A WILDLIFE enthusiast has raised concerns about the impact of a regional National Trust event on the local countryside.

In last week’s Bridport News, it was reported that the 2020 South West Outdoor Festival (SWOF) will be held at Golden Cap on the Jurassic Coast.

The annual adventure festival was launched on Exmoor back in 2016 and is held at a new site in the region each year.

This year the event will take place on the highest point on the south coast – owned by the National Trust- over the weekend of September 18 to 20.

Clare Mahaddie aged 84 of Morecomblake feels the choice of venue is unacceptable.

She said: “I am a National Trust member and have an excellent relationship with local National Trust staff. I also support the aim of getting people out to enjoy the countryside.

“However, the problem here is the choice of venue.”

The event is planned to take place at Filcombe Farm off Muddyford Lane and boasts an exciting line-up of events from trail running, mountain biking and kayaking to axe throwing, wild food foraging and star gazing.

Mrs Mahaddie said: “Filcombe Farm, the local National Trust office is a most unsuitable site for a pop-up event village for I believe some 1000 people.

“We are in the midst of an ecological crisis and the Golden Cap Estate is a unique sanctuary for endangered species.

“Almost the whole area has protected status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and recent surveys have found nationally rare plants, fungi and animals in the fields nearby.

“This is not the right place for outdoor sports such as mountain biking which are potentially damaging to the environment and can perfectly well take place in less exceptional places.

“The National Trust was founded to protect Britain’s heritage, not to join the ranks of the developers.

“There is very little flat land at Filcombe Farm so parking and camping will be very difficult without substantial preparatory work which, in itself, will be damaging to local wildlife.”

Mrs Mahaddie also has concerns over access to the site. She says the proposed one-way system will bring in traffic via Muddyford Lane, which holds verges ‘rich in wildflower’.

She also said outward traffic will be routed along an unsurfaced gated track past St Wite’s Well leading to the A35 at the western end of Morcombelake which she called a ‘notoriously dangerous junction’.

And that a traffic management scheme would be needed at the A35 junction to prevent right turns towards Bridport, which means it will have to turn left and turn around at the Charmouth junction.

“It’s sad that local people are only now being told about this event when planning is obviously at an advanced stage and tickets are already on sale” she said.

A spokesman for the National Trust, said: "SWOF is organised by the National Trust and supported by several organisations all of whom are dedicated to the care and protection of Golden Cap and the surrounding area. It's a great opportunity to show off the fantastic terrain, trails and coastline we look after here and introduce people to a side of the Jurassic Coast they might not have seen before.

"This is a relatively small not-for-profit event aimed at encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors in a responsible way. Numbers are controlled – for the event itself, and each activity - to ensure that not too much stress is put on trails and the surrounding countryside. It’s very important for the National Trust to leave a positive legacy after the event.

"The traffic management plan has yet to be finalised but will be completed in conjunction with Highways England, Dorset Highways and the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to help us deliver the event safely and responsibly. We are also keeping the local Parish Councils, Chideock and Char Valley, informed of developments and writing to local residents.

"We are working hard to mitigate against any disruption to the local community and hope that local residents will want to join us for the event. SWOF welcomes everyone from accomplished experts through to adventure-curious beginners and active families with a range of pursuits to suit every age group and level of fitness.

"We want the event to showcase the National Trust’s commitment to supporting people, including local children and young people, to actively engage with nature and wildlife and to enjoy outdoor activities which inspire them to appreciate and care for this special place in Dorset. As well as the main event the National Trust is organising two ‘School’s Days’, during which children from all backgrounds will be given free experiences in the outdoors.

"All money raised from the event will go towards to care and conservation of the Golden Cap Estate. The event also supports and showcases local sports providers, food producers, experts, enthusiasts and businesses."