Hengistbury Head

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Hengistbury Head is Spectacular. But Hengistbury Head is dying. 150 years ago, the beach was stripped its protecting IronStone boulders. Ever since then, the sea has done its worst. In those 150 years 150 meters of ancient coast line (that had been stable since before the birth of Christ) has been lost to the sea, never to return. Even with all the Sea defences, and the regular 10 yearly beach renourishment, it continues to this day. All the Queens revetments and all the Queens groynes will never bring Hengistbury back again. Within 50 years Hengistbury Head will possibly be an Island, shrinking as each year goes by. A bit like a melting ice cube under the glow of halogen bulb. In 100 years, quite possibly, there will be nothing left just a gaping shallows as an entrance to Mudeford "cove". Enjoy her while you can. All things change. Not necessarily for the better.
The ravaged cliff face of Hengistbury Head. Note the few Iron Stone concretions (known as Iron Stone Doggers) on the beach. Before 1850 the whole beach would have been paved with them, protecting the cliff from the sea. The Doggers are interesting sedimentary rocks whose formation is not fully understood. They are often layered like an onion and contain fossilized sharks teeth and unknown vegetation.
Purple Heather The sandy soil of Hengistbury Head supports many different species of hardy plants. Among them this beautiful purple heather. This was photographed on the way up to the summit of Hengistbury Head, called Warren Hill.
Long Shadows Looking East towards The Isle Of Wight from Warren Hill. The long shadows tell of late afternoon on a bright but cold December day.
Looking Back Looking North-West to the driving engine that shaped this place. The confluence of the rivers Avon and Stour.
The harbour Below Mudeford Harbour sits below Hengistbury Head. A shallow muddy place packed with boats. Safe for the novice sailor and yet it sports the teacherous narrow river exit known as "The Run"
Sixty Million Years Thats how long it took to build this cliff and yet a hundred more could see its demise More information on Hengistbury Head can be found on the website www.hengistbury-head.co.uk