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Jurassic Coast |
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Jurassic Coast |
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site revealing the Earth's story in unique geology stretching back over 250 million years |
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The Jurassic Coast begins at Exmouth's futuristic five metre high "geo-needle" at Orcombe Point, the startling rich red and burnt orange Triassic rock of Exmouth's cliffs were formed in scorching desert conditions millions of years ago. Other striking features along the coastline include unique quartzite Budleigh Salterton pebbles spilling from Budleigh's cliffs onto the beach below, and the dramatic rugged red rock stacks at Ladram Bay. |
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 Orcombe Point Photo Mick Melvin |
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The red Triassic rock cliffs around Sidmouth have been scoured and sculpted into fantastic shapes, while to the east of Sidmouth the Cretaceous Upper Greensand layer known as Salcombe Stone has been used in a number of local buildings including Exeter Cathedral. |
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 The coast at Sidmouth Photo Reading Tom |
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Glistening veins of gypsum can be seen in the tiny inlet of Weston Mouth, while at Beer you can see where the soft chalk has "folded", and also visit Beer Quarry Caves where a layer of particularly fine chalk composed of densely packed shell fragments has been worked since Roman times. Hardwearing and yet easily carved, Beer stone is highly prized by masons, and has been used in Westminster Abbey and Exeter Cathedral. |
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 Coming ashore at Beer Photo Pengannel |
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As well as its unique geology, much of the East Devon Jurassic Coast lies within the East Devon AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). It is a habitat for many rare and important plants, birds, and animals, and in the surrounding sea you may even spot dolphins and basking sharks. |
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A good way to explore the Jurassic Coast is to walk the South West Coast Path with stunning sea views, or you can take special boat trips that explore this exciting coastline such as the Stuart Line Cruises Jurassic Coast Cruise from Exmouth. |
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