New stone marker for Purbeck coast

Plans have been approved by the National Trust to erect a Portland stone monument near Old Harry Rocks marking the eastern end of the World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast.

The western boundary is at Orcombe Rocks, near Exmouth in East Devon where there is already a monument called the Geoneedle, unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 2002.

The new obelisk would be set back from the cliff-top so it does not become a focal point in the landscape or interfere with views.

Richard Raynsford, speaking for Dorset Council, said: “The idea is to inset in to the obelisk samples of all the various rocks that occur along the heritage coast. At the top there will be stainless steel. The base will have cardinal points engraved on it. Also other World Heritage Sites will be named on it.”

A spokesman for The National Trust said: “The National Trust has agreed in principle to the siting of a marker for the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast to be on its land at Studland. We will be looking at the published plans for the design and feeding into the consultation process before March 8.”

Unesco granted the coastline World Heritage status in 2001 giving this stretch of British coastline has the same protected status as Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

About Leigh Hatts

Leigh Hatts is an experienced walker and has known the local coastline since childhood. He is the author of many successful walking guides.
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