Jurassic Coast Education Strategy

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Making Sense of Our Site
Learning about the Jurassic Coast

Contents
Foreword 2
Driving Forward Education on the Jurassic Coast 3
Our Aim 4
Our Objectives 4
Outputs: How will we achieve these 5
Site Management Details 8
Linked Strategies and Frameworks 8
Working with World Heritage 9
A Selection of Case Studies 10
Lifelong Learning and Volunteering 15
Some Case Studies 16
Education Opportunities 17
Outdoor Education 23
References 28

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Foreword
The Dorset and East Devon Coast is England’s first natural World Heritage Site
and is commonly known as the Jurassic Coast. This unique stretch of coastline
has joined the ranks of the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon as one of the
wonders of the natural world. The Jurassic Coast was designated a World Heritage Site
in 2001 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO) due to its outstanding geology, which represents 185 million years of
earth history in just 95 miles. The variety of landslides, beaches, bays and cliffs results
in a constantly changing landscape, with spectacular features such as the Hooken
Landslide, Chesil Beach and Durdle Door.
The Jurassic Coast is a world-famous educational resource and historically it has
played a key role in the study of Earth Sciences. It is our duty to manage our World
Heritage Site effectively and education plays a crucial role in all aspects of site
management.
What are World Heritage Sites
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of outstanding universal value. They are
environments, buildings or artefacts which are particularly important to the history,
culture and fabric of humanity as a whole. They are places which represent our past
and which we will pass on to future generations. Despite the fact that World Heritage
Sites belong to the whole world, heritage as a concept is often very personal. It is
possible to view World Heritage Sites as a collection of stories; stories of both human
and earth history that when compiled reflect the things that give our lives and homes
meaning.
Education forms an intrinsic part of managing World Heritage Sites and is
specifically referred to in Article 27 of the World Heritage Convention (1972), where
educational and information programmes can be used ‘to strengthen appreciation and
respect by their peoples of the cultural and natural heritage defined in Articles 1 and 2 of
the Convention.’

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Driving forward Education
on the Jurassic Coast
Five years ago, The Jurassic Textbook (2003) proposed
innovative ways in which the Jurassic Coast, England’s
first natural World Heritage Site, could be used as a tool to
promote an understanding of not only the outdoor
environment but also the value of Earth Science to many
educational audiences. Since the launch of this strategy,
and the appointment of a Jurassic Coast Education
Coordinator, there have been many achievements, most
notably in the formal education sector.
The Jurassic Coast has enabled and resourced over 350
teachers to bring the message of the World Heritage Site
into their classrooms. Over 2000 children and young
people have been engaged directly in projects associated
with the Jurassic Coast. Successful funding for many of
these projects has been secured from the Jurassic Coast
Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund. There is now an
established Schools Day at the annual Lyme Regis Fossil
Festival where hundreds of children and young people
have a chance to experience the wonder of the Jurassic
Coast first hand. In addition, the Jurassic Coast has
established strategic partnerships with leading national
bodies for science and geographical education such as the
Geological Society, Royal Geographical Society, the Natural
History Museum, the UK National Commission for UNESCO
and Natural England. As new challenges and opportunities
come to the fore, such as the London 2012 Olympic
Games and the evolving 3–19 years educational
entitlement, the Jurassic Coast education guidelines must
develop and adapt to encompass these changes.

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Our Aim
The Jurassic Coast covers 95 miles of truly stunning coastline from East
Devon to Dorset, with rocks recording 185 million years of the Earth’s
history. It is the international importance of the rocks, fossils and
landforms that are the core values of the World Heritage Site and these
factors play an important part in shaping our aims and objectives.
World Heritage status was achieved because of the site’s unique
insight into the Earth Sciences which depicts a geological ‘walk
through time’ spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
In order to increase awareness and understanding of the values of the
Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage Site and to give communities a
sense of pride and ownership, we have identified four key objectives:
Our Objectives
• To improve access to outdoor education facilities and create
learning resources along the Jurassic Coast.
• To create resources that focus on the values of the World
Heritage Site and to effectively disseminate these.
• Increased harmonisation of the values of the World Heritage Site
with the formal school curriculum from 3–19 years.
• Increased opportunities for lifelong learning and engaging with
the conservation of the Jurassic Coast.

