With publication timed to coincide with the opening of the seaton jurassic centre, here is insider knowledge which. It stretches from exmouth in east devon to studland bay in dorset, a distance of about 96 miles 154 km, and was inscribed on the world heritage list in middecember 2001. The coastal exposures along the dorset and east devon coast provide an almost continuous sequence of triassic, jurassic and cretaceous rock formations spanning the mesozoic era and document approximately 185 million years of earths history. Headlands and bays, sea stacks and arches, secluded coves and dramatic cliffs are here in abundance. It now has cult status and is considered a way mark for ships navigating the english channel. By the time of the 2011 census the population was 12,569. Discover the best devon england travel books in best sellers. The areas important fossil sites and classic coastal geomorphologic features have contributed to the study of earth sciences for over 300 years. Covering the coast between exmouth and bournemouth, these delightful routes range from 3 to 16 miles 5 to 24km, exploring and explaining the spectacular geology of this world heritage area with clear, easily understood descriptions, crosssections and timelines. Discover internationally important fossils, find out the history of the local. The upper 0 m, late permian and triassic in age, are exposed in the dorset and east devon coast world heritage site whs between exmouth, devon and lyme regis, dorset.
The rocks of dorset and east devon cover 180 million years of the earths history. The walk through time, where the rocks record 185 million years of the earths history across 95 miles of coastline, is the most compelling theme in the jurassic coast story. This new, thoroughly updated edition of bradts east devon and the jurassic coast remains the most comprehensive and only standalone guide available to this region, written with insider knowledge that can only be gained by living in the area. It stretches from exmouth in east devon to studland bay in dorset, a distance of about 96 miles 154 km, and was inscribed on the world heritage list in middecember 2001 the site spans 185 million years of geological history, coastal erosion having exposed an almost continuous. Dorset and east devon coast comprises 8 sections along the south coast of great britain that are globally important for the study of paleontology and geomorphology. The world heritage site has become major benchmarks for countries in the world. In 2001, the jurassic coast was awarded world heritage site status by unesco the first natural site to be designated in england.
Find the top 100 most popular items in amazon books best sellers. The cliff exposures along the dorset and east devon coast provide an almost continuous sequence of rock formations spanning the mesozoic era, or some 185 million years of the earths history. Slow east devon and the jurassic coast is the most comprehensive and only standalone guide available to this region. The property includes a range of globally significant fossil localities both vertebrate and invertebrate, marine and terrestrial which have produced well preserved and diverse evidence of life during mesozoic times. The majority of the routes hug the shoreline between torbay and swanage, while others venture inland on the dorset downs. Therefore, the area truly reveals the 190 million year long history of the earth.
Dorset and east devon coast unesco world heritage centre. The area around lyme bay is part of a world heritage site, the dorset and east devon coast, which is also known as the jurassic coast, named for its jurassic geology. The dorset and east devon coast provides an almost continuous sequence of. History edit many of the earliest discoveries of dinosaur and other prehistoric reptile remains were in the area surrounding lyme regis and charmouth. Mesozoic era, documenting approximately 185 million years of earth history. This guide explains the stories of the world heritage site, including the rocks, fossils and features that make it a place of. Walks along the east jurassic coast and its companion walks along the west jurassic coast are the first two books in a series of 11 walking guides spanning the 630 miles of the south west coast path national trail. It is englands first natural world heritage site, ranking alongside places like great barrier reed, grand canyon and galapagos islands.
The 20142019 management plan for the dorset and east devon coast world heritage site, aims at protecting and conserving the site, improving understanding of its ouv, improved realization of benefits and access, awareness raising and the demonstration of good world heritage management. The experts believe that this coast was made up of different landscapes throughout various times in history. Characteristics of the dorset and east devon coast, a unesco. Take a boat trip for the best view of the jurassic coast. Dorset and east devon s world heritage coast walk through time guide s. A talk on the dorset and east devon coast world heritage site, delivered by richard edmonds at the 2012 lyell meeting held at the geological society on 29 march. Located on the southeast coast of the united kingdom lies dorset and east devon coast. It stretches from exmouth in east devon to studland bay in dorset, a distance of about 96 miles, and was inscribed on the world heritage list in middecember 2001. Dorset and east devon coast were believed to have been a desert once, then formed a shallow tropical sea, and then became a marsh. The jurassic coast in dorset and east devon was the first ever site to be inscribed as a natural world heritage site. This jurassic coast cruise takes in the oldest section of the cliffs of the dorset and east devon coast world heritage site. There are a variety of natural features in the dorset and east devon coast.
The jurassic coast of dorset and east devon is a 95 mile stretch of coastline that demonstrates 185 million years of geological history through its unique combination of triassic, jurassic and cretaceous rocks. The walks range in length from 3 to 20 miles 5 to 33km and are suitable for most walkers, with shorter routes alongside plenty of more challenging, fullday hikes. The jurassic coast is a world heritage site on the english channel coast of southern england. Jurassic coast, dorset and southeast devon thematic trails. The property comprises eight sections along 155km of largely undeveloped coast. Its delightful sandy beach and a collection of shops and restaurants makes for a real seaside experience, with fossil hunting and coast path walking to keep both the young and young. Starting at studland bay the jurassic coast extends 95 miles to exmouth in east devon and is an adventure unlike no other with the landscape telling the story of 185 million years of history.
