COASTLINE DESCRIPTION
Variability
Along
Sector
Backshore
Zone
Intertidal
Zone
Some variability is introduced by variation in cliff morphology and height imposed by changes in geology along the coastal edge. East of St Albans
Head, cliffs sheer into the sea, then rocky beach to Egmont Bight, mainly shingle beach Egmont to Gadcliff, then rocky shore.
Apart from the headland of St Alban's Head, and the embayment of
Kimmeridge Bay, the coastline is relatively straight, being indented only by a number of small inlets or coves.
The detailed morphology and height of the Backshore cliffs varies with the change in geology from the Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay to the west of St
Alban's Head to the Jurassic Purbeck Beds which extend east from St
Alban's Head to Durlston Head. The western half of the sector has high cliffs that are either slumped to form undercliffs or are nearly vertical.
Cliff heights attain 50m in places. In many places in the western half of the sector the limestone bands in the Kimmeridge. Clay run-out over the seabed as extensive ledges and platforms. In the eastern section of the sector the cliffs are vertical and characterised by many basal caves. A very narrow rock platform has developed at the base of the cliffs.
The Backshore zones comprise either a boulder or cobble apron or narrow rock platform. The boulder apron is usually steep, narrow and rectilinear in shape. Rock platforms form the predominant shore zone type along the sector. Where rock platforms occur in the west of the sector there is a steeply sloping Backshore of boulders, cobbles and shingle which forms a narrow strip beach between the cliff-foot and the intertidal rock platform.
The rock platforms to the east of the sector are devoid of a sediment veneer and are fairly steeply sloping and narrow.
In the east of the sector the rocky platform differs from that in the west in that there is almost a complete absence of rockfalls or unconsolidated material on the basal platform. Also, the platform itself may be absent where the cliffs plunge directly into deep water. The rocky platform in the eastern section is also very narrow, usually no more than a few metres. In contrast the rock platform and ledges from Egmont Point to the west of St
Alban's Head are wide, commonly up to 100m and occasionally up to 250m wide. These platforms occur as a continuous fringe to the cliff base and commonly carry a veneer of sediment that accumulates along the high water mark at the base of the cliffs. The rock platforms are generally moderately sloping and of low relief. The ledges are usually low, serrated in appearance and tilted.
Boulder beaches occur along about 29% of the coast of Sector 8. They are found mainly in the area immediately to both west and east of St Alban's
Head. They are commonly narrow, 20 - 30m in width and generally comprise massive slabs of rock and scree derived from bare rock faces in the cliffs. They form an apron of sediment at the cliff-foot. The intertidal zone of the boulder beach is fairly steeply sloping, narrow, and rectilinear in morphology.
Part Four: Coastal Data Sheets – Worbarrow Tout to Durlston Head Page 149

COASTLINE DESCRIPTION - CONTINUED
Wave
Energy
The coastal landforms along this sector are mostly high-energy features, for example, the rock cut platforms swept clear of a sediment veneer. This indicates the high wave energy along this unit. However, on certain wind conditions Kimmeridge bay can be sheltered.
Man-made features
None.
The section of coast in this unit includes most of Dorset's rocky shore coast. The eastern section of the sector contains some areas of interest for their intertidal flora and fauna, as for example, Dancing Ledge, Seacombe
Cliff and Hobarrow Bay. Otherwise the rocky shore communities are not noteworthy.
Marine
Biology:
Littoral Zone
Assessment
In complete contrast the western section of the area contains rocky shores of the highest conservation value in Dorset and is protected as the Purbeck
Voluntary Marine Nature Reserve. It is bounded at sea by a line between
Clavells Hard (SY 920 778) in the east and the southwest corner of Bacon
Hole (SY 839 796) in the west. The rocky shore and seabed are formed of gently sloping limestone ledges, except at Gad Cliff (SY 889 794) where the foreshore is dominated by fallen rocks of Portland stone.
A total of 113 species of algae and 279 species of animals have been identified within the reserve, this large number reflecting the rich and diverse rocky shore community in the area. Some relatively rare species are also locally abundant. In addition, the area is midway between the east and west basins in the English Channel and therefore many species reach their geographical limits of distribution in the vicinity.
Part Four: Coastal Data Sheets – Worbarrow Tout to Durlston Head Page 150