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St Joseph’s Primary School pupils visit the
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Outputs: How will we achieve these
1. Generating educational resources means not only brochures, text
material, displays and web-based material, but also learning trails,
viewpoints and signage. We will find out what is already available from
a range of sources (including commercially published materials),
identify gaps in provision, identify potential creators, seek funding and
commission new resources, based on what is known about the
effectiveness of existing materials. Developments and progression
within the school curriculum will be taken account of in the
development of resources. We will seek opportunities to build on new
and upcoming Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)
education initiatives (e.g. The Action Plan for Geography and the
Diploma for Environmental and Land Based Studies) which will help us
to remain relevant to the needs of teachers, children and young
people. A sub-group within the Jurassic Coast Education Working
Group (EWG) will be set up to facilitate and co-ordinate the above,
and to disseminate findings.
2. Co-ordinating educational initiatives will be based on a database
of users and providers currently being generated, and will foster links
between these groups as well as dissemination of existing good
practice. Network links such as chat-rooms can be set up, and
occasional single-issue meetings will be convened to foster links in
areas where these are currently in the early stages. Such meetings can
also be valuable sources of feedback on provision. An e-
newsletter/hardcopy will be distributed three times a year to all the
Education and Heritage centres, schools, and community groups in
Dorset and Devon, to help them know what is going on at the centres
along the coast, the resources available to them, new developments
and how the Jurassic Coast can help to deliver the evolving
curriculum. This is in response to the challenges we are aware of in the
dissemination of information to partners and especially between
centres and schools.

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Redbridge Community School pupils on a
teambuilding exercise at Leeson House
3. Developing and co-ordinating field study facilities is a key aspect
of the EWG’s role. We will work towards the provision of further
facilities, improve resources at existing centres, develop further
training for wardens, instructors and volunteers, and identify gaps in
provision, e.g. along the East Devon section of the Jurassic Coast. We
will respond to requests to assist in the development of education
facilities at the various visitor centre/field centre projects as identified
in the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Management Plan. Existing
research will be used to stress the value to users, and we will lobby
relevant authorities via the Steering Group to support initiatives.
National examples of good practice, such as the National Trust
Guardianship scheme, will be disseminated as models via the
newsletter. The EWG will liaise with local press and seek further
support from education providers in the area.
4. Developing working partnerships is another key aspect of our
work. We will maintain and develop links with local authorities with a
view towards assisting in the delivery of the Devon and Dorset Children
and Young People’s Plans. We aim to link individual schools and
community groups with education centres and other sources of
potential support along the Jurassic Coast. We will do this by
identifying active schools and groups, fostering visits and placements
and arranging meetings for those interested in partnerships, based on
best practice models from elsewhere. We will strive to work in
coordination with relevant teams based within County and District
Councils to emphasise the importance of effective education
strategies. The EWG will also act as facilitators to seek funding for and
commission small-scale case studies of working partnerships, and
disseminate these to interested parties.

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5. Engaging with teacher education initiatives is a very important
objective. We plan to make full use of this valuable resource in terms
of both initial and in-service teacher training in university departments
of education as well as the Southwest Regional Science Learning
Centre. This collaboration has benefits for both partners, and could be
a major way of generating new links and partnerships. The EWG will
monitor and disseminate what is learned, as well as inviting partners
to share their experiences at single-issue meetings or via the
newsletter.
6. Developing national and international links will involve
strengthening partnerships with similar sites in the UK (e.g. English
Riviera UNESCO Geopark
and at Runswick Bay in
North Yorkshire) and
overseas. The Association for
Science Education (ASE)
‘Science Across the World’
website is an established
forum for schools to
exchange ideas, and could
be used as one vehicle for
St Lucian teachers at a UNESCO/Jurassic Coast
linking. The EWG will also teacher training event
publicise our work via professional journals, and we will explore the
possibility of working with the Council for Subject Associations as a way
to disseminate ideas. Links with other World Heritage sites could be
fostered in the same way. We will continue to maintain strong links
with national organisations such as the UK National Commission for
UNESCO, the Royal Geographical Society and the Natural History
Museum in order to sustain our national profile and commitment to
the excellence of environmental education and learning for
sustainability.

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Site Management Details
Management of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site is the responsibility of many organisations;
public and private, local, regional and national. The World Heritage Site Steering Group represents
these organisations and is charged by the UK Government to oversee the implementation of the
Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Management Plan. The Site Management Plan covers a wide
range of disciplines, including conservation, education and visitor management and delivery is led
by a range of Working Groups, supported by specialists within the Jurassic Coast World Heritage
Team. The Education Working Group, formed in 2003, consists of a broad partnership of education
professionals who support the delivery of the education programmes along the Jurassic Coast.
Linked Strategies and Frameworks
Strategy or Framework
DCSF
• Every Child Matters: Change for Children
(Government Green Paper, September 2003)
• Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto
(November 2006)
• Early years foundation stage, primary and
secondary National Curriculum
Devon County Council
• Changing Our Futures: Learning for Sustainability
in Devon (2007)
• Children and Young People’s Plan (2008-11)
• Raising Achievement Plan (2007-8)
• Devon Education Services
Dorset County Council
• Dorset Children and Young People’s Plan (2007-9)
• Raising Pupil and School Achievement Plan (2007-8)
• Dorset Outdoor Education Service
Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
• Jurassic Textbook: A Strategy for Education for the
Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site (2003)
• World Heritage Site Management Plan (2003,
revision in process)
• Access and Inclusion Policy (in preparation)
National Trust
• A Vision for Learning (2004-7)
Natural England
• Strategic Direction Summary Document (2008-13)
UNESCO
• World Heritage Convention (1972)
Reference
www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
www.teachernet.gov.uk/teachingandlearning/
resourcematerials/outsideclassroom/
http://curriculum.qca.org.uk/
www.devon.gov.uk/index/learning/
plans_and_strategies/changingourfutures
www.devon.gov.uk/cypplan2008
www.devon.gov.uk/cyps-raising-achievement-plan.pdf
www.deseducation.org
www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsparticleid=345164
www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsparticleid=359703
www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsparticleid=384999
www.jurassiccoast.com/299/managing-the-site37/whsmanagement-167/world-heritage-site-management-370.html
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/wvision_for_learning.pdf
http://naturalengland.communisis.com/NaturalEnglandShop/
default.aspx
http://whc.unesco.org/documents/publi_basictexts_en.pdf
http://whc.unesco.org/documents/publi_infokit_en.pdf

