250 – 200 million years ago: Vast deserts cover whole continents. The Red Rocks of East Devon are laid down.
250 – 200 million years ago: Vast deserts cover whole continents. The Red Rocks of East Devon are laid down.
200 – 145 million years ago: Rocks formed at the bottom of the Jurassic seas as conditions cycled between deep and shallow water.
200 – 145 million years ago: Rocks formed at the bottom of the Jurassic seas as conditions cycled between deep and shallow water.
200 – 145 million years ago: Rocks formed at the bottom of the Jurassic seas as conditions cycled between deep and shallow water.
145 million years ago – a forest of conifers, tree ferns and cycads grew on low lying islands. This was soon killed by rising sea levels that replaced the forest with a swamp.
140 – 110 million years ago – As Dartmoor erodes rivers carry sediment west to be deposited in thick layers.
110 - 65 million years ago - sea levels rise creating a vast tropical sea that covers most of Europe and the pure white limestone of the chalk is deposited.
Photo by Alan Holiday
25 million years ago – rocks are buckled and folded by enormous earth movements originating in the collision between Africa and Europe and the creation of the Alps.
25 million years ago to 10,000 years ago – erosion and the ice ages carve and shape the coast and landscape we know today, including beautiful and iconic landforms.
25 million years ago to 10,000 years ago – erosion and the ice ages carve and shape the coast and landscape we know today, including beautiful and iconic landforms.
25 million years ago to 10,000 years ago – erosion and the ice ages carve and shape the coast and landscape we know today, including beautiful and iconic landforms.
For 200 years the discovery of fossils on the Jurassic Coast has offered glimpses of life from the age of the Dinosaurs. New discoveries continue to be made.
For 200 years the discovery of fossils on the Jurassic Coast has offered glimpses of life from the age of the Dinosaurs. New discoveries continue to be made.
140 – 110 million years ago – As Dartmoor erodes rivers carry sediment west to be deposited in thick layers.
The World Heritage Site continues to evolve as erosion exposes the geology, uncovers new fossils and maintains the natural beauty of the coastline
The story of the Dorset and East Devon Coast begins 250 million years ago. The rocks record the Mesozoic era - the ‘Middle Ages’ of life on Earth - comprising the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods of geological time. Today the spectacular geology is beautifully exposed and accessible within the World Heritage Site.
A light-hearted python-esque animated film by Tim Britton.
There has been international interest in the achievements of Creative Coast 2012, the latest Jurassic Coast Arts Programme project, which is drawing to a close in May 2013.The final part of this project was the production of a publication that sets out case studies and lessons learned from five years of linking the Arts with England's only Natural World Heritage Site.
Following the landslide at St. Oswald's Bay between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door on the morning of 30 April 2013, diversionary routes have been put in place by Dorset County Council and the Lulworth Estate, allowing the South West Coast Path to remain fully open and safe for visitors to this area.
The event was a sell-out. Over 70 people packed Ellipse to watch the final episode and raise money for the charity Julia's House in the process.
Read the current edition of the Jurassic Post for a quarterly update about the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
There are many ways in which you can play a part in supporting the Jurassic Coast, helping to ensure that it remains part of our global heritage for now and for future generations.
Thursday 23 May 2013 09:00 11:00
Join one of Lyme Regis Museum's famous fossil walks with Geologist Paddy Howe and Marine Biologist Chris Andrew. Your fossil walk ticket gives you FREE access to the museum where you will be able to see displays of rare fossils, learn all about Mary Anning, the famous early palaeontologist who once lived on the site of the museum and much more.Thursday 23 May 2013 10:30 11:00
A half hour guided tour of newly restored Durlston Castle - FREEFriday 24 May 2013 09:30 11:30
Join one of Lyme Regis Museum's famous fossil walks with Geologist Paddy Howe and Marine Biologist Chris Andrew. Your fossil walk ticket gives you FREE access to the museum where you will be able to see displays of rare fossils, learn all about Mary Anning, the famous early palaeontologist who once lived on the site of the museum and much more.Saturday 25 May 2013 10:00 12:00
Join the warden team for a fossil hunting walk at Charmouth.There will be a 20 minute talk before heading out onto the beach to look for fossils.Saturday 25 May 2013 10:30 12:30
Join one of Lyme Regis Museum's famous fossil walks with Geologist Paddy Howe and Marine Biologist Chris Andrew. Your fossil walk ticket gives you FREE access to the museum where you will be able to see displays of rare fossils, learn all about Mary Anning, the famous early palaeontologist who once lived on the site of the museum and much more.Sunday 26 May 2013 10:30 12:30
Join the warden team for a fossil hunting walk at Charmouth.There will be a 20 minute talk before heading out onto the beach to look for fossils.Sunday 26 May 2013 11:15 13:15
Join one of Lyme Regis Museum's famous fossil walks with Geologist Paddy Howe and Marine Biologist Chris Andrew. Your fossil walk ticket gives you FREE access to the museum where you will be able to see displays of rare fossils, learn all about Mary Anning, the famous early palaeontologist who once lived on the site of the museum and much more.Monday 27 May 2013 10:30 11:00
A half hour guided tour of newly restored Durlston Castle - FREEMonday 27 May 2013 11:30 13:30
Join the warden team for a fossil hunting walk at Charmouth.There will be a 20 minute talk before heading out onto the beach to look for fossils.Monday 27 May 2013 12:00 14:00
Join one of Lyme Regis Museum's famous fossil walks with Geologist Paddy Howe and Marine Biologist Chris Andrew. Your fossil walk ticket gives you FREE access to the museum where you will be able to see displays of rare fossils, learn all about Mary Anning, the famous early palaeontologist who once lived on the site of the museum and much more.The Jurassic Coast offers unparalleled opportunities for cross curricular learning both inside and out of the classroom.