Link to the survey is here!
The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site (WHS) is a 155km long fragment of coastline that stretches between Exmouth in East Devon and Studland Bay in Dorset. This area is recognised by UNESCO for its 250 million years of earth history, which includes many iconic landforms such as Durdle Door, Golden Cap and Purbeck’s limestone cliffs.
Although the Jurassic Coast WHS has been recognised as having special conservation value for geomorphology, geography and biodiversity, there has been little consideration and appreciation of how we as humans benefit from using and accessing this area of England’s coastline. The non-material benefits that we obtain from interacting with nature have been defined by scientists and policy makers as cultural ecosystem services. Do you feel more relaxed, increasingly connected to the Earth’s history or physically fitter after spending time in the Jurassic Coast WHS? All of these feelings and experiences are types of cultural ecosystem service, and their significance will be different for all of us.
The South West Coast Path, marked by the familiar acorn sign, runs throughout the Jurassic Coast WHS and a favourite way for many of us to explore the dramatic scenery and breath-taking views of the Jurassic Coastline. The aim of our survey is to find out why we use the ‘South West Coast Path’ in the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and what benefits we get from it -whether you are an experienced trekker looking to enjoy the fitness challenge or a young family looking to explore the great outdoors.
As part of its UNESCO status, the Jurassic Coast WHS must be managed and protected, but do you think current management of the ‘South West Coast Path’ in sufficient? What changes would you like to see?
You can find the link to our survey here. Please fill it in for us! Results of this study will be written up and disseminated to policy makers in order to improve the evidence base for policy decisions.
Keep your eyes peeled for a follow up article with the results!
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