unit 13 – a contrasting uk locality swanage, dorset · emily, year 5. the jurassic coast world...

The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

Sarah Welton 2004

Unit 13 – A Contrasting UK Locality

Swanage, Dorset

Compiled by Sarah Welton & Associates

Emily, Year 5


Sarah Welton 2004

Swanage – A Contrasting UK Locality Teachers’ Notes: Background information on the Jurassic Coast World

Heritage Site. General information about the Swanage area. Useful links: Websites, tourist information, educational facilities. Where is Swanage? Maps: The Jurassic Coast with ‘Gateway Towns’

Outline map of Great Britain South-west regional map Gateway towns on the Jurassic Coast – outline map Swanage – Our Seaside Town This is what local Year 5/6 children think about living here.

1. Swanage – living here! 2. Swanage – our school! 3. Swanage – in the summer! 4. Swanage – in the winter! 5. Swanage – what I like! 6. Swanage – what I don’t like!

Swanage Viewpoints – People and their seaside town These are genuine accounts from local people, who live and/or work in Swanage.

1. Retired couple 2. Teaching Assistant (Born and bred) 3. Professional man 4. Shop manager 5. Teen-age boy 6. Gift shop manager 7. University student 8. Engineer 9. Field Studies tutor


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Swanage – Jurassic Picture Gallery What is Swanage like?

Locations: Swanage town Corfe Castle Old Harry Rocks Studland The beach The Pier The bandstand The buildings

Why is Swanage like this? Land-use: Farming Stone quarrying Dry stone walls Durlston Country Park Economic Activity: Caravan sites Beach huts Shops, restaurants and amusements Water sports Environmental issues: Coastal protection and beach nourishment Litter

Access and footpath erosion


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Teachers’ Notes A WORLD CLASS COAST! The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site is a world-class educational resource. The coastline at Swanage forms part of a 95-mile stretch of the East Devon and Dorset coastline, which was designated as England’s only natural World Heritage Site in December 2001. World Heritage Status was awarded to this narrow strip of coast, lying between the top of the cliffs and the low water mark by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). A stone marker was unveiled at Lulworth Cove by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, on 2nd October 2002. World Heritage Status is very important – it means that our coastline is considered as important as such famous sites in the World as The Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef – it is ranked alongside these sites as one of the natural wonders of the World. It means that the site must be protected, conserved, presented and passed intact to future generations. This is a huge responsibility for those involved in managing the coast. Why is the Jurassic Coast so special? The Jurassic Coast is one of the most significant earth science sites in the world. In just 95 miles of coastline are exposed in the cliffs, for all to see, are a near-continuous sequence of rocks, telling the story of almost 185 million years of the history of the Earth from the Triassic rocks of East Devon (250 million years old), through the Jurassic time period (200 – 140 million years old) to the Cretaceous rocks in the east (65 million years old), when the last of the dinosaurs died out. The coast also boasts many classical coastal features such as Old Harry Rocks, the Lulworth Crumple and Durdle Door and yields superbly preserved fossil remains. Many major contributions to science have been made along this coast for hundreds of years. Now it provides a famous resource for teaching earth sciences – at all levels. The Jurassic Coast is well served by the towns, which act as gateways to the Site. Swanage is the gateway town at the eastern end of the World Heritage Site. Whether bustling resorts or small rural villages, these settlements have a distinct and changing character due to the use of local stone for building. Like all coastal towns and villages, they provide an


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excellent contrast to towns and villages inland but with the added difference of being in a World Heritage Site. What is Swanage like?

Swanage is a small seaside resort and the gateway town at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. The town grew in importance in the C18th as the centre for export of local Purbeck Limestone. The limestone ridge, to the south, is dominated by stone quarries – Purbeck limestone is a very popular building stone. Old quarry workings are beneath many of the steep residential roads. Some old underground quarry workings provide a protected habitat for bats. The town has beautiful sea views. On a clear day, the Needles and the Isle of Wight can be seen in the distance. Swanage has a wide bay and a sandy beach. It is a popular seaside holiday destination. The seafront and beach are very busy in the summer. Behind the promenade are grassy downs and a Victorian bandstand. The town provides facilities for tourists including a tourist information centre, hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts, restaurants, cafes and ‘Take Aways’, amusements and plenty of souvenir shops. There is a recently restored Victorian pier and passenger boats visit. The Swanage Steam Railway brings visitors from the ‘Park and Ride’ near Corfe Castle. Useful Links:

Visiting Swanage The Isle of Purbeck is very popular for education groups, putting great pressure on the countryside. Group leaders are asked to: § Work responsibly and sensitively. § Book sites in advance to help avoid congestion and site damage. § Take advantage of local educational support. § Use transport options with the least environmental damage. § Park in recognised parking spaces. § Use agreed points of access.


