Cockpits

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Dorset

England

Cockpits

In a twist A fine length of rope is neatly coiled on the harbour quay on The Cobb at Lyme Regis, awaiting use by the next vessel to berth.
Spanish Eyes III (E509) is a potter, built in 2001. — In a twist Credit: Marika Reinholds

Cockpits is a coastal marsh and saltings area located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated along the stunning Jurassic Coastline, Cockpits offers a unique and diverse landscape that attracts both nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking tranquility.

The marshland of Cockpits is characterized by its rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife. The area is home to an array of plant species, including sea lavender, sea aster, and saltmarsh grasses, which thrive in the brackish water of the marshes. These plants provide a vital habitat for a variety of bird species, such as redshanks, curlews, and oystercatchers, making Cockpits a popular destination for birdwatchers.

The saltings at Cockpits consist of salt marshes, which are flooded by the tides of the English Channel. These marshes are crucial for the survival of numerous salt-tolerant plants and serve as feeding grounds for wading birds. During high tide, the salt pans also attract a range of waterfowl, including ducks and geese.

Visitors to Cockpits can explore the area through a network of footpaths and boardwalks, allowing them to experience the natural beauty of this coastal marshland. The site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline, with its rugged cliffs and stunning rock formations.

Cockpits is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological importance. The area is managed by conservation organizations and local authorities to ensure the preservation of its unique habitats and wildlife.

In summary, Cockpits in Dorset is a captivating coastal marsh and saltings area that offers a diverse range of flora and fauna. Its stunning location and rich biodiversity make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility along the Jurassic Coastline.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Cockpits Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.731935/-2.91804 or Grid Reference SY3592. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

In a twist

A fine length of rope is neatly coiled on the harbour quay on The Cobb at Lyme Regis, awaiting use by the next vessel to berth. Spanish Eyes III (E509) is a potter, built in 2001.

Marika Reinholds

The lower slope of Black Ven - Charmouth

The cliff face is black except for the topsoil and made up of layer upon layer of soft mud, silt and clay pressed together over millions of years. Landslides are frequent with the sea washing the silt away from them and exposing fossils which have been captured within. The landslide of 1958/9 was the largest coastal landslide in Europe.

Sarah Smith

Boulders on the beach - Charmouth

The boulders are lying on the solidified smooth black debris from the landslides of Black Ven (left). In the distance in another grid square is Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast of England. In circa 833 the Danes arrived in 35 ships and with thousands of men. They landed on this beach and a savage battle followed with the local inhabitants. Mary Anning was also another visitor in much later times and discovered the fossilised Ichthyosaur in these cliffs somewhere between Charmouth and Lyme Regis.

Sarah Smith

Lower end of Broad Street - Lyme Regis

The road turns left at the bottom into Church Street. The town was very very crowded. In the distance over Lyme Bay one can see Golden Cap, the highest point on the South West coast and the coastline stretching towards West Bay and Burton Bradstock and other coves on the Jurassic Coast.

Sarah Smith

Riverside walk - Lyme Regis

Not far from where one takes up the River Lim walk again from Coombe Street, there is a large handsome house which looks as if it may have originally been a commercial building such as some sort of mill

Sarah Smith

The Ford, River Lim - Lyme Regis

This ford is supposed to be the longest in the country. It is situated near Jordan Flats.

Sarah Smith

Mill Green - Lyme Regis

Prettily painted terraced houses winding up the hill from the river.

Sarah Smith

Monmouth Street, Lyme Regis - looking East

Monmouth Street, Lyme Regis looking East towards the Church of St Michael the Archangel.

Sofia

Pastel beach huts

Pretty beach huts line Cart Road in Lyme Regis, overlooking Lyme Bay. The huts are available to rent via The Town Council, costing from £4.00 per day (low season) up to £1,700.00 for an annual pass (2022 rates).

Marika Reinholds

Steam drifter Lydia Eva visits Lyme Regis

YH89 Lydia Eva is in the harbour, by The Cobb in Lyme Regis, along with a film crew who were setting up for an evening filming session. The film being made is 'Wonka', a musical about the young Willy Wonka. It will star Timothee Chalamet, Olivia Coleman, Jim Carter, Matt Lucas and many others. It is due for release in 2023. The Lydia Eva is the last surviving steam drifter from the herring fishing fleet based in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.

Marika Reinholds

Lyme Regis beach

Lyme Regis beach on this peaceful Tuesday afternoon

Ryan Griffiths

Lyme Regis town centre

Lyme Regis town centre on this peaceful Tuesday afternoon

Ryan Griffiths

A juggling hare

The sculpture is one of ten, which make up the sculpture trail through the Langmoor and Lister gardens in Lyme Regis. The sculpture is by Clare Trenchard. See link for more information about the sculptures on display. Link

Marika Reinholds

Sea Mine collection box in Lyme Regis

A sea mine from the Second World War is now a collection box. The Shipwrecked Mariners' Society provides financial support and practical assistance to merchant seafarers, fisherfolk and their dependants. The sea mines were used to defend the British coast and harbours during the war. After the war, approximately 200 mine casings were donated to the society by the Admiralty for use as collection boxes. 60 of these currently survive at seaside towns around the country. The text on the blue notice above the mine says 'This old Second World War Mine is placed here as a collecting box. Your donation will help us support the dependants of those lost at sea as well as sick, disabled and retired fishermen and mariners in need'.

Marika Reinholds

Bucket and spade recycling

A very useful collection box has appeared near the life guards hut on the seafront at Lyme Regis. There is no indication as to which organisation or group is behind this useful initiative but text at the bottom of the box says 'original idea by Ceci, design inspired by Erin and built by Kyle' so well done to them, whoever they may be.

Marika Reinholds

Cobb Gate Car Park, Lyme Regis

Right on the sea front

Eirian Evans

Path down to the sea front, Lyme Regis

The way of the South West Coast Path.

Eirian Evans

Mary Anning statue (1)

A statue of the 19th century palaeontologist Mary Anning and her dog Tray was unveiled in her home town of Lyme Regis on 21 May 2022. She often did not get the credit and recognition she deserved for her discoveries and expertise due to her gender and low social status. This oversight was righted by a young Lyme Regis resident who initiated, along with her mother, a crowd funding appeal which raised in excess of £100,000 to commission the statue, which was sculpted by artist Denise Dutton. Here is a link to the Mary Anning Rocks project. Link

Marika Reinholds

Show me another place!

Cockpits is located at Grid Ref: SY3592 (Lat: 50.731935, Lng: -2.91804)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset