Jurassic Coast marks 25 years as a World Heritage Site

The Jurassic Coast is 25 years a World Heritage Site. The 95-mile coastline of Dorset and East Devon, England's only natural World Heritage Site, was listed by UNESCO in 2001, and conservation groups marked the anniversary at Lulworth Cove on 14 September, the Bournemouth Echo reported.

The gathering was hosted by the Lulworth Estate, which owns the land around Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, and celebrated a quarter of a century of partnership, conservation and research along the coast.

What makes the Jurassic Coast a World Heritage Site?

Its rocks. The cliffs between Exmouth and Studland preserve close to 185 million years of Earth's history, from the Triassic through the Jurassic to the Cretaceous, in one walkable sequence. For more than two centuries the coast has been an outdoor laboratory for geologists and fossil hunters, and it is still used for research and teaching.

The coast also matters for wildlife. According to the Echo, its habitats support rare species including the early spider orchid and Morris's wainscot moth. It forms part of the King Charles III England Coast Path, which will be the world's longest managed coastal route, at 2,700 miles, once complete.

What did the partners say?

Speakers at the anniversary stressed the partnership behind the site. Dave Slater, South West regional director of Natural England, the government's adviser on the natural environment, said the agency had worked with local partners to protect the coast's geology and wildlife, and described its 185-million-year record as a way of connecting people with the planet's history.

Anna Nsubuga, the UK's ambassador and permanent delegate to UNESCO, congratulated everyone involved over the past 25 years. Councillor Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council, thanked the communities, volunteers, scientists and partners who care for the coast and said the council is committed to protecting it and restoring nature.

Is there anything to join this autumn?

Yes. The anniversary is being treated as a year-long celebration, with beach cleans, walks and local artist events planned, and the Echo says the coast draws about 14 million visitors a year. The Jurassic Coast's official website and the Dorset National Landscape events page list what is coming up; check dates and booking with the organisers before you go.

What it means for visitors

The eastern end of the World Heritage Site is on Bournemouth's doorstep. Old Harry Rocks and Studland Bay sit across the harbour mouth from Sandbanks, and our guide to paying for the Sandbanks Ferry explains the crossing, which is now cashless. Studland itself was recently named one of the UK's best hidden-away beaches.

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, further west, make a full day out by car. The Bournemouth Guide's page on Sandbanks covers the ferry side, and its autumn in Bournemouth page explains why the quieter months suit a coastal walk. Our roundup of towns and cities near Bournemouth has more day trips.

A base in Bournemouth works well for exploring the coast over several days. Flexiestays' page on serviced apartments in Dorset explains the Bournemouth base, and guests driving out each day can read the Help Centre's parking guide for how on-site parking works.