Exploring the Bournemouth Coast Path

Fisherman’s Bank, part of the winter route for the Southbourne-Mudeford section of the coast path, has been designated as open access land under the new Countryside and Rights of Way Act.

This means that walkers on Stanpit waterside are not restricted to the footpath but can stand anywhere on the Bank and even stop for a picnic on the grass.

The designation comes after a long campaign of nearly half a century by Mudeford fisherman Mike Parker who has maintained that this stretch of Christchurch harbourside is a common registered when the land was within Hampshire.

“People think because they have bought adjacent property that they own the land down to the water and they have put up fences and signs to stop other people going there,” says Mr Parker who has had the backing of Stanpit and Mudeford Residents Association.

The Association is calling for clear waymarking at each end.

Swanage Museum has moved into a seafront building after having to vacate the 17th-century Tithe Barn which was in a poor state of repair.

The opening ceremony was performed by Dorset archaeologist Julian Richards who presents the BBC series Meet the Ancestors.

“Swanage has a great richness, from the geology and fossils of the Jurassic Coast to the industrial archaeology of the Purbeck quarries. Bringing it all together under one roof is a great achievement” said Julian.

The move has been made possible by a £49,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £5,000 from the World Heritage Site funds.

The new museum in The Square is open from April to October; 10am to 5pm; admission free.