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Group accommodation and classroom/facility providers: Allnatt Centres Tel: 01929 421075 Email: [email protected] Brenscombe Farm Tel. 01929 481222 Email: [email protected] Carey Outdoor Education Centre Tel. 01929 552265 Email: [email protected] Leeson House Field Studies Centre Tel. 01929 422126 Email: [email protected] Swanage Youth Hostel Tel. 01929 422113 Email: [email protected] Townsend Residential Study Centre Tel. 01929 422448 Email: [email protected] Lists of hotels that take school groups can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre. Tel. 0870 44420680 or visit the website on: www.Swanage.gov.uk Educational Visits and Activities: Durlston Country Park: Tel. 019929 424443 Corfe Castle, Studland (National Trust) Education Office: Tel. 01929 480609 Marshes Boat Tours: 01929 427659 Swanage Railway: 01929 425800


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Where is Swanage? From maps and location information on the Jurassic Coast website and from the Jurassic Coast map below, use the outline maps to demonstrate: § The position of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site on the south

coast of England. § The position of the Jurassic Coast, Dorset and East Devon in the South-

west. § The position of the ‘Gateway Towns’. § The location of Swanage within the Jurassic Coast.

Following discussions on location, the following outline maps can be copied and used to mark on the above locations.



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Outline map of Great Britain Where is the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site?


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Regional map of the South-west of England Where are Dorset and East Devon? Where is the Jurassic Coast?


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Key towns and villages on the Jurassic Coast

Where is the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site? Where are the ‘Gateway Towns’? Where is Swanage?


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Swanage – living here! Here are the views of six Year 5 and 6 pupils from the local Middle School, who live in Swanage and surrounding villages.

Swanage – living here! “It is good most of the time!”

Swanage – our school!

“It is nice because some of us can walk to school” “There is lots of space” “There are lots of rabbits on the school playing fields”

Swanage – in the summer! “Summer is very busy” “There are lots of tourists and the roads are very busy” “There are things to do like Regatta Week (carnival)” “The fair is there in the summer” “Family come to stay because we live by the sea” “We can go to the beach in the evening when it is quieter”

Swanage – in the winter! “It is different but I like summer and winter” “There is not much to do” “We go to the beach but we don’t swim because it is too cold” “My brother goes sailing in winter and my mother worries!”


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Swanage – what I like! “It is peaceful, there is fresh air and no car fumes and beautiful views” “ It is near the sea so there are water-sports, boat trips and we can go crabbing” “On the beach we meet children from different parts of the country – I have a pen-pal in Manchester” “It is on the Jurassic Coast and we can go collecting fossils” “The countryside around is good for walking, especially Dancing Ledge and Kimmeridge” “There are lots of places to play and a cycle track to ride bikes on” “It is nice to be ‘at the end of the road’ (Swanage is at the seaward end of the valley). No-one can build houses in the sea” “You can listen to the birds and there is lots of wildlife, including dolphins”

Swanage – what I don’t like “Tourists asking directions to the caravan park (sometimes we give them wrong directions!)” “The shops are not very good” “Sometimes it is not good having lots of wildlife - my guinea pig was eaten by a fox or a badger” “Sometimes it is scary - I am scared of spider crabs” “We never get any snow because we live near the sea”


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Retired Couple Living here is: A privilege which was only obtained by working very hard in previous years. What is it like in the summer? In a heatwave it is chaotic and peace is shattered. It is not easy to move around e.g. you have to wait for the best time to shop. If it is hop and sunny, visitors are all on the beach but if a black cloud comes over it is no good trying to get to the shops. What is it like in the winter? Peaceful and on a nice day it is a joy to walk in Swanage and the surrounding area. The downside is we get some very cold winds off the sea but on the whole we prefer winter to summer. What do you like about Swanage? It is still a fairly small town with friendly people and a family atmosphere, not much crime (there is some). We have the ‘Mowlem’ local theatre, which we enjoy. Also in Swanage, shopping is more personal – staff get to know the customers and vice-versa. Is there anything you don’t like? Some of the summer visitors are impatient and rude. They step off pavements in front of cars, create loads of rubbish, which is never cleared up very quickly – we are always picking up empty beer bottles before they get broken.

Swanage Viewpoints – People and their seaside town What is it like to live in Swanage?

These are genuine accounts from local people, who live and/or work in Swanage. We sent a questionnaire to some local people to find out what they think about Swanage.

