There was no surprise when in late May 2021 it was announced by the Royal Geographical Society in partnership with outdoor clothing company Merrell that the Jurassic Coast a stretch of 95 miles between Exmouth to Studland Bay was declared as one of the seven natural wonders of the UK.
This coastline that covers the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods has importantly contributed to the study of earth sciences over the past 300 years now is included alongside Pistyll Rhaeadr, Loch Coruisk and the Cuillins, Wastwater, Dovedale, the Needles, and the Giant's Causeway as a must-see place to visit.
The Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural World Heritage Site and was inscribed by UNESCO in 2001 for the outstanding universal value of its rocks, fossils and landforms. The coast has 185 million years of history, revealing hidden stories through its geological, palaeontological and social history stories and discoveries.
Reported in the Dorset Echo, Simon Sweeney, UK marketing manager at Merrell, said: "The Natural Wonders have been devised to inspire native exploration and celebrate nature’s greatest gifts in the UK. A longing for travel, discovery and new experiences has been suppressed by the pandemic, and with restrictions on international getaways set to continue this year, the seven wonders serve as inspiration for those embarking on a UK adventure and builds on Merrell’s mission to get more people outdoors."
This designation follows earlier research into the search data from Google and independent studies such as those undertaken by Park Dean Resorts into what were the top 50 UK landmarks that staycationers were most looking forward to visiting as lockdown restrictions are eased. Ranked in eighth place is the Jurassic Coast. American Express projects that approximately 53% of people are planning to book a UK getaway.
Ahead of the Jurassic Coast in this landmark study was Spinnaker Tower (Portsmouth), Radcliffe Camera (Oxford), Buckingham Palace (London), York Minster (York), Warwick Castle (Warwickshire), Hampton Court Palace (London) and St David’s Cathedral in Wales.
So on behalf of Fossil Coast Gin we will raise a glass to this achievement and say, congratulations!