Rock and cliff debris fell onto Hive Beach in West Dorset, prompting warnings about the risk of serious injury.
This occurred two weeks after other rockfalls near Burton Bradstock. Storm Herminia weakened the coast before those falls. NCI Lyme Bay warned people to leash their dogs and not let them climb the coast.
Judy Clarke, who manages the Lyme Regis NCI station, said they contacted Solent Coastguard and recorded the incident in their log book. No one was hurt, as far as they know, but rocks can fall anytime.
They have seen many falls recently. You cannot survive a direct hit, she added. Meteorologists explained winter weather’s impact: rain enters porous rocks on cliff edges, then freezes and expands.
This freezing stress creates cavities, weakening cliff edges. Weaker edges are more prone to collapse, and Judy stated it happens quickly. “You might have two seconds,” she said. “It is terrifying.”
The recent coastal erosion left a large overhang. NCI warned this makes the beach dangerous. They advise people to walk near the sea and proceed carefully. Judy said gravity will bring the overhang down.
Judy emphasized caution, stating, “We are here to help.” Walk by the sea, away from the cliffs, as the whole area is quite risky. Lyme Regis NCI watches the coast for emergencies and helps to keep beachgoers safe.