Teenage Boy Living here is: Good most of the time but it can be boring – nothing to do. What is it like in the summer? There is always something good to do like swimming in the sea, walks etc. What is it like in the winter? It depends what the weather is like. The best weather is when it is stormy because we go to the beach to see what is washed up. What do you like about Swanage? It is not too big and it is not too small. Is there anything you don’t like? No sports facilities.


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Teaching Assistant, born and bred in Swanage Living here is: Lovely! I feel privileged to live in such a beautiful part of Dorset. I live within 5 minutes of the sea and 5 minutes from open countryside. Working here is: There aren’t many local jobs so most people have to drive to wwwwork. My husband drives 50 miles a day, I drive 20 miles. Public transport is not good. What is it like in the Summer? Busy. Parking and shopping in town is difficult, but the town is bustling. What is it like in the Winter? When the visitors first leave, it is lovely but as winter sets in, it gets dreary. Shops close early, making shopping difficult. Restaurants close for the winter. It is like the town is sleeping and resting, waiting for summer! What do you like about Swanage? The close knit community, the beauty of the coast, the safe environment and the weather (except the easterly winds). Is there anything you don’t like? Having to travel so far. People moving here to retire, taking much needed housing.

Professional man, living (not working) in Swanage

Living here is: My choice because it provides a good, safe family lifestyle. I am not a city type – I love the natural aspects e.g. cliffs and sea – 90% of the time. Working here is: It would be awful! I do not work in Swanage and travel a lot. I need to escape for wider stimulus now and again. I will have to plan retirement carefully. What is it like in the Summer? Always something happening. I try to maximise use of natural facilities e.g. the beach. What is it like in the Winter? As good as anywhere in the UK, as long as I get to London now and again. Also, despite what locals say, it is very mild. What do you like about Swanage? Small enough to feel part of it but large enough not to have to live in everyone’s pocket! Is there anything you don’t like? No Sports Centre, restaurant/pub facilities are poor.


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Shop Manager Living here is: Good. Most people are friendly and have time for each other. Hardly anyone gets upset if they have to wait say, in a traffic hold up or in shops. If you do have a problem there is always someone there to lend a hand. Because people tend to know one-another they are more tolerant towards each other. Working here is: Most jobs have a relaxed atmosphere. However, a lot of work is seasonal and does not encourage young people to work in the town. They have to look further afield in Poole or Bournemouth to find full time employment with a good wage. What is it like in the Summer? Summer tends to be somewhat of a rush with the town full of Holidaymakers and the traffic, which comes with them. Most people who work in the Town understand this as the Town’s main source of income is from the Holiday trade. This does not mean we can’t find time to enjoy living by the sea. What is it like in the Winter? In winter people have time to be themselves and as by and large most people in the Town know one another. Winter is the time to relax and what is not done today may be done tomorrow. The weather is normally good even on cold days. What do you like about Swanage? Swanage is a friendly Town with very little trouble. The air is fresh, and the surrounding countryside is beautiful. Is there anything you don’t like? No.

Gift shop manager Living here is: Great place to live Working here is: A bit worrying because you cannot predict how good business will be. What is it like in the summer? I have to work all hours in summer because that is when I do most of my business. Business is very weather-dependant. It is good to go for a swim after a busy day! What is it like in the winter? Very quiet. Some days no-one comes into the shop. What do you like about Swanage? The people have been very friendly and welcoming since I came here. I love the countryside so close. Is there anything you don’t like? Having to go to Wareham to catch a train to London – it means I have to have a car.


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A University Student Living here is: Good – wonderful landscape/countryside with very few drawbacks. Working here is: Difficult. I travel to Bournemouth. I can’t get to university by public transport, so have to drive, which is bad for the environment and my finances! What is it like in the summer? Very busy. The beach is always crowded. Tourists wander all over the roads with no care for local people trying to carry on a normal life. What is it like in the winter? Peaceful – really good! The beach is beautiful in winter and we have more sunshine than most of England. What do you like about Swanage? The surrounding countryside and views. The beach. Is there anything you don’t like? It is too busy in summer. Public transport is not good. The shops are mainly for tourists not locals. Everybody knows everybody!

A field Studies Tutor

Living here is: Great! Working here is: It is hard work but good to work outdoors. What is it like in the summer? Sunny and warm and busy! What is it like in the winter? Fewer tourists but still quite lively. It is easier to park. It is lovely on a sunny day. What do you like about Swanage? Small but enough people to feel like a community. Is there anything you don’t like? Too far from a good cinema and supermarket. Not many chain stores and ladies clothes shops.

