Uploads from SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's, tagged placestovisitinswanage

The Coastal Path at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2011

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 01:10:45 -0700

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One of the most beautiful and serene places I have ever visited even though it is so busy. Durlston is large and there are many places where you can get away from the crowds. I took a walk along the coastal path to the Dancing Ledges 3 miles away and was rewarded with astounding views. As you walk along the top of the cliffs you get stunning views across a blue sea and see many different types of birds. I saw Guillemots, Razorbills, Shag, Fulmar, Gannet, Kittiwake, and Gulls along the cliffs. Other birds present included Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Whitethroat, Kestrel, Raven and Stonechat. I was lucky enough to see a Barking Deer or Muntjac as they are also known.
I also had a little pot of locally made Honeycombe Hash flavoured Purbeck ice cream.

www.durlston.co.uk/

Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve, situated 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, is a fabulous 280 acre countryside paradise, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland. With stunning views, walking trails, the historic Great Globe, superb geology and fascinating wildlife there is always something different to see.

www.durlston.co.uk/index.php?nid=51&id=32

About Durlston Country Park
Situated in the south-east corner of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset (grid ref SZ 03 77), a mile south of Swanage, lies Durlston Country Park – 280 acres of very special countryside.

The Country Park was established in the 1970s by Dorset County Council, and 30 years of careful management by the Ranger team have resulted in a superb site that everyone can enjoy.
Wildlife and Landscape
Few places in Britain equal Durlston: The bare statistics merely hint at the amazing diversity of wildlife: 33 species of breeding butterfly, over 250 species of bird recorded, 500 wildflowers, 500 moths and thousands of other invertebrates.
Durlston's special qualities stem from a combination of geography, geology, history and careful management which has created a mosaic of nationally important wildlife habitats: sea-cliffs, downs, ancient meadows, hedgerows, woodland, and dry-stone walls – each with their characteristic plants and animals.

History
Wildlife apart, there are plenty of other things to see: The history of Durlston can be detected in the now dry, glacial river valley, the ancient Saxon field systems, two types of quarry – the inland Purbeck Stone Quarr, and the Portland limestone cliff quarry known as Tilly Whim Caves.
High on the ridge remain the footings of a Napoleonic telegraph station, and Anvil Point Lighthouse adds further interest to a visit.
The eminent Victorian, George Burt, left a legacy of fascinating artefacts. These include the 'Great Globe' – 40 tons of Portland limestone, cast-iron bollards from the City, St Martin's and other parts of London, and Durlston Castle itself – all linked by scenic cliff-top paths with Victorian panels quoting poetry and facts of interest.

Facilities
The Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre is a must for all - recent wildlife sightings, daily and monthly displays all ensure the latest information for visitors.

There are also live pictures from the seabird colony on the cliffs and sound from an underwater hydrophone.
A Ranger is always available to help you make the most of your visit.
Family Activities
Guided Walks and Events
A full programme of events – guided walks, boat trips, talks, children's events and other activities run throughout the year.

Paths and Trails
Four clearly waymarked Trails, each with its own information leaflet provide an ideal introduction to Durlston.
All Trails begin at the Visitor Centre.
A network of Public Footpaths criss-cross the site, with good access to the South-west Coast Path.

Education
Each year, thousands of school children and students use Durlston as an educational resource. A wide range of sessions and other educational facilities are provided by the Rangers to help them get the most from their visit.

Community
Friends of Durlston
The Park has always had close ties with the local community, and the Friends of Durlston organisation provides a focus for goodwill and support.
Over 700 Friends provide an enormous amount of practical help – from running the Visitor Centre counter and updating our wildlife records, to monitoring butterflies and building dry stone walls.
There is also a thriving social side to the 'Friends', with illustrated talks held monthly and other events throughout the year.

