Coastal Erosion, Seaton, Devon - Part One

 

Having taken photos of erosion at other nearby coastal areas - the dramatic landslips of the Undercliff walk between Axmouth and Lyme Regis, plus landslips at Charmouth - I decided to see how my own town cliffs were faring. So I went for a walk during May 2012 to have a look and take some photos.

This particular western stretch of the mile long beach at Seaton is between the Chine and Seaton Hole; the first photo at the top of the page was taken from the Chine at the end of the promenade known as West Walk. The cliff formation jutting out from Seaton Hole at the furthest end is called White Cliff, beyond which is the village of Beer. The cliff to the west of Beer (to the left and out of the photo) is called Beer Head, consisting of chalk cliffs, and is at the western end of Lyme Bay.

This wonderful piece of cliff near the Chine has become almost an island through erosion, standing proud of the mainland. I've always called it 'the pyramid' because of its elongated pyramidal shape, but it's become less so over the years and is now almost a vertical wall, albeit still vaguely triangular.

I had a walk up the steps as far as I could to take closer photos of it but the sun was full on my camera so I couldn't get any details of the other side.

The largest part of Seaton, from west of the Marshes Nature Reserve up to Seaton Hole at the western end of the beach, is situated upon Triassic Mercia Mudstone - hence the red clay consistency of the cliffs along this stretch - and is part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. There is a major fault at Seaton Hole, the other side of which is chiefly Upper Greensand and chalk. Interestingly, the Middle Chalk found specifically in Beer head is now geologically referred to as Seaton Chalk.

Because this section of coastline is geologically important due to the subjection of complex and unpredictable landslides, and the landscape value is an integral part of the Jurassic Coast, the local policy towards natural evolution is one of No Active Intervention. However, where habitation or historical landmarks are at risk, some management is used to minimise danger and loss.

During my research I came across a photo on another website showing a vastly different view to the ones I took above.  The cliff was more vertical with lower outcrops covered in plant life, and the top was covered with trees for almost the whole length along. Pretty much how it's been for many years; the photo was taken only a year before my photos, which highlights the extent of the erosion since then.

Some intervention has been made along this stretch, due to housing and the Old Beer Road situated above. The revetment placed at the base of the cliffs is known as Rock Armour. The large boulders absorb and dissipate the energy of the waves at high tide, the gaps between them slowing the flow of water, thereby lessening erosion at the base.

From the western end of the beach up to Seaton Hole and Old Beer Road next.

Access between the beach and the top of the cliff at Seaton Hole is made by a series of steps connecting to a wide steep pathway halfway up.

The path once continued down to the beach but a landslide cut the lower half off some years ago.  A local builder Gordon Wellington, together with a team of volunteers, built the new steps to regain access. In honour of his achievment, it has been named 'Gordon's Way'.

This was the first time I'd been this way since the steps were built, and I was delighted to see how similar it is to parts of the Undercliff between Axmouth and Lyme Regis. Seeing glimpses of White Cliff through the trees and undergrowth, and the mystery of hidden chasms, is totally magical.

The two photos below were taken from near the top of Seaton Hole, where that part of the path is still intact.

There's a picnic area and kiosk just behind where I stood to take the photo. When my son was little (some 40 plus years ago) we used to come here often, our flat only a few yards away and I couldn't help thinking about how some aspects seem exactly the same but how others are so totally different. Something I reflected upon whilst enjoying a well-deserved ice cream from the kiosk. ;)

Part Two coming up very shortly, in about two minutes, actually! :)