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Working with
World Heritage
The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
has an active World Heritage
education programme, offering a wide
range of opportunities and projects that
people of all ages can get involved in.
Many of these projects help children and
young people in particular to interpret
the geology and science of the site
through many creative and accessible
means.

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A Selection of Case Studies
1. Videoconferencing with Natural History Museum Scientists
Pupils at the Purbeck School had an opportunity to question expert
scientists at the Natural History Museum about fossils they were
researching as part of a science class through videoconferencing. Dr
Jeremy Rowe, a biology teacher, helped the class of pupils to dissolve
a block of shale to reveal the microfossils that were hidden inside. In
addition, pupils analysed an ancient fossil insect comparing it to
species that are seen today. One of the exciting outcomes of the
Question and Answer session with the scientists was that the pupils
were able to get a species name for the rare dragonfly fossil kept at
their school.
2. Festivals as a means to engage audiences
East Devon District Council’s annual
Coastal Festival celebrates the rich
diversity of the Jurassic Coast in East
Devon. James Chubb, the Council’s
Education Ranger, co-ordinates the
event, and is on hand to help children
and families discover the highlights of
the marine environment through
rockpooling events, snorkel safaris,
strandline scavenger hunts and
dolphin watching from Beer Head.
Other major activities at the Festival include the ‘Triassic Big Draw’
which uses the red sandstone pigments from the Sidmouth cliffs as
paint. Members of the public are asked to help paint a huge picture of
Triassic creatures, the result of which then goes on tour around the
District’s public galleries.

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3. Jurassic Coast Banners
Exmouth Community College students worked with artist, Jane
Witheridge to develop Jurassic Coast themed banners. Based on six
unique designs inspired by the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous
geological periods, the banners are on display at six locations
throughout Exmouth. Pupils sketched out their fossil inspired designs
and worked with Jane to draw up the final pieces. Using a batik
technique to paint onto silk fabric, the young people had a chance to
watch their creations come to life. The project was such a great
success that Seaton is now developing a similar project. Pupils from
Seaton Primary School and Axe Valley Community College adopted a
‘walk through time’ theme, and are using their local heritage and
landscape as inspiration for the designs. The banners will be on display
in Seaton town centre and along the seafront.
4. Urban-Rural School linking
Southwell Primary School on Portland maintains a strong link with
Dairy Meadow Primary School in Southall, near London. The linking
programme embraces subjects across the curriculum such as
Citizenship, Geography and Science. One project helped pupils from
both schools examine their local heritage links through Portland
Stone. In London, Dairy Meadow
pupils visited St Pauls Cathedral to
see how the stone had been
carved and used in the building.
On Portland, pupils had a chance
to try their hand at stone carving
in Portland Stone that came from a
Quarry on the Island. This linking
programme is an excellent example of how creating a culture of
tolerance, respect and awareness of natural and cultural heritage can
enrich the lives of school pupils.

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5. ‘Jurassic Fantastic’ Family Activity week
‘Jurassic Fantastic’ week took place at the Dorset County Museum in
the summer holidays to provide family learning opportunities for local
people and holiday makers. The new Jurassic Coast Gallery was the
focus for the week and inspired many different activities. These
included a drama workshop based on Mary Anning, a storytelling
session about fossils and dinosaurs in the gallery, a 3D art workshop
where the families worked alongside an artist to produce a wall panel
based on one section of the coast and an animation workshop where
the families made short films looking at how people use the coast.
Parents were encouraged to participate in activities with their children
which enhanced their experiences of the event.
6. Jurassic Coast Mosaics at the Lulworth Heritage Coast Centre
The Lulworth Estate in partnership
with DepARTure (Dorset County
Council Arts Education Service)
helped children and young people
get more in touch with the World
Heritage Site on their doorstep. A
group of 25 ‘gifted and talented’
mixed age students worked
closely with Anita Andrews to learn about the landscape that makes
Lulworth unique. Using photos taken on a field trip, the class designed
a visual impression of the landscape which was then painted onto tiles
that were later fired, then broken up and used in the overall mosaic
design. The eyecatching mosaics are displayed outside the entrance,
seen by half a million visitors each year. They depict two wildlife
themes: ‘land’ and ‘sea’ inspired by Lulworth and the Jurassic Coast
World Heritage Site.

