Plymouth Sound, Shores and Cliffs Site of Special Scientific Interest

This Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) covers the eastern side of Plymouth Sound from Mount Batten Point southwards to Andurn Point. Jennycliff Bay lies within Plymouth and the site extends into the South Hams including Bovisand Bay.

The site provides a classic section through the Lower Devonian to early Middle Devonian succession of south west Devon, including the Jennycliff Slates and part of the Plymouth Limestone. A variety of fossil group have been found here, including corals, brachiopods, gastropods, rare orthoconic nautiloids, and trilobites. Jennycliff Bay features steep inclines, open recumbent folds and overturned strata in places.

You can only access the beaches at low tide, and hard hats should be worn near the cliffs because of the risks from falling boulders. Walking along the cliff tops can be hazardous, particularly during high winds. The South West Coast Path runs along the site and there is a regular bus service from Royal Parade in Plymouth to Turnchapel. Vehicles can use the minor roads leading to the beaches, and there is a car park at the northern end of Jennycliff Bay. All areas of the site are accessible except at high tide when the cliff base is covered.

See below for more detailed information from Devon County Council:

If you have visited the site please send in your photographs and we will put the best on this site.

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