Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Lulworth Ranges are a restricted military live-firing training area on the south coast of England, part of the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) training estate. Covering approximately 2,830 acres (1,150 hectares), the ranges lie adjacent to the famous Dorset Jurassic Coast, renowned for its geological and paleontological significance. This stretch of coast is characterized by dramatic chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, and important fossil sites, which attract scientists, walkers, and tourists alike. The ranges are not generally open to the public due to military exercises, but access is granted on certain weekends and during holiday periods when the ranges are not active. When open, visitors can explore footpaths that run through or near the access-controlled areas, leading to iconic landmarks such as Gad Cliff, the Lulworth Cove, and the stunning coastal views along the South West Coast Path. The biodiversity in the less disturbed parts of the ranges includes chalk grassland habitats and rare maritime species. Despite its restricted nature, the Lulworth Ranges play a significant role in land conservation by limiting development and public disturbance in this sensitive coastal environment. Its military use inadvertently helps maintain the integrity of important habitats and geological formations. Visitors must strictly adhere to safety notices and timetables for access to avoid live firing periods. The Lulworth Ranges, while not a traditional recreational destination, form an important buffer zone that complements the recreational and ecological value of the surrounding Jurassic Coast National Nature Reserve.