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7. Creating conservationists for the future at Kimmeridge
A new and exciting project was launched at the Purbeck Marine
Wildlife Reserve in 2007, aimed at engaging local teenagers in marine
conservation along the Jurassic Coast. Each year a group of 15 young
people, aged 13 to 19 years, are trained in a wide variety of marine
biology and conservation topics, from learning to identify rockpool
creatures to conducting important seashore surveys monitoring
climate change indicators. In addition, the Young Marine Wardens
learn basic aquarium management, discover life beneath the waves
and help conserve the marine environment. The course is based on
practical activities and includes trips to other marine attractions and
the opportunity to gain a PADI snorkelling qualification! This
qualification will enable the young people to undertake supervised inwater
surveys including looking for invasive species and the native
wildlife such as the seahorse. As part of the project, young people can
work towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
8. Global Citizens: Olympic Dreams
This pilot project funded by
DepARTure and the Jurassic Coast Trust
helped pupils from four inland schools
investigate the experiences that
athletes and visitors might have when
they visit Weymouth and Portland for
the London 2012 sailing events. Pupils
had a chance to sail on boats into
Weymouth Bay and view the Jurassic Coast from the sea. Working with
artist Esther Yarnold, they captured their experiences through digital
photography and developed their artwork through specific themes
such ‘green games’ and ‘accessiblity for all’. Esther then spent time
with each school helping the children to choose their favourite
pictures of the day and to create final digital pieces of artwork.

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9. Jurassic Coast Trust supports Education Projects
The Jurassic Coast Trust (JCT) works with partners to support a diverse range of
education, conservation, arts and science projects along the length of the Jurassic Coast.
Some of the projects that the JCT have funded include fossil boxes for Heritage Centres
and schools, Jurassic Coast field trips and also student teacher development. The
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre hosted the first Jurassic Coast student teacher
placement as part of a wider programme to encourage and enhance out-of-school
learning with trainee teachers. Rebecca Powell, a PGCE student at Exeter University,
spent a week at the centre working alongside resident wardens to experience informal
learning experiences of primary age children. The one week placement funded by the
Jurassic Coast Trust, forms part of her assessment which will eventually lead to fully
qualified teacher status. The innovative placement scheme has been pioneered by
Exeter University, and is a model that is attracting attention from other teacher training
departments. The teacher placements form part of a new initiative to strengthen links
between teacher training institutions and Heritage centres along the Jurassic Coast.
UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network (ASPNet)
UNESCO Associated Schools is a worldwide network of schools that are engaged in
fostering and delivering quality education in pursuit of peace, liberty, justice and human
development in order to meet the pressing educational needs of children and young
people throughout the world. The main objectives of UNESCO Associated Schools are
to integrate internationalism into the curriculum alongside themes that schools can
choose to adopt. One of these themes is the UNESCO ‘World Heritage in Young Hands’
project, which was launched in 1994 to raise awareness among students and teachers
around the globe about World Heritage conservation. Across the UK there are a
multitude of World Heritage Sites that can link up to explore the variety of natural and
cultural heritage on their doorstep. The Jurassic Coast is leading on a national education
programme to coordinate UK World Heritage Sites with schools as part of a national
strategy to promote diversity and citizenship across the curriculum. UNESCO Associated
Schools along the Jurassic Coast will be encouraged to participate in this programme.

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Lifelong Learning
and Volunteering
An important part of ensuring that the Jurassic Coast has a
sustainable future includes involving local communities in
opportunities that enhance their learning about the site and activities
that contribute to the conservation of the site. Significant changes
within the lifelong learning sector mean that the two strands of
learning are emerging. Accredited, work-related training delivered via
adult learning centres that are supported by Local Authorities and
personal, community and development learning (or ‘leisure’ and nonaccredited
courses) delivered through organisations such as the
Workers Educational Association (WEA) and the University of the Third
Age (U3A).
The Jurassic Coast with its extraordinary natural assets, broad range
of expertise among staff in Heritage centres and dedicated teams of
volunteers, provides considerable scope for formal and informal
lifelong learning opportunities. Each centre offers opportunities for
individuals to participate in activities that help to support the
management, conservation and interpretation of the coast, with a
view towards encouraging a sense of place and pride about their
environment.
Another key objective for informal audiences is to assist in capacity
building for voluntary and community organisations across the Jurassic
Coast. There is a strong aim towards increasing volunteering numbers
and volunteering skills in advance of 2012, and addressing the
sustainability of participating organisations. In addition there is also an
identified need to engage people from a broader cross-section of the
local communities along the coast, and good practice in volunteer and
trustee recruitment and management (based on the Jurassic Coast
Access and Inclusion Policy) will ensure a long-lasting sense of
ownership and pride in the projects. This should contribute to the
sustainability of individual projects in a number of respects.

