Quick facts about the Jurassic Coast

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The 117 meter high cliff of Ballard is part of the chalk ridge that runs inland through the Isle of Purbeck and outcrops to form the cliff at Flowers Barrow above Worbarrow Bay 12 (19.5 km) miles away. The cliff forms the eastern side of Swanage Bay.

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Geological Information

Period Age

Cretaceous

Approx Age

Million Years

Cretaceous Blanket

93None

Main Geology

Chalk

Beach Type

Sea Cliff

Access to Beach

Fossil Hotspots:
-

Geological Coastal Features:
Chalk Cliff Erosion

Chalk Cliff Erosion

Erosion of coastal Chalk cliffs is slow. Chalk is relatively hard, and only becomes unstable when the sea has carved a cave into its base, destabilising the weight of cliff above. The sea then has to wash away the cliff fall before the process can start all over again. The milky coloured seawater found at the base of Chalk cliffs, particularly around fresh falls, is evidence of coastal cliff erosion in progress.

General Information

Nearest Coastal Visitor Centre

Studland Beach Information Centre

Nearest Town/Village or Area:

Studland

Nearest Tourist Info Centres

Swanage

Wildlife in this Area:
Ballard Down

Ballard Down

The chalk downland of Ballard Down is managed by the National Trust and represents a rare habitat with a rich biodiversity of insect and plant life.

General Interest:
WW2 Aircraft Firing Range

WW2 Aircraft Firing Range

The cliffs of Ballard Down were used as a gunnery range for training fighter pilots during WW2 and the seabed is littered with their spent brass shell cases, some of which make useful homes for the marine life.