LITTLE can be done to save Studland Beach from crumbling into the sea, the National Trust has warned.

Beach huts at the popular site have been moved back from the water three times in the last 25 years because of coastal erosion.

The National Trust said that its focus is on nature conservation but visitors argue action should be taken now.

Nearly 200 miles of south-west England’s coastline is slipping into the sea because of coastal erosion. Studland Beach, regularly voted amongst the country’s top coastal spots, has been one of the hardest hit areas.

The National Trust has experimented with gabions – metal grilles filled with rocks designed to soak up the force of the waves – but they were washed away.

Now it is persevering with its policy of letting nature take its course, despite the disappearing coastline.

Spokesman Emma Wright said the National Trust is focusing on nature conservation at Studland.

She said: “Why people come here is because it is so wonderfully natural and we have some amazing species of animals, reptiles and birds here.

“So we don’t want to put lots of structures in place which are going to detract from the nature of the area.”

But she admitted the beach huts could not feasibly be moved back from the shoreline yet again.

“You come for your summer holidays, you want to be on a sandy beach,” she added.

“Once that sandy beach is no longer there you don’t want to be sat in the car park.”

Clive Arnold, who regularly visits the beach with his family, is among those calling for action.

Groynes, designed to slow down longshore drift and build up the beach, could be installed but they typically need replacing every 15 to 20 years.

Mr Arnold said: “I think some drastic action needs to be taken pretty soon.

“At least if you put groynes in there would be something left for the people to enjoy.”

Naturists have also criticised the National Trust over its stance on Studland, which includes a nudist stretch on its 180-mile coastline.

Naturist Lee Mocklar, 36, said: “I don’t think they should let the sea take away the beach and sand dunes.

“I go there at least twice a year and I enjoy the surroundings Studland Bay has to offer. It doesn’t seem right that the National Trust is just going to let it just sink into the sea and not do anything about it.”