Jurassic Coast World Heritage site celebrates 20 years

The Jurassic Coast is celebrating twenty years since it was inscribed on the list of World Heritage sites in December 2001. The Jurassic Coast stretches for 96 miles (154 km) from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. Its geology spans 200 million years from the dry arid sandstone rocks of the Permian and Triassic periods (250 million years ago), through the clays and limestones of the Jurassic to the chalk, clay and greensand strata deposited in the Cretaceous (66 million years ago). The site is important not only for its geology but also for the on-going dynamic physical processes that are shaping this spectacular coast.

Many rocks found along the Jurassic Coast are rich in fossils In including giant marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and  plesiosaurs, ammonites, the remains of plants, and even dinosaur footprints.

The Jurassic Coast Trust is planning an exciting range of events in 2022 based around three key components – Exploring the Jurassic Coast, Climate Change and the Jurassic Coast Collection.  Look out for on-line activities, citizen science projects and special exhibitions. New content is being added to the website and will include a digital tour of key sections.

There are over 1000 World Heritage sites (2021) around the globe including places of natural and cultural importance. The UK has over 30 designated sites including the English Lake District, The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, and the Forth Railway Bridge in Scotland.

More details of the Jurassic Coast and its plans for 2022 can be found here:

The Jurassic Coast Turns 20 - Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site