The key characteristics of South Purbeck are . . .

136. South Purbeck

The key characteristics of South Purbeck are . . .

• An exceptionally diverse landscape with sharp contrasts within a small area; strongly influenced by its underlying chalk, limestone, shale and clay rocks. 

• High historical interest, including early settlements, medieval industrial sites and dramatically-sited Corfe Castle

• Outstanding and diverse coastline encompassing Chalk, limestone and shale cliffs and sheltered bays.

• Open, windswept Chalk ridge and limestone plateau.

• Sheltered central valley and steep-sided minor valleys.

• Abrupt transition to heathland to the north.

For further details on this character area and for an introduction to the region, please see the PDF documents in the box at the top right hand side of this page.