Brandy Bay to St Aldhelm’s Head

The Jurassic geology exposed here (157-145 million years old) indicate a fall in sea levels and associated establishment of salt flat, lagoons, coastal swamps and forests. The area here is the ‘type locality’ for the Kimmeridge Clay. The Internationally recognised ‘Kimmeridgian’ Stage of the Jurassic Period was named after the village of Kimmeridge.

Oil is sourced and extracted from older Jurassic rocks buried deep beneath Kimmeridge Bay. The Kimmeridge Clay is the source rock for much of the North Sea oil, making it one of the UK’s most important economic resources. Shale from Kimmeridge has also been used throughout human history.

Must see areas include:

• Tyneham village – abandoned village evacuated after MOD requisition during WWII.
• Kimmeridge Bay – Wild Seas Centre
• The Etches Collection
• Clavell Tower