Field Trip - Tyneham & the Jurassic coast on Saturday 23rd July

Andrew Graham will lead a walk across a stretch of the spectacular Jurassic Coast, starting from Tyneham, a village abandoned in 1943 when the surrounding land was taken over by the MOD.

As the public are, to this day, allowed access only to prescribed areas and walking routes when training is suspended, wildlife and plants along this stretch of coast have been left largely unaffected by human intervention for virtually eighty years.

Those who’ve been before will appreciate that the further we are able to walk, the more rewarding the views and sightings. But whichever way you go along the paths on this coast, some of the gradients are quite significant. The route has been planned so uphill slopes will be gentler, but stout shoes or boots will be essential, and those less sure on their feet may appreciate a walking stick or pole.

Bring refreshments and a packed lunch with you; weather permitting, we will be able to picnic on the beach at Worbarrow Bay where the bravest of us could even have a paddle (though swimming won’t be covered by the risk assessment!).

Before returning to Tisbury in the late afternoon there will be an opportunity to walk around the “ghost” village of Tyneham, where many of the buildings have been conserved, although roofless, and its history is described in a visitor centre in the church.

From Tisbury the route of roughly 40 miles via Blandford, Wareham and Corfe Castle will take roughly an hour and a quarter. The aim will be to rendezvous at the gate from the south side of the car park at Tyneham (GR SY881801 What3words – immediate.across.fashion) and set out from there at 11:00AM.

To share cars (and economise on petrol) please meet at 09:30AM in the car park of the Nadder Centre on Weaveland Road (n.b. not the one off Nadder Close).

There is no limit on numbers. Members will have received instructions via email for this field trip. Non-members (Guests) can join us for £2 per adult.  Any Guests wishing to join this field trip must please contact us in advance and let us know whether you will meet us at Tyneham or at the Nadder Centre and, especially, if you need a lift.

​by Dick Budden
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