Background to the jurassic coast becoming a world heritage. Each feature up to 17 walks and over 100 photographs and illustrations covering this stunning and geologically unique area. He reveals the mystery and excitement that lies at the heart of geological heritage and showcases the extraordinary treasures of the dorset and east devon. It spans 153 km 95 miles of dramatic coastline all the way from east devon to dorset and finds includes a range of worldrenowned fossils. Yet every part of the coast has its own story to tell. Sw coast path part 1 british walking guide with 53 largescale walking maps, places to stay, places to eat trailblazer. This is a stretch of coast line that runs for 95 miles from east devon to dorset and is the first area of britain to be designated a world heritage site so that is rocks that encompass 185 million years of geological history and span the. Name dorset and east devon coast description the dorset and east devon coast has an outstanding combination of globally significant geological and geomorphological features. The dorset coast forms part of the jurassic coast which extends from from exmouth in east devon to old harry rocks in purbeck. Choose and book a national trail break or be inspired by our suggested itineraries. This guide to the jurassic coast is a comprehensive companion for anyone visiting this. The dorset and east devon coast, which is located on the southern coast of the united kingdom, achieved unesco world heritage status in 2001 after the coast was designated as a protected area spanning 25. The following books cover the geology, landforms and wildlife of this world heritage coast.
The propertys geology displays approximately 185 million years of the earths history, including a number of. It is bordered by the english channel south and the counties of devon west, hampshire east, and somerset and wiltshire both north. It really is a walk through time and shows the evolution of. Taking a boat trip or exploring by kayak will give you a. Listed from west to east along the coast, these iconic towns and natural sites will enable you to get under the skin of the. The dorset coast forms part of the dorset and east devon world heritage site that stretches from exmouth in devon through to poole harbour and includes in dorset one of the most complete sections of jurassic and cretaceous rocks anywhere in the world. Dorset and east devon s world heritage coast a walk through time experience 185 million years of the history of the earth in 95 miles of stunning coastline. The area along the route stretches for 95 miles across the counties of devon and dorset on the south west coast of england. A parish through the centuries halsgrove community history peter tout. Dorset and east devon coast world heritage outlook. The jurassic coast in dorset and east devon is englands first natural world.
This guidebook describes 30 walking routes along the devon dorset coast. Dorset and east devon coast united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland the succession of rocks displayed in the cliffs between lyme regis and swanage is one of the finest marine jurassic rock sections in the world. The dorset and east devon coast, which is located on the southern coast of the. This guidebook includes 30 walks on the jurassic coast of devon and dorset. The dorset coast forms part of the dorset and east devon world heritage site that stretches from exmouth in devon through to poole harbour. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who has been to west dorset. This coast is considered by geologists and geomorphologists to be one of the most significant teaching and research sites in the world. Characteristics of the dorset and east devon coast, a. Dorset, administrative, geographic, and historic county of southwestern england.
The portland bill lighthouse has been guiding passing vessels through the hazardous waters of the jurassic coast and the east devon coast for over a century. Dorset and east devon coast, united kingdom geo 121 wiki. Your skipper will give you a live commentary during the cruise covering the changing history and appearance of the area, as well as the. Starting in the east and based right on the border of dorset and devon, explore the scenic town of lyme regis with its famous cobb harbour and intriguing heritage. Dorset and east devon coast world heritage datasheet. Jurassic coast becomes world heritage site telegraph. These two towns are also gateways to the jurassic coast. Instead, it was the bbcs excellent television production of broadchurch that brought me to west bay, dorset, next to the iconic cliffs of the jurassic coast which formed. With the east devon coast, they provide an almost continuous sequence of. Rock formations are exposed from the triassic, jurassic and cretaceous eras. The isle of purbeck on the dorset and east devon coast world heritage site is a.
Through its geology, cliffs, arches, stacks and stumps the coast represents 185 million. The dorset and east devon coast was awarded world heritage status by unesco in december 2001. Dorset and east devon s world heritage coast brundsen, denys on. In december 2001, the dorset and east devon coast was awarded world heritage status by unesco. Jurassic rocks and fossils of the dorset and east devon coast.
The dorset and east devon coast was awarded world heritage status by unesco in december. The jurassic coast in dorset and east devon is englands first natural world heritage site, displaying 185 million years of the earths history along a stretch of. The new red sandstone rocks of the mid and east devon coasts, a total thickness of c. The isle of purbeck weymouth to studland by paul ensom and malcolm turnbull the isle of purbeck on the dorset and east devon coast world heritage site is a unique place where geology and landforms combine to create beautiful and varied coastal scenery. One of the best ways to enjoy the aonb is via the east devon way. It is a tourist resort and a gateway to the jurassic coast world heritage site. Read facts about the trail and watch the trail video. He reveals the mystery and excitement that lies at the heart of geological heritage and showcases the extraordinary treasures of the dorset and east devon coast through a wealth of stunning photographs and specially commissioned illustrations and diagrams. The jurassic coast trust s sam scriven gives a new and engaging perspective on the fossils found on the jurassic coast in this 228page full colour book. The east devon aonb is a vast and stunning landscape where you can find heathland, hills, river valleys and woodland as well as parts of the jurassic coast, where you can find many prehistoric fossils and rocks. The dorset and east devon coast world heritage site youtube.
In 2004, it had a population of about 15,000, of whom 40% were aged 65 or over. The jurassic coast was awarded world heritage site status by unesco for being a place of outstanding universal value. I would love to say it was highbrow literature that made me excited to visit englands dorset and east devon coast in may of 2018, but on chesil beach just wasnt that inspiring to me. The stratigraphy of the permotriassic rocks of the dorset. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. It has a unique historical importance to the founding of geology and.
The site spans 185 million years of geological history. The coastal boundary of the east devon aonb runs from exmouth to lyme regis. This grand display of natures wonders are important to science because of the accessibility to about 185 million years of earths history shown in layers in the geographical formations. The historic town of dorchester is the county seat. This guide explains the stories of the world heritage site, including the rocks, fossils.
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