HIGH winds forced the closure of Brownsea Island on Monday, just as the busy half term school holiday began.

Hundreds of families hoping to take a day trip to the Poole Harbour isle had their plans scuppered as it was declared out of bounds for fear of debris falling from trees.

The National Trust, which owns the island, said forecasts of gale force nine winds made it unsafe to open.

Around 4,000 people usually flock to Brownsea over the October break.

It then closes for the winter.

Spokesman Allan King said: “Our advice to properties is to give warnings for six to seven gale force winds, and to close at eight.

“By then the wind is above 38 miles per hour.”

The threshold lowers if trees are in full leaf, he added, and at Brownsea there is the added hazard of docking boats.

The island should re-open today, and visitors can call 01202 707744 to check.

• Members of the public are also being reassured that a nasty pong at a popular Dorset beach is coming from rotting seaweed.

A spokesman for Christchurch Borough Council said: “The smell at Avon Beach is caused by seaweed that has been dredged up from the seabed due to recent storms.

“It is not a health hazard and will probably be swept away by high tides very soon.

“Avon Beach is managed by the Avon Beach Company who would be responsible for deciding to do something about it, but the council will keep a watchful eye on the situation,” the spokesman added.