CONSERVATION
Sensitive
Marine
Areas
This stretch of coastline, consisting of vertical cliffs, under-cliffs and landslips is of international geological importance. Many of the rock units contain fossils, some of which are internationally significant. The cliffs between Durlston Head and St. Albans Head provide a habitat for locally important auk colonies including, shag, puffin, guillemot, razorbill, kittiwake, fulmar and herring gull. The site also supports populations of several rare plants and animals.
In addition to statutory designations Natural England has identified 3 important areas for marine wildlife (more commonly referred to as
'Sensitive Marine Areas' SMA’s) around Dorset. They are not designations but are used to indicate the presence of rich vulnerable marine species or habitats. The full descriptions of these SMA’s are in the SRC information file. All Dorset Secto rs are SMA’s.
RESOURCES AT RISK
Tourism and
Recreation
The coastal edge from Durlston Head to Worbarrow Tout is a cliff shore, but does have a few holiday sites, in particular at Kimmeridge Bay. The locus of tourism and coastal recreation along the coastal edge is very much controlled by access. The recreation and tourist facilities are centered around the natural features of the district and particularly the cliff scenery.
Facilities provided by the public authorities for countryside and coastal recreation include the coastal path.
Fisheries and
Mariculture
Commercial fishing is also important in this area. There is a very high density of lobster pots and trawling also takes place.
Fishing for sport also takes place from Kimmeridge Bay, both from the shore and by boat.
Industrial
Expected
Claim Areas
TBA
Part Four: Coastal Data Sheets – Worbarrow Tout to Durlston Head Page 151

CLEAN-UP STRATEGY
Local
Agreements
Agreed
Treatment
(Natural
England and
Local
Authorities)
Equipment
Guidelines
Containment and Recovery
Protection / Booming Positions
Consideration could be given to deflective booming for Kimmeridge bay in calm weather, (feasibility study required)
Possible Catchment Areas
Kimmeridge Bay,
Water Table
Chapman’s Pool.
Ease of clean up may depend on the height of water table.
Leave oil to degrade naturally.
Manual collection of tarballs and other oily debris.
No dispersants to be used in cliff areas.
Off St. Albans Head - fisheries. Consultation with MAFF prior to starting operations.
Held Locally:

None
Other Sources of Equipment:

MCA Stockpile


Weymouth Harbour Boom

Equipment held for Fleet Lagoon Booming Plan
BP Response Base at Hamworthy
There are no really effective methods that would completely protect this open, cliff bound rocky shoreline other than at-sea clean up. Most shores in the unit are exposed and have a high degree of self-cleaning capability, however, there are pockets in Kimmeridge Bay which are renowned for collecting material ' Stink Corner' for example The waters off the unit are used by nesting birds for feeding.
Special
Consideration
No dispersants to be used in the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve (PMWR)
Avoid excessive disturbance to seabirds during breeding season. No action March - August inclusive because of nesting birds. Allow oil at amenity sites to degrade naturally if possible, i.e. out of holiday season.
Otherwise use mechanical removal and limited amounts of dispersants.
Lined skips would be required for storage of recovered oil or oily debris.
Temporary
Storage
Part Four: Coastal Data Sheets – Worbarrow Tout to Durlston Head Page 152

SENSITIVITY SCORE WORKSHEET range S W AESTHETIC ECONOMIC
Income or Use
Reduction
Natural Resource
Damage
Replacement /
Restoration Costs
Sub Total
SOCIAL
Purpose of Use
Effect of Oil
0-4
0-4
0-4
0-12
2
1
1
4
1
1
0
2
Scenic Quality
Visual Impact
Local Appreciation
Sub Total range S
0-4
0-4
0-4
4
4
4
W
4
4
4
0-12 12 12
W range S W ENVIRONMENTAL
0-4
0-4 range S
1 1
Water quality
Degradation
0-4
2 1 Biological Productivity 0-4
2
3
1
1
Degree of Direct Contact 0-4
Amount of Use
Treatment before Use
0-4
0-4
2 1 Ecological Significance
2 1 Unique Habitat Uses
0-4
0-4
2 2 Ecological Vulnerability 0-4
4
2
4
3
2
2
Sub Total 0-20 9 6 Sub Total 0-20 15 9
Total Sensitivity Rating 0-64 40 29
AREA SENSITIVITY RANKING - The outside considerations listed below can be added to the total sensitivity rating to modify the score
OUTSIDE
CONSIDERATIONS range S W
Political Pressure 0-4
Public Pressure
Time Restrictions
Sub Total
0-4
0-4
12
0-64
2 4
3
1
6
2
1
7
40 29
These priorities were determined and agreed at a meeting in 1999 of representatives of the following organisations: Dorset County
Council, All Dorset Coastal District Councils,
Harbour Authorities, The Environment Agency and Natural England. They were reconfirmed during the consultation & validation process for the drafting of this plan in 2002.
TOTAL SENSITIVITY
TOTAL MODIFIED
SENSITIVITY
0-76 46 36
Part Four: Coastal Data Sheets – Worbarrow Tout to Durlston Head Page 153

