Search Natural Areas Foreword Natural Areas & Their Role Natural Area Boundaries Marine Natural Areas South Dorset Coast Introduction Previous Search results Key nature conservation features of National Significance Coastal vegetated shingle Earth heritage Inshore sublittoral rock Inshore sublittoral sediment Littoral and sublittoral chalk Littoral rock Maritime cliff and slopes Key nature conservation features of Local Significance Coastal saltmarsh

110 South Dorset Coast   This maritime Natural Area lies between Studland and Portland and comprises a diversity of habitats. Hard rock and soft shores occur in both sheltered and exposed locations. At Studland the sheltered chalk coastline supports important algal communities and beds of eelgrass. The southern Purbeck coastline is exposed and geologically varied and includes the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve, well known for its diverse marine communities and the Durlston Marine Research Area. The sea bed consists mainly of rocky reefs and ledges and coarse sand and gravel waves. Portland Harbour is a sheltered, enclosed bay and is of high scientific interest for its marine communities and species. Portland Bill presents a barrier to the movement of some species, consequently, some southern species reach their western limit of distribution within the Natural Area.   Natural Area profile available - Size 319.5 kb     Copyright    Privacy    Freedom of information    Directgov