Stage 1 - The Cliffs ( PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLIMB ON THE CLIFFS)
The story is one of a small river valley having been cut during the glacial phase (the Wolstonian) before the last one, at a time when sea-level was very low. The Lower Gravel originated at this time. During the Ipswichian Interglacial when the ice melted the sea rose to a little above its present level. At this phase the interglacial estuarine muds and peat were deposited (like those of the Beaulieu estuary today). In the last glacial phase which followed (the Devensian) sea-level fell once more; the English Channel was dry and new periglacial river gravel, the more widespread Upper Gravel was deposited over the interglacial deposits. Bear this simple model in mind when then considering the details and more precise ages of the gravels and the interglacial sediments.
Question 1 - In the cliff face there are two different sizes of deposits, estimate the sizes of each and say which one you think indicates a faster flowing river and which a slower?
Stage 2 - The Sea Defence
Quite close to the Watch House there is a change to Carboniferous Limestone rock armour. This extends from here in a westward direction for about 100 metres, and is present both landward of the path and on the shore in front. The Carboniferous Limestone rock armour has been emplaced later, and has been preferred to Portland Stone because it is a tougher and less porous limestone.
The Carboniferous Limestone is interesting because it contains various early Carboniferous (Mississipian) marine fossils. Large solitary corals of 'Caninia' type are the most conspicuous. There are some productid brachiopods and other corals. The blocks of Carboniferous Limestone rock armour have been brought in from the Mendip Hills, probably from the Foster Yeoman Torr Works Quarry at Merehead, East Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. This is the source of Carboniferous Limestone rock armour at Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire Lewis, Donovan and Sawford (2003). It is transported by both rail and road into the region. For more on the Carboniferous Limestone blocks at Barton see the Barton coast erosion webpage. Interesting fossil material from this rock armour at Barton has been described by Lewis et al. (2003).
Question 2 - Roughly how big are these rocks?
Question 3 - On some of the rocks you will see some of the above mentioned fossils, what letter of the alphabet do they resemble?
Stage 3 - World War 2 at Lepe
On the 6 June 1944 thousands of troops with their vehicles and supplies left Britain via locations such as Lepe Beach in the New Forest for the beaches of Normandy. This was D Day, the start of the great campaign to liberate Europe and to bring the World War to its end.
The D-Day invasion, code named Operation Overlord, is one of the most remarkable feats in military history, it had taken over two years of planning, and was one of the best kept secrets of the war.
During the build up to D Day troops and supplies were marshalled along much of the Hampshire coast. Lepe and the surrounding area came under the control of the shore station HMS Mastodon, the headquarters of which were at Exbury House. Many hundreds of troops with their equipment, vehicles and ammunition were hidden along the narrow roads and in numerous closed camps hidden in the wooded areas accross the New Forest.
Even before the build up of troops, supplies and machinary had begun the south coast was busy with the construction of Mulberry Harbour elements that would be essential for supplying the army on the beaches of France and allow the allies to launch an attack on the Normandy Beaches rather than the very heavily defended deep water ports. The idea to build a harbour on the south coast and take it with the invasion force was a brilliant feat of engineering and was one of key factors in the success of Overlord. The floating harbours was to be assembled from a variety of component parts manufactured on the south coast. Several construction sites were chosen. The beach at Stanswood Bay being used in the manufacture of six type B2 Phoenix concrete caissons. The floats 'Beetles' supporting the roads connecting the harbour to the beach were constructed along the Beaulieu River and at Marchwood. Many of these sites still retain some of the archaeology associated with the Mulberry project today.
Today at Lepe you can still see plenty of evidence of wartime activity.
Question 4 - Describe what you can see on the beach in front of you? What do they look like?
Please do not post spoiler photos in your log, of course should you wish you post a photo of you or your GPS, please do.
Please email your answers via the contact owner at the top of this page, you do not need to wait for me to reply to log your find, but if there are any problems I'll be in touch.