In December 2001 the fossil rich stretch of coastline from Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in east Devon was awarded World Heritage Site status.

The so-called Jurassic Coast is the first natural feature in England to be given the accolade, putting it on a par with the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef.

The 95 miles of coastline is unique. It contains unbroken evidence of more than 180 million years of evolution and provides a walk through time showing the evolution of species from fish to dinosaurs to mammals.

Erosion of the coastline over the millennia has also produced spectacular natural features such as Lulworth Cove and the arch at Durdle Door.

Until the 19th century the existence of the Jurassic period was unknown. This all changed in 1810 when Mary Anning, at the age of 11 years, stumbled on the remains of the first Ichthyosaurus known to man, which she eventually sold to the British Museum for £23 pounds. This all happened in Charmouth, Dorset which is still a good source of fossils.

Fossil Hunting Walks operate from the Jurassic Coast Charmouth Heritage Centre.

Lyme Regis is also a good centre for fossils and has a number of excellent shops which sell them.

See also:-

The Fossil Forest
Stair Hole
Durdle Door
The Jurassic Coast