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·: Thematic Trails :· |
THE
CLIFFS OF WESTWARD HO! a sense of time Peter Keene.
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▲ “Through an excellent series of clear colour diagrams, maps and photographs the author outlines the evidence from which coastal changes at Westward Ho! can be deduced. Peat beds and sunken forest remains exposed on the sand beach at very low tides, Stone Age middens, Neolithic fish traps, periglacial debris (head) distribution downslope . . . and the remnants of ancient cliff-lines, the highest at about 8 metres above present sea level, reflect the many changes in Quaternary sea level and climate affecting the area. Perhaps the most obvious consequence of fluctuating sea-levels saw the progressive development of the migratory storm Pebble Ridge extending northwards from Westward Ho! for about 2 kilometres and backed by sand dunes, marsh deposits and head, which now make up Northam Burrows Country Park. Between 1870 and 1900 it is estimated that the crest of the Pebble Ridge had migrated some 100 metres inland and in the 1920s and 30s the average retreat was 1.75 metres per year. All these events and the processes bringing them about are clearly explained in time-sequential block diagrams.” ( GA. Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol.6 No 2. May 2007.) |
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▲“Peter Keene’s booklet on the pleasures of exploring Westward Ho! Cliffs on foot, through its history, archaeology and geology, has me encouraging readers to don those walking boots, this guide book in hand, and follow Peter Keene’s Thematic Trail on an exhilarating trip through time. This really is a guide book with a difference. He has prepared and presented this, the latest in his series, in a most engaging way. From practical advice on routes, car parks, toilet facilities, safety and the wonder of the cliffs themselves, their formation and history.” (Joan Cory, North Devon Journal 25.11.04.) |
WESTWARD HO! AGAINST THE SEA Peter Keene.
ISBN 978-0-948444-34-0 Thematic Trails 1997. A5. 44 pages. 24 illust. £2.95
A walk on Westward Ho! beach, pebble ridge and promenade draws attention to the long battle between Westward Ho! and the advancing sea. The threat of coast erosion is as old as the resort itself and the walk soon develops into a review of nearly every form of coastal defence, each having been tried and found wanting. Recent developments (2007) make this a section of coast of particular interest for those interested in coastal management and planning.
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▲ E-mail:
“Just thought I’d drop you an
e-mail thanking you for a thoroughly stimulating read this week-end
(Westward
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Ho! Against the Sea) – my understanding of the processes
of coastal erosion and the impact of sea-defences has been increased
enormously! Standing on the pebble ridge yesterday and scanning the
bay and coastline with my newly-found knowledge in mind was a
wonderful experience. Thank you very much.” Ian Watson (27.11.2006)
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The beaches of our coastline not only
provide a convenient recreational area for
tourists but are also an
essential buff |
er against the raging power of the sea. When the sea hits
a beach, the momentum is taken out of the wave by the effort taken in
unsettling the sand grains. This buffer of sand shingle or
pebbles prevents damge and erosion of cliffs and artificial creations
such as sea walls and defences. Peter Keene argues: ‘Any interference
with the operation of the natural coastal system involves environmental
consequences, some of which may not be considered beneficial. Nothing is
for free.’ (North Devon Journal)
COASTAL MANAGEMENT & COASTAL EROSION AT WESTWARD HO!
Part 1 ISBN 978-0-948444-23-4 1850-1992. A4. pp 1-46. £2.95
Part 2 ISBN 978-0-948444-26-5 1992-2000. A4. pp 52-75 £2.95
Also Parts 1 + 2 as CD version (PC or AppleMac) on application to Thematic Trails.
A chronological record of coastal change since 1850. Research papers, press cuttings, reports and bibliography relating to the history of coastal erosion and management at Westward Ho! and adjacent parts of North West Devon, have been summarised by Peter Keene. Designed as a background resource for visiting tutors and for local interest.
ACROSS THE ROCKY SHORE AT WESTWARD HO! Janet Keene.
ISBN 978-0-948444-03-6Thematic Trails 1987. A5. 34 pages. 15 illust. £1.50
An ecology transect of a rocky North Devon shore including zonation, tidal range and exposure. A booklet suitable for both holiday and school-oriented use.
FIELD INTERPRETATION OF PLEISTOCENE DEPOSITS Peter Keene
ISBN 978-0-948444-29-6 Thematic Trails 1995. A4. 17 pp. 16 figures. £2.95
Exercise 1: Introduction to logging and interpreting common Pleistocene deposits.
Exercise 2: Plotting and interpreting stone orientation in an unconsolidated cliff face.
These exercises have been used to introduce school and college parties to the field interpretation of exposed head, raised beach and sand deposits at Westward Ho!, Saunton Cliffs, The Valley of Rocks (Lynton) and Marsland Mouth.
WESTWARD HO! HISTORY GROUP, a brief history of Westward Ho!
A stiff A5 folder containing 10 six-page pamphlets, each covering
an aspect of the history of Westward Ho!
– Pre-historic Westward Ho! – Westward Ho! Heritage Trail – Rev.
Isaac Henry Gosset 1816 to 1892 – United Services College – Royal
North Devon Golf Course – Sporting Westward Ho! – Vanished Westward
Ho! – Seafield House, a brief history – Memory Lane, schooldays and
childhood memories – Potwalloping.
A5 folder. 65 pages, 71 illustrations. Westward Ho! Community
History Project 2004-2007 £3.50
OFFER OF A COMPLETE NORTH DEVON SET AND INFORMATION ON OTHER INTERESTING SITES HERE
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Locally you can buy Westward Ho! & Northam Burrows Thematic Trails at: Westward Ho! Post Office, Nelson Road, Westward Ho! Westward Ho!: Summerlands Tackle, Nelson Road, Westward Ho! Bideford EX39 1LF T: 01237 - 471291 Northam Burrows Visitor Centre, Northam Burrows Country Park, Northam, Bideford EX39 1LY T: 01237-479708 |