THE National Trust is encouraging those who lead activities on its land to champion its conservation.

The organisation is working with activity providers in Purbeck to ensure the public can continue enjoying adventures in the great outdoors without damaging the environment for wildlife.

Recently, the National Trust joined forces with the Institute of Outdoor Learning and the charity Birds of Poole Harbour to organise a workshop for the companies, which provide activities such as climbing, coasteering and kayaking.

The trust already runs a licensing system to protect popular sites such as Dancing Ledge from damage through overuse and to ensure best practice through a code of conduct.

David Brown, event organiser and National Trust ecologist in Purbeck, said: “The workshop was a brilliantly positive event, with all participants showing genuine desire for recreation in Purbeck to be something that celebrates and helps conserve our special places rather than pushing them to their limits.

“One outcome is that we will begin working with the companies to ensure that new leaders are taught more clearly about the habitats they are operating in.”

Issues ranging from the impact dog walking can have on ground nesting birds to the damage mass off-road cycling events can cause also have to be addressed by the trust.

“The natural environment is Purbeck’s greatest asset, but keeping it special is paramount,” David added.

“It is only by finding common ground and working in partnership with the groups who bring people here that we can do this.”