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| Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Monitoring |
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| GCR Site: 916 Lyme Regis |
| Interest: Lower Lias Reptiles |
| GCR Block: Jurassic - Cretaceous Reptilia |
| SSSI: Axmouth to Lyme Regis; West Dorset Coast |
| Site Boundaries: Grid Reference 332100,90800 - 337300, 92800 |
| Date of Assessment: October and November 2003 |
| Date of last assessment: |
| Surveyor (s): Christopher Pamplin and Richard Edmonds |
| Statement of Significance: |
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The Lower Lias of this coast has yielded hundreds of extremely well preserved specimens of ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, pterosaurs and dinosaurs, including type specimens of more than15 species. Fossil reptiles have been collected here since the 18th century, and important finds are still being made as cliff erosion exposes fresh rock. Entire skeletons have been extracted from the Blue Lias and the "Shales with Beef". The richest Lower Jurassic reptile site in Britain, and probably the world. |
| Physical description: |
| The GCR extends from Pinhay Bay to the start of Stonebarrow Cliffs just east of Charmouth |
| 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. |
| Access: |
| From the car park at the Cobb, Monmouth Beach and from Long Entry, on the East side of Lyme Regis (note the warning above) and from Charmouth. |
| Conservation Objectives, on site: |
| Specimens are recovered from the eroding cliffs |
| Conservation Objectives, off site: |
| Key scientifically
important specimens (KSIS) are accessible to the scientific community Key scientifically important specimens are placed in registered museums |
| Success indicators: |
| Key
scientifically important specimens are recorded and deposited in registered
museums: The West Dorset fossil collecting code of conduct has received 13 reptile records. The most important, a new species of ichthyosaur, (record No. 4) has been acquired by the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada. The finder of a near complete specimen of the dinosaur Scelidosaurus (record No. 31) has expressed a willingness to work with the World Heritage Team to see the specimen retained for display in Dorset if possible. |
| Fixed Point photography: |
| n/a |
| 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: |
| See GCR 87 |
| Man made change: |
| Ensure
this interest is considered in the continuing development of coast defence
plans at East Cliff, Lyme Regis. See GCR 87 |
| ENSIS unit summary: |
| UNIT
20 Favourable Axmouth to Lyme Regis SSSI UNIT 2 Favourable West Dorset SSSI UNIT 3 Favourable UNIT 6 Favourable UNIT 8 Favourable UNIT 9 Favourable UNIT 10 Favourable |
| Comments: |
| Key scientifically
important specimens are being recovered, recorded and acquired by museums. Monmouth Beach lies outside the area of the West Dorset fossil collectiing code. Permission to extract one reptile speciemen from Monmouth Beach was sought in March 2001 and granted by English Nature and the landowner. No other records are available for Monmouth Beach or the National Nature Reserve. Signage regarding fossil collecting is poor on Monmouth Beach. |
| Other comments: |
| Sensitivity: |
| High |
| Recommended survey period: |
| Part covered by the ongoing West Dorset fossil collecting code of conduct. For Monmouth Beach, every year. |
| Overall Assessment: |
| Favourable |
| Actions: |
| Look
at the inclusion of the Belemnite Marls within the GCR. Promote the recording of specimens from Monmouth Beach. Examine the issue of signage for Monmouth Beach. Promote acquisition, preferably in a local museum. Encourage further communication between collectors and researchers. Continue to represent the interest in the development of plans for future coast defences at East Cliff, Lyme Regis. |
| Related GCR Blocks: |
|
GCR
800 Axmouth
to Lyme Regis Mass Movement GCR 2109 Golden Cap - Lyme Regis Coastal Geomorphology of England
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Comments
and discussion
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