C P U 1 3 b
Category 3
Access 42
C P U 1 3 e
C P U 1 4 b
C P U 1 4 c
Access 43
C P U 1 4 a
C P U 1 4 d
Sector 13 Worbarrow Tout to Durlstone Head
(sheet 2 of 2)
C P U 1 3 d
C P U 1 4 e
C P U 1 3 c
S/M/P Unit Key Sensitive Features & Importance
EA
Rating
MPS
Sensitivity
Score
S W
CPU13c
CPU13d
CPU 13e
CPU 14a
CPU14b
CPU 14c
CPU14d
CPU 14e
SSSI, SAC, (P) WHS, Birds
SSSI, SAC, (P) WHS, Birds
SSSI, SAC, (P) WHS, Birds
SSSI, SAC, (P) WHS, Birds
SSSI, SAC, (P) WHS, Birds
SSSI, SAC, (P) WHS, Birds
SSSI, SAC, (P) WHS, Birds
SSSI, SAC, (P) WHS, Birds
B1
B1
A2
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
Winter
Winter
Winter
Winter
Winter
Winter
Winter
Winter
46
46
46
46
46
46
46
46
Access to Shoreline and Rendezvous Points (RVPs)
42. Limited Access at Winspit (SY 977 761) by private road via locked gate (Key with ……) from unclassified road at Worth Matravers (SY 973 774)
43. Very difficult (clifftop only) access by 4 wheel drive vehicle to Dancing Ledge from Durnford Drove at Langton Matravers (SY 997 788)
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
Part Four: Coastal Data Sheets – Worbarrow Tout to Durlston Head
Protection Practical
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Sector 13 Worbarrow Tout to Durlston Head - Sheet 2 of 2
(SZ036 773)

Length of Coastline - 20.0 km.

Straight Line Distance - 16.0 km.

Aspect
– southerly.

Exposure - St Alban's Head – very exposed. Remainder of
Sector – exposed.

Coastline Description - open cliff coast with a rocky shore.

Conservation geological SSSI along South Dorset Coast;
Purbeck Voluntary Marine Nature Reserve.

Resources at Risk - tourist facilities centred on the areas natural features; important commercial fishing area.

Clean-up Strategy - prioritise for commercial fisheries and the biologically sensitive Purbeck Voluntary Marine Nature
Reserve.

Access to Shoreline limited, due to cliff coastline. Best access at Kimmeridge.
Map Crown Copyright - Map Scale 1cm = 0.258
Seasonality Table - Resources at Risk
J F M A M J J A S O N D Feature
Peak Tourism &
Recreation
Commercial Fishing
Sport Angling
Seabird Concentrations
Marine Wildlife
Natural England Designations , Habitats & Coastal Schedules
Site Name
Designation &
Habitat
Conservation
Interest
EN
Sche dule
South Dorset
Coast
SSSI- Biological &
Geological, pSAC, cSAC
Nesting seabirds:
Slumped Cliffs.
DT07
Durlston
Marine
Research
Area
Declared a
Voluntary Marine
Nature Reserve in
1994
Managed Sites
Site Name
Purbeck Marine Nature Reserve
Purbeck Heritage Coast
Managing Body
Dorset Wildlife Trust
Dorset County Council / The
Countryside Commission
Dorset AONB Dorset County Council / The
Countryside Commission
Cleanup
Priority
S W
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
2
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
Page 154