Case Study World Heritage Site 31.3.09

Case study: World heritage site-Jurassic Coast Location: Dorset and East Devon coastline running from Orcombe Rocks near Exmouth to South Haven Point near Studland Bay. Geology: The rocks at Orcombe are 250 million years old whilst those at Old Harry Rocks are 65 million years old. The Portland limestone and Purbeck beds along the Triassic section display various landforms due to the concordant nature of the coastline. Famous attractions include Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door ad Man O’War Bay. In contrast, the cretaceous section is discordant, resulting in headlands and bays. Triassic: Orcombe Rocks to Pinshay Bay (excl. Beer and Axemouth) Jurassic: Pinshay Bay to Durlston Head (nr. Swanage) Cretaceous: Durlston Head to Studland Bay Biodiversity: Home to unimproved chalk grassland, within which unique flora and fauna including the rare “Pale St. John’s Wort” and “Carrot Broomrape” can be found. Threats/Conflict: The area is an AONB, and thus very popular with tourists. There is often conflict between tourists, who wish to use the South West Coast path, and conservationists. Another issue is that different organisations own different sections of the coastline, these include; National Trust, English Nature, MOD, Heritage Coast etc. Conservation strategies: Public access is limited to the “Lulworth Range Walks”, car parks which service these walks, and the beaches at Mupe Bay and Warbarrow Bay. The MOD has appointed a conservation officer who liaises with official bodies in the historic village of Tyneham i.e. English Nature and Heritage Coast officials. Work is being carried out to monitor erosion and ecosystems. Some recent work includes; chalk grassland surveys, badger sett reports, investigation into erosion rates on the fossil forest etc. Much of the area has been designated as either a SSSI or an AONB The coastal path is investigated every Friday after firing has ceased to ensure the safety of the public and the landscape. Conservation threats: Insufficient sea defences to protect geomorphology against rising sea levels, increased erosion from missed shots by MOD in firing practice, abandoned structures and materials can degrade the quality of the site e.g. abandoned pipes and pumping station within the Lyme Regis to Axmouth Undercliffs Natural Nature Reserve.