A YEAR long programme of enhancements has taken place to make Knoll Beach more accessible for less able visitors.

The upgrades include the addition of a new all-terrain electric beach wheelchair, a Changing Places toilet, a drop-off bay and an upgraded boardwalk.

The area already had some existing accessibility features such as standard accessible toilets, a daily hire accessible beach hut, Wheeleez Sandcruiser wheelchairs, ear defenders, sensory bags and a Tramper mobilty scooter for the journey to Old Harry Rocks.

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The new drop-off 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 in front of facilities at Knoll Beach, Studland Picture: National Trust/Fleur Castell

The area now has a fleet of four wheelchairs with the addition of the Magic Mobility Xtreme 8 – an all terrain chair that can be driven on the beach and is free to hire.

Andrew Clarke who visited Knoll Beach recently 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”.

Mr Clarke added: “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.

Boardwalk at Knoll Beach, Studland Picture: National Trust/Fleur Castell

It is heated, has an adult-sized changing bench, shower, hoist, peninsular toilet and a height adjustable basin.

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

She added: “It makes it all worthwhile when we hear stories like Andrew’s, and we are able to enhance someone’s visit”.

Wheelchairs are free to hire, (non-monetary deposit requested), and a lock-up is available for wheelchair swaps.

Booking is recommended by calling 01929 450500.

Basic training is provided for the all-terrain wheelchair and it can be attendant operated.

Prior booking of accessible beach hut and Tramper recommended by calling 01929 450500.

Sensory bags and ear defenders available from Knoll Beach office.