Skip to content

'Substantial' rockfalls between Seatown and Eype Beach

The council warned that with ground drying out, more landslips and rockfalls could happen very quickly

Two large sections of cliff on Dorset's Jurassic Coast have collapsed.

Dorset Council said a "substantial" rockfall happened near Thorncombe Beacon with more movement was expected as fresh cracks 1.4m deep had appeared near the cliff top fence line.

A further 300m of cliff east of Seatown also fell away leading to the coast path being cordoned off.

The council warned that with ground drying out, more landslips and rockfalls could happen very quickly.

James Loveridge Photography LandslipJames Loveridge Photography
About 300m of cliff east of Seatown fell away
James Loveridge Photography LandslipJames Loveridge Photography
The coastal path was cordoned off following the landslip near Seatown
Dorset Council Fresh cracks in cliff edgeDorset Council
Fresh cracks have appeared at the cliff edge east of Thorncombe Beacon

The first rockfall has not yet affected the nearby coastal path but the site would be monitored in the coming weeks to ensure that any further movement does not affect access, the council said.

The National Trust had put a cordon in place following the second landslide

"The cliff is still very unstable and more is expected to be lost," the council said.

The authority repeated its warnings to visitors to stay clear of the tops and bases of cliffs.

Another large rockfall happened along the same stretch of coastline in November.

Presentational grey line

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].