The dorset and east devon coastline of england, where countless fossils have been found over hundreds of years, has been given world heritage site status.

This puts the coast, which includes the beautiful cliffs of golden cap in Charmouth and the resort of Lyme Regis, on a par with the taj mahal, the pyramids, the grand canyon and the great barrier reef. The coast is the first natural site to win the ultimate accolade in England.

 

unesco have agree to inscribe the jurassic coast as an outstanding example representing a major stage of earths history and the record of life.

 

 

 

Above, part (jaws) of the  recently discovered 180 million year old, whole, ichthyosaur fossil, found in this unspoiled area of outstanding natural beauty.

 

The dorset and east devon coast was proposed because of its beauty and importance for fossils. the area is already one of the most popular sites for fossil hunters in europe.

The rocks of dorset and east devon cover 180 million years of the earths history.

 

It represents a walk through time and shows the evolution of species from fish to dinosaurs to mammals.

 

The coast has become the most popular area for school and university field trips, possibly in europe. The rock formations are unique and straddle the entire mesozoic time, which is divided into the triassic, jurassic and cretaceous periods.