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Some Case Studies
Community Volunteering at Beer
Beer Village Heritage was formed to educate people about the natural and social history,
conservation and environment of Beer. It runs the Fine Foundation Centre and also
provides a programme of walks, talks and activities. The organisation relies on an
economically viable village with a good community structure to produce volunteers with
differing skills as required. When the new centre was being created, fundraising, project
management and practical skills were needed. Now the centre relies on regular
volunteers who open, close and clean the centre, feed the fish and collect the donation
money on a daily basis. The Trustees (also volunteers) call on wider group of volunteers
with a range of skills, such as artists, designers, computer experts, event leaders (e.g
guides, ornithologists) lace makers and cake makers to create the programme of events.
Much of the volunteering is ‘ad hoc’ – local fishermen drop in daily, helping to keep an
eye on the centre. Children are also encouraged to keep an eye on the centre and to help
with rockpooling safaris which appeal to all ages. Training sessions are organized for
those helping with specific events such as rockpooling. The aim is to encourage anyone
and everyone to join in.
Lifelong Learning at Durlston
Durlston Country Park currently provides a varied
programme of more than 70 guided walks and events
each year. In addition to these highly attended events,
Durlston offers dry-stone walling training courses,
wildflower identification workshops, hedge-laying
training courses and landscape painting workshops. A Voluntary Wardens scheme was
established in 2003 to establish a group of volunteers to assist with the management and
monitoring of Durlston in the Wares. More than 20 short courses hosted by Durlston staff
have been provided to this group on subjects including botanical survey techniques,
wildlife ID and livestock management. Durlston also established an Apprentice Ranger
scheme in 2005 to provide training opportunities for young people aged 16-25.
Apprentices receive a training allowance, National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level
2 or 3 in Environmental Conservation and a range of other accredited qualifications
including First Aid, LANTRA (a Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based
sector) Brushcutter course, Health and Safety and others. The scheme is delivered
through a partnership with Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester.

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Education
Opportunities
The Jurassic Coast is a classic fieldwork
site that attracts thousands of
schools, colleges and universities every
year. Locations such as Old Harry Rocks,
Lulworth Cove, Chesil Beach and Lyme
Regis are now classic fieldwork
destinations for pupils studying a range
of subjects. The Heritage Centres along
the Jurassic Coast are equipped to help
schools and colleges explore aspects of
the World Heritage Site through trained
educational staff and dedicated
classroom and fieldsite resources. In
addition the Jurassic Coast Team in
conjunction with Devon Education
Services offer a suite of classroom-based
materials that are designed to integrate
with the changing elements of the
formal school curriculum 3–19 years.

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Learning themes
Rocks, Fossils and Landforms
Out and About
• Dorset Important Geological Sites (DIGS) Group has created a
special range of field guides to help A-Level Geology and Geography
school groups interpret the geology of the coast and countryside of
Dorset. Packs cost only £3.95 each and are available from the DIGS
coordinator at walksinfo@dorsetrigs.org.uk
• Rangers at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre can assist schools who wish
to learn more about the rocks, fossils and marine wildlife of the Jurassic
Coast. The rangers run an extensive programme of activities for Key Stages
1-3, and also with GCSE, A-Level and special educational needs groups.
Popular schools activities include Fossil Hunting Walks, Investigating Coasts
and Geography and Geology tours. Fossil loan boxes are also available to
hire.
• Lulworth is a classic destination to understand how geology shapes the
landscape. The Education Team has a range of resources including ‘Lulworth
Rocks’, a 28-page full colour A5 book explaining the rocks and landforms at
Lulworth and interactive CDs with Powerpoint presentations, background
notes, animations and practical data collection sessions.
• Durlston Country Park offers a range of Discovery Sessions focusing on local
geology. Schools can investigate local geology & stone quarrying, where
they can visit two different quarries located in the Park. Study themes include
rock formation, fossil evidence, resources and human impact on the
landscape.
In the Classroom
• Jurassic Coast Fossil Dig Boxes are available for schools to hire from Dorset
School Library Services and Devon Learning Resources. In addition, schools
can book a fossil dig session at the following museums and Heritage Centres:
Durlston Country Park, Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve Centre at
Kimmeridge, Lulworth Heritage Centre, Dorset County Museum, Charmouth
Heritage Coast Centre, Sidmouth Museum and through the Education
Ranger at East Devon District Council.
• Jurassic Coast Schools’ Display can be hired through the Dorset School
Library Services and Devon Learning Resources.
• “185 million years younger! Rocks and fossils of the Jurassic Coast” is a KS2
Science unit is a free CD of resources from the Jurassic Coast Team.

