Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs NNR is one of the largest and most important active coastal landslip systems in Western Europe. It stretches 7 miles in length, between Axmouth in the west and Lyme Regis in the east.
Main habitats: woodland, lowland grassland, rocky shore, cliffs.
Features of interest
Lying at the heart of the ‘Jurassic Coast’ World Heritage Site it has been described as one of the finest wilderness areas in Great Britain. The reserve has excellent geological exposures from the Triassic, Cretaceous and Jurassic eras and is internationally famous for fossils.
The best time of year to see the woodland habitat is in spring when many woodland flowers including wild daffodil and bluebell can be seen.
In winter dramatic inland cliffs and geological features are more visible when the trees have lost their foliage. This can be a good time to walk the coast path, although the path can get very muddy and slippery after rain.
Monmouth Beach, famous for fossils, is always popular with tourists although the cliffs on the beach here are very unstable and visitors should heed all warning signs - stay well away from the base of cliffs because of the risk of falling rocks and/or cliff fall.
See the site visitor leaflet for more information.
Directions
The nearest train station is in Axminster.
Bus services from Axminster to Lyme Regis, and from Lyme Regis to Seaton are provided by First Group.
The A3052 coast road is well served by the X53 bus. This allows the option of a one way walk through the NNR and a return journey by bus.
Car parking is available in Lyme Regis at Holmbush car park or at the Cobb. An informal lay-by at Axmouth below the golf club access road provides a small number of car parking spaces and additional car parking is available in Seaton.
The NNR can be accessed on foot via the South West Coast Path National Trail from either Axmouth or Lyme Regis.
If you walk between Axmouth and Lyme Regis through the reserve be aware the route is long and demanding and takes at least 3.5 hours to complete.
Safety
To stay safe, you should:
- keep to the way-marked coast path at all times
- wear sturdy footwear
- take care on the many steps in the reserve, which along with the path can be very muddy and slippery after rain
- beware of unstable cliff edges, cracks and deep fissures hidden by vegetation, hidden sheer drops, mudflows and falling rocks
- beware of incoming tides, if walking on the beach at Lyme or Axmouth
- keep well clear of any cliffs or rocky outcrops, which may be unstable
- keep clear of any old buildings or ruins, which can be unstable and dangerous
- avoid visiting the reserve in stormy weather due to the risk of falling trees and branches
Volunteering
Volunteers carry out a range of activities on the NNR, including practical conservation management work (scrub clearance, non-native species removal, grassland management, pond clearance), ecological survey work and other general wardening duties.
The local Axe Vale and District Conservation Society plays an important part in supporting and working closely with Natural England to manage the NNR.
Contact the Senior Reserve Manager, Tom Sunderland, for more information.
Contact
For more information about the reserve, to discuss school visits or volunteering opportunities contact the reserve team by telephone 07899 731404.
