 |
| Dorset
and East Devon Coast World Heritage Monitoring |
 |
| GCR Site: 253 - East Cliff |
| Interest: Lower Lias Bridport Sands |
| GCR Block: Toarcian |
| SSSI: West Dorset Coast |
| Site Boundaries: Grid Reference 346300, 90200 - 347500, 89600 |
| Date of Assessment: 03.12.02 |
| Date from last assessment: 1999 |
| Name of surveyor: Christopher Pamplin and Richard Edmonds |
| Statement of Significance: |
| East Cliff provides one of the most complete exposures of the Bridport Sands. This section is complemented by its equally classic continuation in Burton Cliff. In particular it is one of the few exposures yielding latest Toarcian moorei subzone ammonites in south Dorset. An historic site with unrivalled Lower Jurassic exposures of national importance. |
| Physical description: |
| The GCR is contained within a vertical cliff section fronted by an active and mobile shingle beach |
| Health and Safety: |
| The
cliffs are prone to rock falls and occasional catastrophic cliff failures
The sea reaches the base of the cliffs during high spring tides and storm conditions Large, rogue waves are a further hazard, especially in rough weather |
| Access: |
| The section can be approached from both West Bay and Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock |
| Conservation Objectives, on site: |
| The
sequence is fully exposed Ammonites and other fossil fauna isaccessible, collectable and/or visible |
| Conservation Objectives, off site: |
| N/A |
| Success indicators: |
|
No interfearence
with coastal processes |
| Fixed Point photography: |
| East Cliff To Burton Bradstock |
| Scientific publications and ongoing research: |
| Unknown |
| Natural Change: |
| The beach is increasingly mobile and subject to strong scour under storm conditions |
| Man made change: |
| West Bay effects the movement of shingle. Beach replenishment takes place (dates?). New harbour is under construction |
| ENSIS unit summary: |
| Unit 16: Unfavourable due to tipping on the foreshore but this does not effect this GCR interest |
| Unit 17 Favourable |
| Comments: |
| None received |
| Other comments: |
| Sensitivity: Low |
| Recommended survey period: |
| Every 3 years |
| Overall Assessment: |
| Favourable - A robust site that will only be threatened by engineering works |
| Actions: |
| Continue to represent the interest within the Shoreline Management Plan |
| Related GCR Blocks: |
| 87
Pinhay
Bay Fault Corner (West Bay) GCR Block: Hettangian - Pliensbachian 1800 Chesil Beach GCR Block: Coastal Geomorphology of England |
|
Comments
and discussion
|
| No comments have been submitted |
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