Jurassic Coast Trust

Here at Stuart Line Cruises, we love working with others. For the first in a hopeful series of Guest Blog posts, we have invited our friends at the Jurassic Coast Trust.

The Jurassic Coast Trust: Guardians of Geological Heritage

The Jurassic Coast Trust is an independent charity dedicated to safeguarding and conserving the UNESCO World Heritage status of the Jurassic Coast. This stunning stretch of coastline spans the counties of Dorset and Devon along the southern coast of England.

The Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural World Heritage Site. It received this prestigious status in 2001 due to its exceptional geology, geomorphology, and paleontology. It’s the only place on Earth where rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods are visible together, allowing visitors to explore 185 million years of Earth’s history.

We envision a world where everyone loves, understands, and values the Jurassic Coast. Our mission is to protect and enhance this extraordinary site for current and future generations.

Our Aims:

• To protect and enhance the World Heritage Site and its setting
• To engage with people and organisations
• To deepen our own and others’ understanding of the World Heritage Site
• To sustain our organisation financially and demonstrate exemplary governance

We have collaborated with our valued business partner Stuart Line Cruises, by offering an annual educational and entertaining boat trip, with commentary provided by our fantastic ambassadors.

Join us in September on a cruise from Exmouth, where you’ll witness some incredible geology and the beauty of the coastline.

To the east of Exmouth we find the oldest rocks along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, formed some 250 million years ago. The largest mass extinction in Earth’s history occurred at the Permian-Triassic boundary 252 million years ago. Marking one of Earth’s most devastating mass extinctions. Up to 96% of marine species vanished. The event reshaped ecosystems, allowing new species to emerge. It’s a critical chapter in Earth’s evolutionary history and the exciting beginning to the overall story and unique geological record of the Jurassic Coast.

Although not within the World Heritage Site the coast to the west of Exmouth showcases other fascinating stories from deep time. The Dawlish Warren Sand Spit extends across the Exe estuary boasting complex sand ridges and dunes that showcase dynamic processes that have shaped the coastal landscape in the time since the last ice age. Beyond the spit we can observe the Permian Red beds overlying Devonian Limestone, the layers revealing the landscape’s ancient history as a harsh desert where braided rivers flowed, depositing sediments that now form the rocks we see today.

The Jurassic Coast is not just a place, it’s a journey through time!

Getting involved with the Jurassic Coast Trust is a wonderful way to contribute to the preservation and appreciation of this remarkable natural heritage. Here are some ways you can participate:

1. Join us as a member of the Jurassic Coast Trust. Your membership supports their conservation efforts, educational programs, and events.
2. Volunteer as a guide for educational walks, sharing your passion for geology and history with visitors.
3. If you’re a teacher or educator, collaborate with the trust to bring the Jurassic Coast into classrooms. Encourage schools and youth groups to participate in educational programs.
4. Donations and fundraising events help sustain the trust’s work. Consider contributing or participating in fundraising activities. Spread the word to raise awareness.
5. Promote responsible fossil collecting. Take care on the beach near cliffs and pay attention to tide times where applicable. Don’t forget to report any significant fossil finds to the trust, as they may have scientific value!

Remember, your involvement directly contributes to the conservation and understanding of this ancient coastline.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Stuart Line Cruises for providing the means to explore the majestic part of the coastline, raise valuable funds for the charity, and celebrate our continued partnership.

Thank you to the Jurassic Coast Trust for sending in a great post about what they do and why the Jurassic Coast is so significant and important. If you would like to meet some Jurassic Coast Trust ambassadors in person, you can on our Evening Triassic Coastal Cruise, a cruise where ticket sales will go direct to the trust. Please goto the link above to find out more.