes.

• The Trust has re-established a visitor centre at Knoll Beach and built a study centre nearby in 1999.

• Guided walks and talks are led by National Trust staff or volunteers for groups of all ages, usually focussed on the beach, dunes and heathland management issues. The site is especially valuable for Y5/6 GCSE and AS/A2 studies.

• The Study Centre is a sustainable building and therefore worth an educational visit in its own right. It contains an increasing range of hands-on activities and other resources relevant to the building and the local area. Current charges are £2 per student per session, increasing to £2.50 from 1 March 2010.

• Families can go on self-guided walking trails across the estate, taking in the nature reserve, heathland and beach.

South Purbeck and Durlston

The Trust cares for much of the coastline from Durlston Country Park to Seacombe. The area is important for its geology, quarrying and the rare flora and fauna of the cliffs, downland and adjacent grasslands.

The area has an important conservation status, including SSSI, SAC, Heritage Coast and European Diploma. The coast itself is within a World Heritage Site.

• Support for education groups is available through the National Trust’s education office at Corfe Castle.

• The Durlston Country Park rangers offer talks and walks for groups of all ages, with quarrying, Victorian history, the marine environment, wildlife and tourism being the main elements.

• The Durlston Country Park Visitor Centre contains a range of displays and resources to enhance any educational visit and the National Trust’s Spyway Barn has further relevant display panels.