A rockfall in west Dorset has prompted fresh warning to beachgoers.

A small fall happened at Black Ven, Charmouth, on Tuesday.

Visitors to the coast are being urged to stay away from cliff bases and edges, especially now the country is experiencing a bout of hot weather.

A spokesman at Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre said: "We had a small fall on Black Ven. Please stay well away from the base of the cliffs as new cracks have been opening up. Heating and cooling can cause expansion and contraction in rocks, this can result in cracks and weaknesses forming. This can also be exacerbated by the rocks drying out in the heat which can result in cliff falls like this one yesterday being more likely."

There is often little warning before a rockfall, therefore the centre is advising the public to take extra care by staying even further away from the cliffs, instead fossil hunting at low tide in the loose gravel closer to the sea. Incidentally this is actually where most fossils can found anyway, as the sea has tumbled them through the pebbles. 

Just last week, visitors to Charmouth had a close call when a cliff gave way just metres away from them.

The incident happened along the cliffs of the the eastern part of Charmouth each - near to Soft Rock Cafe.

Sandra Smith, who was kayaking just off the coast at the time, said: We were paddling in a double kayak when we heard a crack, I looked over to beach, I had a camera in my hand at the time and I took photo.

“I saw falling debris, some small rocks and shingle falling and significant dust cloud. I was very surprised there appeared to be no reaction from below or the guys just west of dust who were still hammering the cliff. The people sitting on the beach never even looked up, incredible! I’m glad no one was hurt.”

Dorset Council has been encouraging beach visitors to take extra precautions due to an increased risk of rock falls.

In extreme temperatures, the risk of rockfalls along Dorset’s coastline is even greater than usual. This is because heat causes rocks to expand and, particularly during heat fluctuations, any pre-existing cracks can widen, and new cracks can also form – making cliffs potentially more unstable.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Rockfalls are entirely unpredictable and can happen at any time, but we do know which conditions make them more likely, and prolonged hot and dry spells are one of them.

“We would encourage anyone thinking of visiting the Dorset coast during this heatwave to stay away from the base of cliffs, and if you are walking along the coast paths, keep well away from the edges. Never ignore a warning sign – they are there for your safety.

“It is easy to enjoy the spectacular and fascinating Jurassic Coast without putting yourself or others at risk.”