SEAGRASS and seahorses at a Dorset beauty spot has been protected thanks to a successful funding effort which has raised more than £60,000.

Several environmental groups have clocked up the figure to help the landscape and habitats at Studland Bay.

The fundraising effort was undertaken as part of the Studland Bay Marine Partnership, a conservation group aiming to protect and preserve the seascape.

The group raised £66,000 through a mixture of crowdfunding by the Seahorse Trust charity and donations from the National Trust, The Crown Estate and THE PIG-on the beach hotel and restaurant in Studland.

This money will enable the installation of 22 eco-moorings with an overall target to install up to 87 across the bay area.

Eco-moorings are an environmentally friendly alternative to dropping anchors and help to protect the seabed and its wildlife.

Seagrass is an essential habitat for seahorses and other aquatic species such as undulate rays and bass.

They also play a vital role in carbon reduction, with the ability to store twice as much carbon per hectare as terrestrial forests.

Their installation will prevent the use of regular anchors, which damage the seabed by uprooting seagrass.

Since 2019, Studland Bay has been protected as a Marine Conservation Zone and a Voluntary No Anchoring Zone (VNAZ) was introduced in December 2021.

In 2020, the bay saw a huge return in seahorse sightings, with double figures spotted in multiple dives.

The Seahorse Trust noted that this was likely due to the unusually quiet period of moorings as a result of the pandemic. 

Neil Garrick-Maidment, founder and executive director of the charity, said: “We are thrilled to have reached this milestone. These vital funds will enable further protection for the precious seahorse population at Studland Bay.

"With dwindling seahorse numbers across the UK, simple steps such as the installation of eco-moorings bring space and time for recovery and will help breathe new life at Studland."

David Brown, of the National Trust, added: “Studland is important to the million plus visitors it receives every year, by sea and land.

However, the seagrass and marine life such as the spiny seahorse are an emblem of British marine life and it is important that nature-positive approaches such as eco-moorings are available."

Jim Atkins, a representative speaking on behalf of sailing and yacht clubs and boaters, said: “Members of the local boating fraternity have been fully involved in the discussions, consultations and planning, on behalf of boaters.

"We seek to retain the use of Studland Bay by recreational craft within the VNAZ area, whilst promoting the important conservation and regeneration of sea grasses and sea horses."