A STRETCH of coast between Blue Anchor Bay and Lilstock has been recognised for its outstanding geological significance.

The International Union of Geological Sciences is set to announce The Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites and among these prestigious locations is the area between Blue Anchor and Lilstock - officially designated as the Brittle Structures of the Somerset Coast.

The IUGS awards Geological Heritage Site status to locations that demonstrate exceptional scientific value and showcase the world’s best examples of geological features and processes.

And one of these sites is right on our doorstep on the West Somerset coastline.

David Peacock, University of Gottingen, nominated the “Brittle Structures of the Somerset Coast”, for the award.

“While the Somerset coast is renowned for its fossil-rich cliffs and beaches, it’s also a globally significant site for studying brittle deformation in rock featuring remarkable exposures of faults, folds and veins.

“As the nominator of the Somerset coast for this honour, I am excited to share this news and I’m sure many local people will find this recognition of local geological heritage particularly interesting.”

A washed-up Ichthyotitan severnensis carcass on the beach. By Sergey Krasovskiy.
A washed-up Ichthyotitan severnensis carcass on the beach. By Sergey Krasovskiy. (A washed-up Ichthyotitan severnensis carcass on the beach. By Sergey Krasovskiy. )

The IUGS has released a new book describing all 100 newly recognised sites and is available for download at www.iugs-geoheritage.org and a limited number of hard copies can be bought via its online shop.

Dr Asier Hilario, chairman of the IUGS, said: “The Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, as with the First 100, receive IUGS recognition because they’re the highest scientific value.

“They are the world’s best demonstrations of geologic features and processes. They’re the sites of fabulous discoveries of the Earth and its history. They are sites that served to develop the science of geology. They are located worldwide, and they are geologically diverse.

“Recognition and visibility of the “Second 100” by IUGS can lead to their further appreciation, to their use as educational resources, and, most importantly, to their preservation.”

The final selection of the “Second 100” was ratified by the IUGS Executive Committee in February this year. The Second 100 Geological Heritage Sites are distributed in 53 countries and represent nine disciplines.

Dr Hilario made the announcement along with IUGS president John Ludden and IUGS secretary general Stanley Finney on August 27 during a special event of the 37th International Geological Congress.

More than 700 experts from 80 nations and 16 international organisations took part in this global endeavour which consolidates the recognition of geological heritage by the IUGS.

The coastline from Blue Anchor to Lilstock provides an outstanding series of sections through the early Jurassic period.

The Blue Lias Formation, as it is known, is of great interest to geologists and fossil hunters with the cliff and beach rich in reptile remains including complete skeletons.

Ammonites, shells and fish remains have also been found at Lilstock.

A unique specimen of an ichthyosaur – an extinct marine reptile – which had a shorter lower jaw than the upper was found on the foreshore at Lilstock and was put on display at the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery.