Aerial view (Credit Dorset Wildlife Trust)
Tides here are unusual some parts of the lower shore can be exposed all afternoon to lots light and heat.
The rare peacock’s tail weed found here is more associated with Mediterranean climes.
This is an intertidal area that covers two wave-cut platforms with rockpools and an area of intertidal boulders. The tides here are unusual; low water springs occur in the afternoon and a double-low tide means that some parts of the lower shore can be exposed all afternoon to high desiccation and light levels this is reflected in the species you find here.
Unusual seaweeds include the iridescent tamarisk weed and the rare peacock’s tail weed, which is more associated with Mediterranean climes. Interesting species of fish are found in the rockpools, including the Montagu’s blenny and several clingfish species.
The site is home to an uncommon under-boulder community of marine life, which includes the rare lagoon sea snail.
This recommended Marine Conservation Zone is ON HOLD at the moment as Defra has indicated that there is not enough evidence to support designation.
We need you to urge to commit to gathering additional data to consider designation of this site in a future tranche:
Defra has indicated that although there is enough evidence to support designation of this site for two of the habitats recommended by stakeholders, further evidence is required to determine the presence and extent of peacock's tail seaweed within the site. This site is strongly supported by the conservation sector and is already a voluntary marine conservation area. Furthermore, Defra has indicated that there are currently no sectors with quantified or unquantified impacts or costs associated with designation of the site.
We need you to urge Defra to consider designation of this site for those features deemed to have sufficient evidence as soon as possible. Defra should commit to gathering more information on those additional features requiring more evidence and consider their designation in a future tranche.
Contains UKHO Law of the Sea data. Crown copyright and database right and contains Ordnance Survey Data Crown copyright and database 2012
Other nearby MCZs
Downloads
| Filename | File size |
|---|---|
| Broad Bench to Kimmeridge Bay.pdf | 226.75 KB |