Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve

Our View

The Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs NNR is one of the largest and most important active coastal landslip systems in western Europe. The Undercliffs has been described as one of the finest wilderness areas in Britain, and is internationally famous for its fossils. The landslips have been colonised by trees such as ash and field maple,and large areas of mixed scrub include the wayfaring tree and spindle. In spring, wild daffodils and bluebells cover the woodland floor. The ponds and springs have their own distinctive plants, such as giant horsetail, sedges and common reed. The clifftop chalk grassland contains rarities such as Nottingham catchfly and early gentian. Hazel dormouse and three species of shrew – common, pygmy and water – have all been recorded, as have peregrine falcons and ravens. The Undercliffs’ sheltered microclimate makes it ideal for reptiles and amphibians, including grass snake, common lizard and great-crested newt. The eroding cliffs provide homes for insects such as the ivy bee and rare cliff tiger beetle. Butterflies include the wood white, chalk hill blue and small blue.