Seven Sisters

Cliff, Slope in Sussex Wealden

England

Seven Sisters

Rockfall removal from beach, Birling Gap, East Sussex The accompanying photo, taken on 15/11/2023, is the fourth image in a sequence of photos that show the stages by which a substantial rockfall appeared and then disappeared from the beach at Birling Gap. Most of the erosion and removal of the rock occurred during the heavy sea of 14/11/2023 and by the next day almost all traces of the rockfall had vanished. The processes that led to the removal of the fallen rock, also operated on the western side of the viewing platform at Birling Gap, as rockfalls there also appeared and disappeared during the time period between 30/10/23 and 15/11/2023.
<a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7671616" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7671616">Link</a>
Rockfall removal from beach, Birling Gap, East Sussex Credit: Andrew Diack

Seven Sisters is a renowned chalk cliff and slope formation located in Sussex, England. Situated along the English Channel, it spans a length of approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers) between the coastal towns of Seaford and Eastbourne. The cliffs are part of the South Downs National Park and are a popular tourist attraction due to their breathtaking beauty and dramatic coastline.

The name "Seven Sisters" refers to a series of seven distinctive chalk cliffs that rise majestically from the sea. The tallest of these cliffs reaches a height of 530 feet (162 meters), making it one of the highest chalk cliffs in Britain. Each of the seven cliffs has its own name: Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flat Hill, Bailey's Hill, and Went Hill.

The cliffs showcase stunning geological features, with layers of white chalk contrasting against the deep blue of the sea. They have been shaped by thousands of years of erosion from the elements, resulting in their iconic undulating and jagged appearance. The area is also rich in flora and fauna, with a variety of plant species clinging to the cliffs and seabirds nesting in the crevices.

Visitors to Seven Sisters can enjoy a range of activities, including hiking along the cliff paths, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The area is also popular for birdwatching, as it serves as a habitat for a diverse range of bird species, including gulls, peregrine falcons, and skylarks. Additionally, the nearby Seaford Head Nature Reserve provides opportunities for further exploration and discovery.

Overall, Seven Sisters is a remarkable natural landmark, captivating visitors with its striking beauty and providing a unique glimpse into the geological history of the region.

