Shep's Hollow EarthCache

This Earthcache brings you to a view down a small gully (called Shep's Hollow) in the cliffs, from the coast path towards the northernmost groyne in Swanage Bay. The Isle of Wight is in the far distance, over 17 miles away, and can be seen on a clear day.

Swanage Bay is a sandy bay facing east and protected from the major southwesterly storms. In the southern part there are low cliffs and banks of Upper Purbeck limestone and shale, largely built over. To the north, here at Shep’s Hollow, there are excellent cliff sections of Wealden Strata. Beyond this where the Purbeck Hills reach the sea is the major Chalk exposure of Ballard Cliff, beneath Ballard Down.

A landslide, also known as a landslip, is a geological phenomenon that includes a wide range of ground movements, such as rock falls, deep failure of slopes and shallow debris flows. Landslides can occur in offshore, coastal and onshore environments. Although the action of gravity is the primary driving force for a landslide to occur, there are other contributing factors affecting the original slope stability.

To log this Earthcache please send answers to the following questions via my Geocaching profile.

1: Using the information board at GZ and information above, in your own words, describe why you think this area is prone to landslides.

2: How do the groynes help to protect the beach?

3: From GZ, how many miles is it to Old Harry Rocks, via the Coast Path?

Continue down the footpath onto the beach (take care as this can be slippery!). Looking back on the cliffs answer the following…

4: Describe the colour and make-up of the Wealden Strata. How is the make-up of the Strata significant in the occurrence of landslides?

In addition to this, it would be fantastic if you could post a photo of yourself looking out from Shep’s Hollow (this is optional) please don't give away any answers in the photo