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| Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Monitoring |
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| GCR Site: 87 Pinhay Bay (Lyme Regis) to Fault Corner (West Bay) and GCR 252 Seatown to Watton Cliff |
| Interest: Lower Jurassic Stratigraphy |
| GCR Block: 87 Hettangian - Pliensbachian and Blocks 1263 and 1264 Toarcian |
| SSSI: Axmouth to Lyme Regis; West Dorset Coast |
| Site Boundaries: Grid Reference 331700, 90700 - 345300, 90700 |
| Date of Assessment: Autumn 2003 |
| Date of last assessment: n/a |
| Surveyor (s): Richard Edmonds and Chris Pamplin |
| Statement of Significance: |
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An outstanding internationally important locality. It shows the most complete Lower Jurassic sequence in Europe. In Britain it is the only single section which provides exposures through the entire Lias, and thus practically constitutes the British standard section. The coast has been the subject of innumerable studies documented in an enormous body of literature spanning two centuries, and dealing with all aspects of its palaeontology and stratigraphy. One of the most important British geological localities. |
| Physical description: |
| The West Dorset coast contains a classic exposure through the Lower Lias contained within stepped cliffs that are dominated by active landslides. The cliff tops are capped unconfromably by the Upper Greensand. A number of river valleys reach the sea at Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Seatown, Eype, West Bay and Burton Freshwater and these provide the access points to the site. The GCR Block 252 (Toarcian) physically overlies Block 87 between Seatown and Watton Cliff and has therefore been included in this page. The related Toarcian GCR Block 253, East Cliff, has been dealt with separately. |
| Health and Safety: |
| The cliffs contain deep and dangerous mudflows, especially during or after wet weather. The mudflows may spill onto the beach and can prevent access or exacerbate the risk of becoming cut off by the rising tide. Cliff falls are a further hazard and cliff falls can occur at any time. The incoming tide floods the beach below the old sea wall just east of Lyme Regis shortly after low tide and it is possible to become cut off here. Always aim to pass this point around low tide and beware, especially in rough weather. The beaches are often rough and boulder strewn. Green weed from the middle shore downward can make the boulders highly slippery.The steps at St Gabriels mouth are often in a poor condition, particularly in the winter months when it may not be possible to access the beach from this location. The principal points where it is possible to become cut off by the rising tide are the apex of Pinhay Bay and just east of Lyme Regis. In stormy conditions the sea will reach the base of the cliffs along the entire coast. |
| Access: |
| Lyme Regis, Charmouth, St Gabriels Mouth, Seatown, Eype and West Bay provide the easiest access points. The Coast Path is currently (November 2003) closed over Black ven and between Charmouth and Stonebarrow. Diversions are in force. |
| Conservation Objectives, on site: |
| Maintain the full exposure of the Lower Lias sequence as controlled by natural processes |
| Conservation Objectives, off site: |
| None |
| Success indicators: |
| The full succession is visible and, where practical, accessible |
| Fixed Point photography: |
| Pinhay
Bay and Monmouth Beach Lyme Regis and Charmouth Stonebarrow July 2002 Stonebarrow 2003 Golden Cap, Seatown and Eype Fault Corner East Cliff, West Bay (for GCR Block 253, Toarcian) |
| Scientific publications and ongoing research: |
| The Palaeontological
Association 'Guide to the Fossils of the Lower Lias' is due to be published
in spring 2004 Otherwise unknown |
| Natural Change: |
| Major landslides have taken place at Monmouth Beach, Black Ven and Stonebarrow over the last three years |
| Man made change: |
| Sea
defences including a rock armour groyne were installed at Charmouth in
1995. Sea defences were installed at Seatown in 1997. West Bay works are currently under construction (2003) (These lie outside the SSSI). Outline proposals in respect of East Cliff, Lyme Regis have been put to consultation with the Science and Conservation Advisory Network. |
| ENSIS unit summary: |
| UNIT
20 Favourable Axmouth to Lyme Regis SSSI UNIT 2 Favourable UNIT 3 Favourable UNIT 6 Favourable UNIT 8 Favourable UNIT 9 Favourable UNIT 10 Favourable UNIT 11 Favourable UNIT 12 Favourable UNIT 13 Favourable UNIT 14 Favourable |
| Comments: |
| An extensive and robust site. |
| Other comments: |
| Concerns
have been expressed about ex situ fossil collecting on Monmouth Beach There would appear to have been an increase in 'tourist' fossil digging in the cliffs either side of Charmouth and concerns have been expressed by Charmouth Parish Council Digging continues in the Flatstone Bed along Stonebarrow by a limited number of fossil collectors |
| Sensitivity: |
| Low |
| Recommended survey period: |
| 3 years |
| Overall Assessment: |
| All stratigraphic boundaries are visible and most are accessible other than where natural features, namely landslide debris and high cliffs, provide restrictions. |
| Actions: |
| Continue
dialogue with West Dorset District Council Engineers with regard to future
coast defence works at East Cliff, Lyme Regis. Continue work on the West Dorset fossil collecting code of conduct including initiatives to further cut back digging in the Flatstone Bed at Stonebarrow. Investigate the apparent increase in sales of low cost hammers on the sea front at Charmouth and the increase in tourist dug holes in the cliffs. Produce a 'best practice' guide to accompany any fossil collecting tools bought or hired in the local area. Look at signage at Monmouth Beach and consider ways to monitor the ex situ interests on the beach. |
| Related GCR Blocks: |
|
GCR
1263 (Culverwell
Point) and 1264
(Pinhay
Bay) Rhaetian stratigraphy GCR
253 East Cliff,
West Bay (Toarcian) GCR
2109 Golden
Cap - Lyme Regis Coastal Geomorphology of England GCR 2901 Watton Cliff Fish/Amphibia GCR 546 Watton
Cliff GCR Block: Mesozoic Mammalia
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Comments
and discussion
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