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Coastal processes and geomorphology
Out and About
• The Chesil Beach Visitor Centre offers audio-visual interpretations of the
formation of Chesil Beach, a section through a Portland quarry, live sea
bed camera pictures and much more. There is an information pack and DVD,
which includes KS2 & 3 worksheets, available on request from the Centre.
• National Trust Ranger-led sessions at Studland Bay help schools to
understand the management and conservation of sand dunes and the
surrounding coastal geomorphology. The site is especially valuable for Y5/6
GCSE and AS/A2 studies.
• Wardens at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offer guided sessions
exploring the coastal environments around Lyme Regis and Charmouth.
In the Classroom
• “Investigating Coasts” unit for KS2 Geography is available from Devon
Education Services.
Environmental Conservation and Landscape Management
Out and About
• The National Trust at Studland offer guided walks and conservation sessions
on dry stone walling, heathlands, sand dunes and coastal path management.
In addition they run a successful National Trust Guardianship scheme
programme with local primary schools where children assist Rangers with
scientific research and conservation.
• Durlston Country Park offers Ranger-led sessions on Country Park
management on a World Heritage Site and sustainability issues. A CD of
resources is available.
• Rangers at Lulworth incorporate education for sustainable development into
all their guided programmes. There is a specific focus on sustainable tourism
at Lulworth and managing and conserving sensitive ecological sites in a
‘honeypot’ area.
• At the Chesil Beach Visitor Centre, schools are encouraged to book guided
walks in advance of their visit. Volunteer staff offer guided walks on a range
of conservation issues concerned with the management of the Fleet Nature
Reserve and how science can inform the management of the Site.
continued over...

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• The Charmouth and Lyme Regis coast is
characterised by active coastal landslides. Wardens at the Charmouth
Heritage Coast Centre offer sessions to educational groups that focus on the
conflicts between managing and conserving a protected landscape against a
community that’s threatened by natural erosional processes.
• The East Devon Education Ranger leads educational groups on a variety of
environmental conservation projects in East Devon that focus on Education
for Sustainable Development.
Coastal management and environmental issues
In the Classroom
• “Coastal conflicts: a geographical enquiry along the Jurassic Coast” is a DVD
that explores the Jurassic Coast and the conflicts associated with coastal
defence works. The DVD is supported by associated learning materials for
Key Stage 2 and 3 and is available to purchase from Devon Education
Services (www.deseducation.org).
• “The impact of landslides on Lyme Regis” is a free CD of resources available
from Jurassic Coast Team.
• “MSC Napoli Case Study” is a free CD of resources from the Jurassic Coast
Team detailing the impacts and effects of the cargo container ship beaching
at Branscombe in East Devon.
• A free “Marine Coastal Education pack” on CD is available from the Dorset
Coast Forum. This unit of work focuses on a variety of issues including marine
wildlife, coastal geomorphology and the effects of pollution on coastal
habitats.
Leisure and Tourism
Out and About
• Rangers at Lulworth Cove Heritage Centre offer taught field sessions on
managing a ‘honeypot’ site for schools visiting Lulworth Cove.
In the Classroom
• A free “Tourism and the Jurassic Coast” CD of resources (created by the
Learning Skills Network) is available from the Jurassic Coast Team.
• A virtual fieldtrip exploring the new site for the Exmouth Visitor Centre is
available on http://ulearn.infomapper.com/main (registration required).

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Biodiversity and wildlife
Out and About
• Ranger-led Discovery Sessions are offered at
Durlston Country Park on Birds of the Cliff, Dolphins and the Marine
Environment, Adaptations and Ecosystems and School Boat Trips.
• Ranger-led sessions at Lulworth Cove help pupils explore the ecology and
management of chalk downland and habitat around the local area and
include opportunities for practical hands-on investigations
• The Education Ranger at East Devon District Council works to promote
access to the Local Nature Reserves in East Devon for school groups looking
to use the available facilities. The Ranger is able to provide guided walks
around the sites for whole and half day visits. The Ranger Service is offered
to schools, colleges and local interest groups, free of charge from the District
Council.
• Wardens at the Kimmeridge Bay Marine Reserve provide schools with
curriculum based talks/shore activities and equipment for use on the shore.
Life Science activities are a speciality at the Centre, but schools can also opt
for sessions on rocky shore zonation and marine conservation. A favourite
activity is Snorkelling for Softies where pupils can lie on the rock ledges can
give ‘nose-to-nose’ encounter with rock pool inhabitants. A Strand Line
Scavenger Hunt also introduces pupils to life beneath the waves.
• Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers targeted sessions for pupils to
explore local marine wildlife. Rockpool Rambles and Passionate about
Plankton sessions are very popular with schools, where pupils can examine
their finds using microscopes at the centre.
History on the Coast
Out and About
• Schools can find out more about the life and times of the famous Victorian
fossilist, Mary Anning, at the Philpot Museum, Lyme Regis.
• Durlston Country Park Rangers offer an historical tour of Durlston through
the ages. Step back in time to 1862 and discover the aspirations of Durlston’s
eccentric owner, George Burt. His legacy includes Durlston Castle and the
Great Globe. In addition, schools can explore the history of stone quarrying
in the 1800s which is also relived through two examples of quarries in the
Park.