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Seven Sisters Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.747018/0.19068109 or Grid Reference TV5496. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rockfall removal from beach, Birling Gap, East Sussex The accompanying photo, taken on 15/11/2023, is the fourth image in a sequence of photos that show the stages by which a substantial rockfall appeared and then disappeared from the beach at Birling Gap. Most of the erosion and removal of the rock occurred during the heavy sea of 14/11/2023 and by the next day almost all traces of the rockfall had vanished. The processes that led to the removal of the fallen rock, also operated on the western side of the viewing platform at Birling Gap, as rockfalls there also appeared and disappeared during the time period between 30/10/23 and 15/11/2023.
<a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7671616" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7671616">Link</a>
Rockfall removal from beach, Birling Gap, East Sussex
The accompanying photo, taken on 15/11/2023, is the fourth image in a sequence of photos that show the stages by which a substantial rockfall appeared and then disappeared from the beach at Birling Gap. Most of the erosion and removal of the rock occurred during the heavy sea of 14/11/2023 and by the next day almost all traces of the rockfall had vanished. The processes that led to the removal of the fallen rock, also operated on the western side of the viewing platform at Birling Gap, as rockfalls there also appeared and disappeared during the time period between 30/10/23 and 15/11/2023. Link
Birling Gap Cliffs looking SE from Birling Gap (right at the top of the square).
Birling Gap
Cliffs looking SE from Birling Gap (right at the top of the square).
Birling Gap The doomed village of Birling Gap. A tourist honeypot.
Birling Gap
The doomed village of Birling Gap. A tourist honeypot.
Heading east off the Seven Sisters into Birling Gap
Heading east off the Seven Sisters into Birling Gap
Michel Dean monument In the last dip on the Seven Sisters before Birling Gap. The monument is mark the gift of the land to the National Trust.
Michel Dean monument
In the last dip on the Seven Sisters before Birling Gap. The monument is mark the gift of the land to the National Trust.
On the Seven Sisters looking east The old lighthouse of Belle Tout can be seen right on the distant cliff. This was moved some 16 metres or so back from the cliff edge in 1999 and may have to be moved again within the next 50 years.
On the Seven Sisters looking east
The old lighthouse of Belle Tout can be seen right on the distant cliff. This was moved some 16 metres or so back from the cliff edge in 1999 and may have to be moved again within the next 50 years.
East Dean village green An impromptu game of cricket being played outside the Tiger Inn
East Dean village green
An impromptu game of cricket being played outside the Tiger Inn
Friston church I quite like this lych-gate.  The footpath to East Dean passes through it and the churchyard.
Friston church
I quite like this lych-gate. The footpath to East Dean passes through it and the churchyard.
Track near Birling Farm Belle Tout lighthouse is in the distance (in its new position, after having been moved back from the cliff edge a few years ago). Judging by the shape of the trees it must get quite windy here.
Track near Birling Farm
Belle Tout lighthouse is in the distance (in its new position, after having been moved back from the cliff edge a few years ago). Judging by the shape of the trees it must get quite windy here.
Birling Gap This image taken in 2001 shows how precarious the houses are.  I wonder whether they are still there? Some of them are still there, up to the one painted cream but the other two have gone. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4128405">TV5595 : Former Coastguard  Cottages, Birling Gap, Sussex</a> for how it looks now.
Birling Gap
This image taken in 2001 shows how precarious the houses are. I wonder whether they are still there? Some of them are still there, up to the one painted cream but the other two have gone. TV5595 : Former Coastguard Cottages, Birling Gap, Sussex for how it looks now.
Birling Gap Birling Gap hotel, beach and lifeboat, facing to the west.
Birling Gap
Birling Gap hotel, beach and lifeboat, facing to the west.
Eroding Chalk cliffs at Birling Gap One of the most unusual accesses to a beach you'll find!
Eroding Chalk cliffs at Birling Gap
One of the most unusual accesses to a beach you'll find!
The Seven Sisters - Foreshore at Low Tide Below towering chalk-white cliffs is an eroded chalk foreshore pavement at low tide. The trapped seawater is milky white too. In the distance, the dip in the cliffline is Birling Gap.
The Seven Sisters - Foreshore at Low Tide
Below towering chalk-white cliffs is an eroded chalk foreshore pavement at low tide. The trapped seawater is milky white too. In the distance, the dip in the cliffline is Birling Gap.
The Seven Sisters from Cliff End. Looking east towards Birling Gap. The cliff face is steadily moving inland as marine undercutting erodes the soft chalk.
The Seven Sisters from Cliff End.
Looking east towards Birling Gap. The cliff face is steadily moving inland as marine undercutting erodes the soft chalk.
Nearly High Tide at Crowlink, Seven Sisters. Chalk cliffs undergoing steady erosion.
Nearly High Tide at Crowlink, Seven Sisters.
Chalk cliffs undergoing steady erosion.
Monument at Crowlink, Seven Sisters. William Charles Campbell Monument on the South Downs Way, overlooking chalk cliffs.
Monument at Crowlink, Seven Sisters.
William Charles Campbell Monument on the South Downs Way, overlooking chalk cliffs.
Seven Sisters and Foreshore. Taken from near Crowlink, looking towards Birling Gap.
Seven Sisters and Foreshore.
Taken from near Crowlink, looking towards Birling Gap.
Village pond, Friston Looking eastwards towards Friston church. The A259 is to the left. The sheltered side of the pond is still frozen and has some snow covering the verges.
Village pond, Friston
Looking eastwards towards Friston church. The A259 is to the left. The sheltered side of the pond is still frozen and has some snow covering the verges.
Show me another place!

Seven Sisters is located at Grid Ref: TV5496 (Lat: 50.747018, Lng: 0.19068109)

Administrative County: East Sussex

District: Wealden

Police Authority: Sussex

What 3 Words

///outermost.elect.flexed. Near Friston, East Sussex

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.747018,0.19068109
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.7467371/0.1966467
Seven Sisters White Cliffs
Name Ko: 세븐시스터즈
Tourism: attraction
Wikidata: Q1754640
Wikimedia Commons: Category:Seven_Sisters,_Sussex
Wikipedia: en:Seven Sisters, East Sussex
Lat/Long: 50.745569/0.1940163
Robertson War Memorial Bequest Obelisk
HE Ref: 1438452
Heritage Website: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1438452
Historic: memorial
Memorial: obelisk
Source: survey
Wikidata: Q66477974
Lat/Long: 50.7478212/0.190988
Went Hill
Natural: cliff
Lat/Long: 50.7456146/0.1956585
Bailey’s Hill
Natural: cliff
Lat/Long: 50.7482427/0.188556
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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