West Bay, Dorset
West Bay, Dorset
West Bay in Dorset is a small settlement in the middle of the Jurassic Coast. It has an interesting history as a working port, and is now a busy tourist centre. The highlight of this location though is the impressive cliffline, made famous by the TV crime thriller, ‘Broadchurch’. These golden cliffs of Bridport Sands, formed around 175 million years ago. are exposed here to a height of around 43 metres, and demonstrate clear faulting and jointing, differential erosion, with evidence of recent landslips. There is a fine shingle and sand beach to enjoy, and the harbour provides numerous examples of coastal management, including piers, sea walls, rock armour, and beach nourishment.
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About the Author
Paul Berry
Paul is a former Head of Geography and Assistant Vice-Principal. Paul took early retirement after 35 years as a Geography Teacher, and has written GCSE exam revision books for Collins, Hodder, and BBC Bitesize. He currently works as a Field Studies Tutor in Iceland for education travel company Rayburn Tours.
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