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Citizenship and Education for Sustainable Development
In the Classroom
• A “Food 4 Thought” CD of resources is available for free from East Devon
District Council. Education Ranger James Chubb has developed an
exemplary resource that focuses on consumption and sustainability in
relation to local and global food issues.
• “World Heritage in Young Hands” is a free CD of resources available from the
Jurassic Coast Team.
• Schools are encouraged to look into the Sustainable Schools programme
designed to support schools on their journey to sustainability, introducing
the principles of sustainable development and offering guidance on how to
embed these principles into the heart of school life. Resources are available
online from the DCSF and also from Devon Education Services and Dorset
County Council.
Out and About
• The Magdalen Project at Chard runs a variety of sessions for schools focusing
on global citizenship, environmental science and education for sustainable
development.
Details of how to access these education resources and opportunities are
outlined in the next section.

23
Outdoor Education
Here you will find a list of Heritage
and Outdoor Education Centres
that can offer your school assistance with
outdoor learning on the Jurassic Coast.

24
Heritage Centres (Day trips)
National Trust Education, Studland Bay
The Studland Study Centre is a fantastic environmentally-friendly building in
which to hold classroom-based activities. National Trust staff are available to assist
school groups or to help with fieldwork on site, particularly on coastal
geomorphology. Tel: 01929 450461, email: purbeck.clv@nationaltrust.org.uk
Durlston Country Park, Durlston, near Swanage
A magnificent setting for schools to learn about biodiversity and nature
conservation. An experienced team of Rangers is available for educational
activities, walks and talks. Read the Durlston Teachers’ Newsletter and download
the Guillemots Lesson Pack by visiting Teaching Resources or visit Discovery
Sessions to find out about school boat trips in May and June.
Tel: 01929 424443, email: info@durlston.co.uk
Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve, Kimmeridge
Marine biology brought to life at this cosy heritage centre with classroom space.
Tel: 01929 481044, email: kimmeridge@dorsetwildlife.co.uk
Lulworth Cove Heritage Centre, Lulworth
An institution for many geography teachers, Lulworth Cove is the definitive field
site location for schools. Specialist education rangers are available for talks and
guided walks. Tel: 01929 400155, email: rangers@lulworth.com
Dorset County Museum, Dorchester
The new Jurassic Coast Gallery is an excellent starting point for schools learning
about the geology of the coast. Interactive displays and even a ‘real’ flying
dinosaur await you! Tel: 01305 262735, email: enquiries@dorsetcountymuseum.org
Portland Learning Stone Centre, Portland
The Portland Sculpture Quarry Trust offers a truly unique experience for schools
from stonecarving workshops to the first sculpture park in a quarry.
Tel: 01305 826736, email: psqt@learningstone.org

25
Chesil Beach Visitor Centre, Portland
From glass-bottom boat trips in the Fleet to standing on top of Europe’s largest
barrier beach, schools can experience a unique coastal environment.
Tel: 01305 760579, email: reserve@chesil.fsworld.co.uk
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Charmouth
A team of experienced Wardens will help your school to interpret and enjoy the
Jurassic Coast through fossil collecting and guided walks. A new classroom space
is also available for schools to use.
Tel: 01297 560772, email: info@charmouth.org
The Philpot Museum, Lyme Regis
The Philpot Museum in Lyme Regis offers schools a unique insight into Lyme
Regis’s greatest resident, Mary Anning.
Tel: 01297 443370, email: info@lymeregismuseum.co.uk
Exploring Nature Reserves in East Devon
The Education Ranger for East Devon District Council can help school groups to
interpret local fauna and flora at local nature reserves in the East Devon area.
Tel: 01395 516551 ext 2066, email: jchubb@eastdevon.gov.uk
Fine Foundation Heritage Centre, Beer
Located on the seafront at the picturesque village of Beer, this unmanned facility
offers sealife tanks and local history displays.
Beer Quarry Caves, Beer
A great place for schools to experience local heritage in action. Experienced guides
will relive moments of smuggling, village life and local customs all in these ancient
caves. Tel: 01297 680282, email: john@beerquarrycaves.fsnet.co.uk
Norman Lockyer Observatory, Sidmouth
The newly refitted observatory offers schools an amazing Planetarium and an
insight into ‘deep time’. An education officer can help target your school’s
experience. Tel: 01395 512096

