November 2nd 2024.
A charming thatched cottage, with a conical roof and a picturesque setting on a hill above the seaside village of Sidmouth, is now facing a perilous situation. The recent landslide on Devon's Jurassic Coast has caused the cottage to teeter on the edge of a 400ft cliff, only 10 metres away from the steep drop. While it may have seemed like an ideal spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning views, the soft sandstone cliffs in this area are known for their tendency to crumble and collapse onto the beach and sea below.
Last weekend, a massive section of the ancient 185 million-year-old cliffs gave way, causing Jacob's Ladder Beach to split into two and leading authorities to close the coastal trail for safety reasons. Local residents were shocked by the magnitude of the landslide, with some describing it as the largest they have seen in years. Ian, one resident, remarked that it was a "big one" and speculated that it may not be over yet.
Sadly, his prediction proved to be true as another landslide occurred just days later. Although smaller in size, it came dangerously close to taking down the entire cottage with it. Satellite images now show that the thick wall of trees and shrubs that once separated the house from the cliff edge has vanished, along with a gazebo, paths, and parts of neighboring gardens. The cottage, now only 10 metres from the edge, is at risk of being claimed by the sea if the cliff continues to crumble.
This stretch of beach between Sidmouth and Ladram Bay has experienced multiple landslides this year, highlighting the unstable nature of the cliffs in this area. The Coast Guard advises people to maintain a distance of 20 metres from a cliff that is 20 metres high, in order to ensure their safety. However, with the frequency of rockfalls in this part of Devon, the cottage is finding itself in an increasingly precarious position.
The recent cliff fall at Jacob's Ladder Beach has prompted East Devon District Council to remind visitors to exercise caution when exploring the coastline. They explain that cliff falls are a natural and unpredictable occurrence due to the soft rock that makes up the cliffs and can happen at any time. In August, there was a similar incident where people had to flee to the water to escape a cloud of brown dust as the cliff collapsed for the second time this year. Coastal scientist Vicky Walkley explains that it is challenging to predict cliff falls as they can be caused by a combination of factors such as heavy rainfall and warm weather.
To stay safe, the Coast Guard advises people to maintain a distance from cliff edges that is equal to the height of the cliff. In other words, if the cliff is 20 metres high, it is best to stay 20 metres away. Let us all heed this advice and exercise caution when exploring the beautiful, yet unpredictable, coastline of East Devon.
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