Achievements
Awards
The County Council's policy of 'Conservation for Public Enjoyment' has formed the basis of the Park's management for 30 years.
This, combined with the support of the Friends, has led to both organisations being jointly awarded the prestigious English Nature SSSI Award.
In 2006 Durlston recieved both the Royal Horticultural Society's 'Conservation and Environment Award' for outstanding conservation work
In 2008, for the third time, we were awarded the 'Green Flag', recognising the quality of amenities for visitors.
In 2010, Durlston was voted 2nd in a competition to find Britain's Favourite Park, organised by the Keep Briatin Tidy Group.
Designations
As an internationally important site for wildlife and geology, Durlston is protected by a host of designations. Durlston forms part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Purbeck Heritage Coast (which holds a Council of Europe Diploma for it's management).
Most of the Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and since 1997, a Special Area of Conservation. Most of the Park is also designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance, while in 1997, the Dorset and East Devon Coast was awarded World Heritage Site status for its geological importance.
In June 2008, Durlston was awarded National Nature Reserve Status by Natural England in recognition of the national importance of Durlston for wildlife.
This long list of accolades and designations that highlight the site's importance and provide a reminder of the great care that must be taken to conserve this wonderful facility for future generations.
At any time of year, a visit to Durlston is a memorable experience. Despite its popularity, there is still the peace and quiet to enjoy the natural splendours of the area, and no matter how many times you visit there is always something new to see and enjoy.

Anvil Point Lighthouse at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2011

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 01:10:44 -0700

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Lighthouses are tall structures used to aid maritime navigation using lights.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anvil_Point

Anvil Point is part of the Jurassic Coast near Swanage on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, England. The Jurassic Coast stretches over a distance of 153 kilometres (95 mi), from Orcombe Point near Exmouth, in the west, to Old Harry Rocks, in the east

Geography
Anvil Point is within the grounds of Durlston Country Park and is on the hill about three kilometres from Swanage town centre. Anvil Point is in the eastern part of the Portland limestone and the Purbeck beds that stretches from Durlston Head to St. Aldhelm's Head. For a long time the cliffs along this stretch of coast were quarried at Tilly Whim Caves, Dancing Ledge, Seacombe and Winspit. The cliffs are superb for geologists and also for walkers. They are very well known to rock climbers.

Anvil Point Lighthouse
The Anvil Point Lighthouse is built of local stone and was completed in 1881. It was opened by Neville Chamberlain's father, then Minister of Transport. The lighthouse tower is twelve metres tall, the height of the light above the high water mark is 45 metres. The light is positioned to give a waypoint for vessels passing along the English Channel coast. Originally the light was illuminated by a paraffin vapour burner (PVB). During 1960 the lighthouse was modernised and electrified. The Anvil Point lighthouse has a 1000 Watt Filament Lamp and its character is a white Flash every 10 Seconds with an intensity of 500,000 Candela. The light's range was about 24 nautical miles (44 km). The old fog signal was a 5 minute cannon. The fog signal was replaced during 1981 by new automatic equipment, but is no longer operational.
Anvil Point Lighthouse was fully automated on 31st May, 1991 and was monitored and controlled from the Trinity House Operations Control Centre at Harwich. The lighthouse ceased operation in 2011. The lighthouse is no longer open to the public.
Anvil Point Lighthouse stands in Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve. Two of the lighthouse cottages have been refurbished as holiday cottages.

The Coastal Path at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2010

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:56:11 -0700

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The Dancing Ledges at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2011

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:56:11 -0700

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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_Ledge

Dancing Ledge is part of the Jurassic Coast near Langton Matravers in the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, England.

Geology
Dancing Ledge is a flat area of rock at the base of a small cliff (a little scrambling is required for access). It is signposted on the South West Coast Path a few kilometres west of Swanage. A swimming pool was blasted into the rock for the use of local preparatory schools, particularly Durnford School sometime near the beginning of the twentieth century. The last surviving school (The Old Malthouse in Langton Matravers, which closed in 2007) and one of the schools for which the pool was originally created recently arranged for debris, including several large rocks, to be removed, making swimming possible once again. The sea is also suitable for swimming, although it is deep right up to shore. This depth was exploited by local quarrymen in transporting Purbeck Limestone away from the area.
Dancing Ledge is so called because the stone cut out of it is the same size as a ballroom dance floor. The stone removed was transported by ship direct from Dancing Ledge, round the south coast to Kent in order to construct Ramsgate harbour.
The cliffs above the ledge are a popular climbing location, with a small (10m) cliff close to the sea, and a larger (~20m) limestone cliff set back above this. It is also a popular spot for tomb-stoning.
The Jurassic Coast stretches over a distance of 153 kilometres (95 mi), from Orcombe Point near Exmouth, in the west, to Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of Purbeck, in the east.[1] The coastal exposures along the coastline provide a continuous sequence of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous rock formations spanning approximately 185 million years of the Earths history. The localities along the Jurassic Coast includes a large range of important fossil zones.