An Engineer Living here is: Great! Working here is: I have to travel away to work – I can’t get a reasonably paid job in this area. What is it like in the summer? Lovely but loads of tourists everywhere. What is it like in the winter? Very scenic and quiet. What do you like about Swanage? It is not too big and it is not too small. Is there anything you don’t like? House prices are too high and wages are too low.


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Jurassic Picture Gallery Use the images from the Jurassic Picture Gallery to demonstrate what Swanage is like. Locations

Swanage is a seaside resort at the end of a valley between chalk and limestone ridges.

Photo: M. Simons, Dorset County Council


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Dominating the valley to the west of Swanage are the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle.



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The headland at the northern side of Swanage Bay is a series of chalk arches and stacks called Old Harry Rocks. See ‘Investigating the Jurassic Coast’ for details of how these were formed.

Photo: S. Rose, World Heritage Trust


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Around the headland, is the popular sandy beach of Studland. Studland is owned by the National Trust.

Photos: M. Simons, Dorset County Council


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There is a sandy beach at Swanage. It is quiet in the winter but can be crowded in the summer.

Photos: Sarah Welton


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Swanage has a Victorian pier, which has been restored recently.

Photo: Swanage Town Council


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On the grassy downs above the beach, there are wonderful views across the Bay and a Victorian bandstand.

Photo: Sarah Welton


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The buildings in Swanage are built out of local Purbeck Limestone – even the roofs.

Photos: Swanage Town Council


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Cottages in the surrounding villages are built from cream coloured Purbeck Limestone.

Photo: Sarah Welton


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Why is Swanage like this? Use the images from the Jurassic Picture Gallery to demonstrate why Swanage is like this. Land-use The downs on either side of the valley are mainly grazed by sheep. Sheep keep the turf short which creates the right conditions for downland plants to thrive. Wildflowers such as orchids can be found on the Purbeck downs.

Photo: Sarah Welton


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Purbeck Limestone is quarried from the ridge near Swanage. It is used for building, walls, garden paving etc. Dinosaur footprints have been found in the limestone near Swanage.

Photo: Marnie Shaw, Dorset County Council


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Instead of fences or hedges, the surrounding fields are bounded by dry stone walls, made from local limestone. Building a dry stone wall requires great skill.

Photo: Sarah Welton


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Durlston Country Park near Swanage has a visitor centre, trails and runs lots of guided walks and events. It is a great place to see wildlife. It even has live video of nesting guillemots on the cliffs and a hydrophone recording the sounds of passing dolphins. Local volunteers keep a watch for dolphins. The Globe at Durlston

Photo: C. Pamplin


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Economic Activity There are hotels, guest-houses and several caravan sites in and around Swanage.

Photo: Sarah Welton


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New beach huts are being built at the northern end of the beach.


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The streets and shops are quiet in the winter. Station Road in winter

Photo: Swanage Town Council


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Many of the shops, cafes and restaurants in Swanage cater for the tourists. There is an amusement arcade on the sea front.


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Swanage Bay is a great place for watersports. SCUBA Diving from the dive centre on the pier is very popular.


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Boat trips are run in the summer season and boat operators also run diving and fishing trips. There are local water-sports clubs – sailing, diving and gig boat rowing. Gig racing is becoming very popular in the South-west. Swanage teams have competed in regattas in Cornwall. Swanage Rowing Club

Photos: Sarah Welton


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Photo: Sarah Welton

The Swanage steam railway brings visitors to the town from the ‘park-and-ride’ near Corfe Castle. Special ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ trips are run.


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Environmental Issues When houses are built where the cliffs are eroding, very expensive stone defences have to be built, to stop the houses falling off the cliff. Is this the right thing to do? The stone defence under a block of apartments in Durlston Bay.

Photos: M. Simons, Dorset County Council


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The more frequent easterly winds, thought to be associated with Global Warming, are causing the sand on the beach to be washed away in the winter. It also piles seaweed up on the beach. As the sandy beach is crucial to Swanage’s tourism industry, replenishing the beach with locally dredged sand has to be considered. This is called ‘beach nourishment’.

Photo: Sarah Welton


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Much of the litter on the beach comes from ships and fishing boats. However, the Great Dorset Beach Clean survey shows that a lot of the litter is left there by visitors. Dogs are not allowed on the beach in summer.


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Purbeck is a great place to walk. The problem is that the paths become eroded by all those feet.

Photo: S. Rose, World Heritage Trust


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unit 13 – a contrasting uk locality swanage, dorset · emily, year 5. the jurassic coast world...

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