This Earthcache is in the hamlet of Covehithe which sits right on the edge of the Suffolk coastline a few miles from Southwold and Wrentham.
The road here disappears over the edge of the cliff. This is because the road and much of Covehithe has been lost due to coastal erosion. If you take a walk along this part of the coast, you can clearly see the speed of the erosion being caused by the North Sea.
You can park at the old church in Covehithe along the side of the road.
The end of the road is now blocked off for safety reasons. Please, please take care if you decide to venture beyond the safety signs, especially if you have children with you. The cliff is unstable and it is not safe to approach the edge. If you want to get down onto the beach then you can do so further along the coast. It is not necessary to approach the cliff edge to claim this cache and you do so at your own risk.
The Geology
This coastline was originally formed when sand was laid down by the North Sea two million years ago. It is likely that the sea would have been quite shallow and that small islands of sand would have formed along the coast with gravel deposits accumulating in the channels between them. Over time the sand and gravel built up to form the land you are standing on.
Then, approximately 10,000 years ago the tides turned and the sea is now claiming the sand back as it wears away at the cliffs. This means that the remaining buildings in Covehithe may be at risk in the future.
To Claim This Cache:
Please email the answer to the following question to my profile after you log your visit. Please don't want for me to reply before you log - I will only contact you if there is a problem with your answer:
The cliffs along this coastline are currently eroding at an average rate of 5 metres each year. Given this, approximately how long will it be before the Eastern wall of St Andrew's Church begins to fall over the edge of the cliff?
To help you calculate this safely without approaching the cliff edge you need only measure the distance between the red danger sign and the church.
I would also love to see photos of your visit - please post some with your log if you can.
I hope you enjoy your visit to Covehithe.