Jurassic Jungle

Towards the end of the Jurassic period, about 144 million years ago, sea levels dropped and a series of islands emerged in Purbeck, surrounded by saline lagoons and channels.  For a short period of geological time, soils formed and a tropical forest of giant cypress and ferns flourished.

The forest was then flooded under a shallow, saline lagoon and thick mats of algae grew across the forest floor and around the base of the trees and fallen logs.  Sediments stuck to the algae and built up over time to form large doughnut-shaped ‘burrs' around the trees and wood.  It is preserved today as the Fossil Forest, the most complete fossil record of a Jurassic forest in the world.

The Fossil Forest

The Fossil Forest is best seen to the east of Lulworth Cove, where it is displayed on a wide ledge in the cliff.  The site lies within the Army Ranges and is subject to restricted opening times.  The forest can also be seen on Portland and in quarries near Weymouth.

Flowers Barrow

At Flowers Barrow the structure of Purbeck is dramatically displayed, with a ridge through the area formed by geological folding.  Flowers Barrow is an Iron Age hill-fort, built 2,500 years ago.  The effect of coastal erosion in the passing centuries is dramatically shown where a large part of the fort has been lost to the sea.

Range Walks

The coast between Lulworth and Kimmeridge lies within a military firing range and access to the area is restricted.  The range walks are open through most weekends of the year and during the main school holidays.