Footpath from Kimmeridge village to the bay improved

A footpath has been given a ‘makeover’ to establish a new walking trail linking the village of Kimmeridge to the bay.

Improvements are now complete to the pedestrian access links between the refurbished Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre at Kimmeridge Bay and the Etches Collection Fossil Museum in the village.

Advertisement 
Steve Etches
The Etches Collection

Steve Etches tests out the new trail

“Extraordinary story”

Julie Hatcher of the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Dorset Wildlife Trust, said:

“Kimmeridge tells the extraordinary story of marine wildlife that lived here millions of years ago and whose relatives can still be found in the rock pools and shallows today.

“This new trail, along with exhibitions at the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre and Etches Collection Museum, explain that story and show visitors how to discover it for themselves.”

Kimmeridge signs
Dorset Coast Forum

Information on the local area and what to see

Improving the link

The existing path that links the village and the bay has been enhanced with new gates, a bridge, drainage works and general path clearance. The coastal path has also been upgraded.

The idea is to encourage visitors to park at Kimmeridge Bay and visit the village using this improved access.

A new oak framed interpretation panel at Gaulters Gap now welcomes visitors to Kimmeridge Bay by the western end of the main car park and a panel on the wall of the toilet facilities in the smaller car park provides information on the local area and what people can see and do when visiting this stretch of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Kimmeridge signs
Dorset Coast Forum
Kimmeridge signs
Dorset Coast Forum

Illustrations of wildlife today – and yesterday

“Immerse themselves”

New wayfinding fingerposts guide visitors along the walking trail. There are also illustrations along the trail which tell the story of Kimmeridge marine life past and present, showing how the wildlife found here today are linked to creatures from past through geological time.

Carla Crook, from the Etches Collection Fossil Museum, said:

“The new walking trail provides an exciting opportunity for visitors to Kimmeridge to immerse themselves in the surrounding beauty of our countryside and by linking both the Wild Seas Centre and The Etches Collection Museum, to go ‘back in time’ to learn all about Kimmeridge’s ancient and modern marine wildlife.”

Kimmeridge signs
Dorset Coast Forum

The trail links Kimmeridge village and the bay

A broad partnership

There is still some work to be finished to remove old information plinths which will be undertaken as soon as possible.

The project has been made possible by support from the Wytch Farm Landscape and Access Enhancement Fund.

Partners on this project were Dorset Council’s Greenspace Team, Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Etches Collection, landowners Smedmore Estate, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (part of the MOD), the Jurassic Coast Trust and coordinated by the Dorset Coast Forum.

Kimmeridge signs
Dorset Coast Forum

Information for visitors to make the most of what’s here

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

Storm Ciarán sweeps into Swanage brushing away its flood defences Concrete blocks along Swanage seafront to protect against flooding were strewn across the road by the force of Storm Ciarán, while Studland beaches had about five years of coastal erosion ... 1 month ago BBC snubs Purbeck by filming Enid Blyton stories in Cornwall 1 week ago Polar Express magic arrives in Swanage for Christmas 3 weeks ago Crisis at Swanage Railway as £450,000 survival fund is launched 1 month ago Restaurant with perfect view of Swanage Bay to open in 2024 2 weeks ago

Most recent

Business is blooming in Swanage town centre Bucking the national trend of empty shop units, Swanage in Dorset is seeing lots more new businesses opening up in the heart of the seaside town. 11 hours ago Inspiring Christmas trees at Swanage festival 1 day ago Enchanted evenings light up Purbeck secret garden 2 days ago Swanage seafront survey result gives council splitting headache 3 days ago Plans for growth at Swanage community garden 4 days ago