26
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
The museum has some fascinating exhibits including fossil finds from the Jurassic
Coast. Tel: 01392 665963, email: RAMM@exeter.gov.uk
Outdoor Education Centres (Residential)
The Chatsworth Centre, Swanage
This residential outdoor education centre offers schools outdoor pursuit activities
but also educational programmes that focus on local heritage areas such as Corfe
Castle. Tel: 01929 421075, email: bookings@allnatt.co.uk
Leeson House Field Studies Centre, Langton Matravers, near Swanage
This Grade II listed manor house from the early 19th century provides a cosy
setting for schools wanting to access high quality Jurassic Coast educational
experiences. Tel: 01929 422126, email: leeson@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Brenscombe Outdoor Activity Centre, Wareham
A residential centre that offers opportunities for children and young people to
participate in a wide range of outdoor activities including abseiling and kayaking.
Tel: 01929 481222, email: info@brenscombeoutdoor.co.uk
Carey Outdoor Education Centre, Wareham
Situated on the edge of Wareham Forest in sheltered woodland, the site is ideal
for camping and the grounds provide an attractive setting suitable for a range of
environmental studies and outdoor activities.
Tel: 01929 552265, email: careyoec@dorsetcc.gov.uk
David Donald Field Studies Base, Worth Matravers
Residential self-catering accomodation for schools located near the Jurassic Coast.
Tel: 01202 710701, email: enquiries@dorsetadventure.co.uk

27
YHA, Lulworth Cove, Lulworth
Basic accomodation for schools wishing to visit the Lulworth Cove area.
Tel: 0870 7705940, email: lulworth@yha.org.uk
PGL Outdoor Education, Osmington
Situated directly on the Jurassic Coast, PGL offers a variety of fun-filled outdoor
activities and targeted education programmes for school groups. Teachers can
book in at the centre for a preview visit.
Tel: 0870 1430143, email: schools@pgl.co.uk
The Magdalen Project, Chard
A cosy and environmentally friendly setting for school groups to learn about
sustainability in action. Tel: 01460 30144, admin@themagdalenproject.org.uk
The Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum
An environmental study centre in the heart of Dorset. Dorset Wildlife Trust
Kingcombe Meadows are right on your doorstep.
Tel: 01300 320684, email: office@kingcombecentre.org.uk
Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre
The Dorset County Council centre for land- and water-based outdoor activities.
These include sailing, kayaking, rock climbing and team development. Open all
year, providing opportunities for people of all ages.
Tel: 01305 784927, email: woec@dorsetcc.gov.uk
For further information, contact the Jurassic Coast Education Coordinator
at Jurassic Coast Team, c/o County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ
Tel: 01305 225101, Fax: 01305 224875
email: jurassiccoast@dorsetcc.gov.uk

28
References
The Action Plan for Geography www.geography.org.uk/news/actionplanforgeography/
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Dorset AONB Partnership www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/
East Devon AONB Partnership www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk/default.asp
The Association for Science Education
College Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AA. Tel: 01707 283000 www.ase.org.uk/
Council for Subject Association (CfSA)
University of Reading, Building L19, London Road, Reading RG1 5AQ www.subjectassociation.org.uk/
Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCFS) The Diploma: Bringing learning to Life
http://yp.direct.gov.uk/diplomas/
Devon Regionally Important Geological Sites Group www.devonrigs.org.uk
Dorset Coast Forum www.dorsetcoast.com
Dorset Important Geological Sites Group www.dorsetrigs.org.uk/
Earth Science Teachers Association www.esta-uk.org/main.html
English Riviera Geopark www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk/
Geographical Association
160 Solly Street, Sheffield, S1 4BF. Tel: 0114 2960088 www.geography.org.uk
Geologists Association
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0DU. Tel: 020 74349298 www.geologists.org.uk/
The Geological Society
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BG. Tel: 020 74349944 www.geolsoc.org.uk/index.html
Global Network of National Geoparks www.unesco.org/science/earth/geoparks.shtml
Heritage Lottery Fund www.hlf.org.uk/English
Jurassic Coast Trust
34 High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1HA. Tel: 01305 251333 www.jurassiccoasttrust.org
National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/
Natural England www.naturalengland.org/
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. Tel: 020 7942 5000 www.nhm.ac.uk
Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers)
1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR. http://www.rgs.org/HomePage.htm
UNESCO Associated Schools Network
UK National Commission for UNESCO Secretariat, Suite 98, 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL.
Tel: 020 77663460 www.unesco.org.uk/UNESCO_Associated_Schools.htm
UNESCO World Heritage Centre www.whct.org.uk/
Artwork and Illustrations on pages 2, 18–21 by Darrell Wakelam
Artwork on back cover by pupils from Axe Valley Community College as part of the Seaton Banners Project
Design & production dlr design (part of DDP 01392 383276)
Printed on 100% recycled paper and published in 2008

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