The Dancing Ledges at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2011

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:56:11 -0700

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The Coastal Path at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2010

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 01:25:42 -0700

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The Coastal Path at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2010

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 01:25:41 -0700

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The Coastal Path at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2011

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 01:25:42 -0700

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The Coastal Path at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2010

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 01:34:47 -0700

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The Coastal Path at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2011

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 01:34:47 -0700

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The Coastal Path at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2011

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 01:34:46 -0700

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The Coastal Path at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2010

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 01:23:22 -0700

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The Coastal Path at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2010

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 01:23:22 -0700

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The Great Globe at Durlston Country Park ad National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2011

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 01:23:22 -0700

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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Globe

The Great Globe at Swanage is one of the largest stone spheres in the world. The Great Globe is constructed of Portland stone. It weighs 40 tons and is 10 feet in diameter.

Location
The Great Globe stands within Durlston Country Park, a 1.13 square-kilometre (280-acre) country park and nature reserve stretching along the coastline south of Swanage, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. The Park is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The Jurassic Coast stretches over a distance of 153 kilometres (95 mi), from Orcombe Point, near Exmouth, in the west, to the Old Harry Rocks in the east.

Preamble
John Mowlem[2] (1788-1868), a Swanage-born man, was a stonemason and builder. He was the founder of the quarrying and construction company Mowlem. John Mowlem and his nephew and business partner George Burt wanted to give something back to their home town, which was the source of their Portland and Purbeck limestone, popular for building at the time. John Mowlem built the Mowlem Institute, a reading room and public library, in 1862.
George Burt[3] (1816-1894) purchased an undulating tract of land covering Durlston Head during the same year. This estate included quarries that supplied their firm with limestone. Burt developed this estate as a tourist attraction.

Venue
Upon the crest of the hill Burt established the Durlston Estate and built his folly Durlston Castle. The castle was designed by G.R. Crickmay, and built by W.M. Hardy in 1886-87. It is built entirely of local stone. The 'castle' was never a real castle: it was purpose-built by Burt as a restaurant for visitors to his estate.
South of Durlston Castle within the Estate grounds is the Great Globe.[4] Constructed in Greenwich in 1887 in Mowlem's stone-yard, it was brought to Swanage by sea. The Globe, which is made of Portland stone, consists of 15 segments, with four stones for each of the lower three courses and three in the top-most course, the segments connected by granite dowels.[5] It measures 10 feet in diameter and weighs 40 tons.[6] Its surface is carved in detail and lettered to show the continents, oceans and certain more specific areas of the world.[7] In the year of its creation, it was erected by W.M. Hardy upon a platform chopped 136 feet above sea level into the solid rock of the hill.[8] Around the Globe is a set of stone plaques carved with quotations from English and Roman poets and the Bible, as well as facts about the natural world. These were not completed until 1891.
Durlston Country Park has been owned by Dorset County Council since the early 1970s and is open to the public. Today the castle is the home of the Jurassic Coast Visitor Centre. Durlston Castle and the Great Globe are both being restored over 2010 by the Council.[9] Also within Durlston Country Park and within walking distance of the Globe are Durlston Bay, the Tilly Whim Caves and the Anvil Point Lighthouse.

The Great Globe at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2011

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 01:23:22 -0700

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Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2011

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:09:32 -0700

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The Coastal Path at Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve in Swanage, Dorset, England - June 2010

nobody@flickr.com (SaffyH - Uploading Iceland Photo's) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:09:31 -0700

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