Massive rockfall along Dorset coast at Burton Bradstock

Tonnes of rock can be seen sprawled out across the beach just past the Freshwater Holiday Park towards West Bay at East Cliff

The recent heavy rain is likely to have caused the rockfall, which is the latest of a series of cliff falls along the Jurassic Coast over recent times.

READ: Expert reveals why West Bay East Cliff prone to rockfalls

Large cliff rockfall at East Cliff between West Bay and Freshwater Beach Holiday Park. 17th October 2024. (Image: Graham Hunt Photography) In April, an estimated 28,000 tonnes of rock fell from the cliff at Burton Bradstock with the cliffs described as a 'ticking time bomb'.

Holidaymakers visiting Charmouth beach in the same month came perilously close to being victims of a rockfall and ‘feared for their lives’ as rocks plummeted from the cliff.

(Image: Charmouth Heritage Centre)

READ: Family's close call with Charmouth beach rockfall

The family from Essex were forced to run for their lives as the rocks came crashing down from above as they walked along  the beach.

Cliffs came crumbling down in Seatown, in June, and despite part of the coast path being closed for health and safety reasons, a beachgoer snapped a photo of people climbing over a rockfall at East Beach, West Bay.

A camper was also spotted with a tent pitched dangerously close to the edge of East Cliff.

Camper at East Cliff, West Bay (Image: West Bay Photography) READ: Cliff fall at Seatown is latest rockfall at Dorset coast

Heavy rain from Storm Nelson in March also caused a rockfall at East Beach and with the weather now turning for the winter, it is likely more landslips will occur in the coming weeks and months. 

Any time a new rockfall occurs, the cliff face either side of the collapse is left fragile and more vulnerable to further falls.

It is a natural part of the erosion process but there has been a rise in the frequency of rockfalls over the last five to 10 years.

READ: New rockfall at West Bay attracts visitors to crumbling cliff

Dorset Council advice about rockfalls:

1. Stay away from the edge of the cliff top - admire the view from a safe distance.

2. Stay away from the base of cliffs: rock falls and landslides can happen at any time. If you are under a rock fall, the likelihood is you will die.

3. Pay attention to warning signs – they are there for your safety.

4. Check tide times before you set off to avoid being cut off by incoming tides.

5. Keep dogs on leads near the cliff edge.