Home / Disasters and Accidents / Jurassic Coast Rocked by 10,000-Ton Cliff Collapse
Jurassic Coast Rocked by 10,000-Ton Cliff Collapse
23 Aug
Summary
- Massive 10,000-ton rockfall at Golden Cap, Dorset
- 80-foot debris mound on beach, highest point on south coast
- Concerns over frequent rockfalls and erosion on Jurassic Coast
On August 22nd, 2025, a massive rockfall shook the heart of Britain's Jurassic Coast, causing widespread concern over the region's rapid erosion. Approximately 10,000 tons of rock peeled off the 600-foot-tall cliff at Golden Cap near Seaton, Dorset, crashing onto the beach below.
The collapse resulted in an 80-foot mound of debris piling up on the beach, which is the highest point on the south coast. Coastguards and a lifeboat crew rushed to the scene to ensure no one was trapped, and fortunately, two fossil hunters who had been in the area were found safe and well.
Experts have long warned that the Jurassic Coast, renowned for its natural beauty, is also one of the most erosion-prone regions in the country. The recent heatwave and lack of rainfall are believed to have contributed to the cliff's instability, causing it to crumble.
Local resident Chris Gasson, who witnessed the incident, described the ground-shaking magnitude of the event, with boulders the size of 20 to 30 meters. He expressed shock, having never seen a rockfall of such scale during his 11 years living in the area.
The Jurassic Coast's fragile geology and susceptibility to erosion pose ongoing challenges for authorities and visitors alike. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the risk of further landslides and cliff collapses along this iconic stretch of coastline remains a pressing concern.
