Lulworth Cove is not only a beautiful place to visit but it is also a fascinating one from the geological perspective. As the sea has cut into the land to create the almost circular bay, it has exposed strata from different rock types. These are sequentially the Upper, Middle and Lower Chalk; Greensand Beds; Wealden Beds; and Upper Purbeck beds – all from the Cretaceous Period. Then the Middle and Lower Purbeck; and the Portland Stone from the Jurassic Period. Originally these rock layers would have been deposited one after another in horizontal beds. However, over time, they have been tilted at steep angles and folded in complex ways …. to spectacular effect.
The site is owned by Lulworth Estate who manage and maintain the landscape, and provide facilities for visitors – including a Heritage Centre and other educational resources. You can find more information about Lulworth by visiting their website. Lulworth Estate also produce a useful little booklet explaining all about the rocks and fossils of Lulworth Cove called Lulworth Rocks: The rocks and landforms of Lulworth explained and this is available from the Heritage Centre. Or you can download a leaflet explaining the attractions of the area called Discover Lulworth.
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