One of the things I look forward to at this time of year is the drama of autumnal weather. Living on the coast I often see how a storm that lasts just a few hours can make a lasting impression on a coastline.
One of my favourite places to see this dynamic process in action is the towering Abbot’s Cliff between Dover and Folkestone.
The soft chalk cliffs are exposed to everything the English Channel can throw at them. New landscape features and habitats are always taking shape here, from the small-scale to the dramatic. Enormous rock falls expose new cliff faces, and natural processes create some unusual niches for wildlife. It really does go to show that coasts like this are ever-changing landscapes.
Where to go
The easiest way to access Abbot’s Cliff is from Samphire Hoe. Walk west away from the car park, walk right through the Hoe and you will come to the beach under Abbot’s Cliff. Check tide times before you leave and beware tide cutting you off.
Wild South-East by Will Hirstle 