A Journey Along the Jurassic Coast: My Role as Head of Development

Since joining the Jurassic Coast Trust in April, as the new Head of Development, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with lots of our business partners, striking up exciting conversations with new businesses and organisations, rekindling relationships with our ambassador network, and exploring some of the most iconic locations along our Jurassic Coast.

My role involves fostering strong working relationships with local businesses. And I’ve been covering at lot of ground these last few weeks. Through networking events, brainstorming sessions, and shared visions, we’ve explored ways to support the Trust’s mission. Whether it’s continuing collaborative partnerships, sponsoring projects and programs, or investigating something new like how to enjoy our coastline by kayak and SUP, these continuing partnerships are vital to our success.

Our ambassadors are passionate advocates for the Jurassic Coast. They spread awareness, engage with communities, and inspire others to appreciate this geological wonder. Connecting with them all has been a joy—I’ve heard their stories and learned from their experiences.

Together, the ambassadors and I have organised guided walks that take in the fascinating dinosaur footprints around Spyway, the awesome landslides around Bowleaze Cove, and tour the Triassic cliffs around Orcombe Point. We’ve also organised two cruises this year: the first one happening later this month, departing from Poole Harbour, and taking in the impressive chalk and limestone cliffs up-to and around Dancing Ledge; and in September we set sail to explore the striking red-orange mudstone and sandstone cliffs of East Devon. Don’t forget to book your tickets on our website. Fairly early on I delivered Purbeck ice cream to some of the East Devon team at the Fine Foundation Centre. Nestled in the charming village of Beer, this foundation plays a crucial role in preserving the heritage and history of the community. Here I met Tony, who almost single-handedly coordinates and distributes sacks of ammonite pin badges to our business partners, as well as our most dedicated power-couple Norah and Henry. They kindly took me for a tour around the centre. Viewed against the impressive backdrop of Whitecliff I observed the amazing stratigraphy of chalk, greensand and flint on display.

In late May we met up with John Scott, who I must say sacrifices a commendable amount of his time for the trust, as a prolific leader of walks. We met up at Bowleaze Cove and walked almost as far as Redcliff Point; to observe across the bay at the recent landslides and rugged cliffs. I learnt how many active landslides there are in the UK (there are no ‘correct answers’ but 18,000 is a good guess!). John pointed out an example of Horst and Graban (or range and valley) along the cliff top, terminology that I’d never encountered before, that snagged my brain in a pleasing way (along with the term ‘stratigraphy’). And on the walk back we looked at the pebble beach and gabions (sea defence), against the backdrop of the dilapidated Riviera Hotel.

Near the end of May we visited England’s smallest national nature reserve: Horn Park Quarry. Here, a great slab of Inferior Oolite (what a lovely name) embedded with an impressive number of fossils revealed its secrets from millions of years ago. I was amazed to learn the exposed quarry stone is intrinsically linked to the Burton Cliffs between West Bay and Hive Beach, some 10 miles away! Our team collaborated with Tom from Natural England, and the delightful Bid and Alister from Beaminster Museum, as we weeded and cleaned the area ahead of the (sadly subsequently cancelled) biennial Open Day.

Charmouth Beach, a fossil hunter’s paradise, offered a glimpse into the Jurassic era. One morning I combed the shoreline with fellow colleagues. Geologist Saskia, who has a magpie-like penchant for sparkly pyrite, was quick to gather up many fragments of belemnites. And Palaeontologist Chris was able to pick one from seemly many identical large chunks of Limestones, with a touch of yellowing. And as we broke it open, we marvelled at the layers of ammonites, each one a testament to life eons ago. We finished the afternoon by popping in to say hello to Phil, Grant and Anna, three of the four-strong team at Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

Returning to the area just a couple of weeks later, we’ve just finished our stint exhibiting at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival. Where we were ably supported by David, who provided a live and captivating example of fossil polishing, and our charismatic ambassador Anthony, who brought along his fantastic building-blocks to describe the distinct rock sequence of the coastline, he also dressed in colours coded to match: orange (Triassic) blue (Jurassic) and Green (Cretaceous)!

It’s certainly been a very eventful couple of months. And as I continue my journey with the Trust, I’m fuelled by passion and purpose. Together, we’re safeguarding this ancient landscape, inspiring curiosity, and ensuring that generations to come can explore the wonders of the Jurassic Coast.