the black house

...today turned out to be far more hectic than we had originally planned. We had appointments in Christchurch but were expecting to spend an hour or two on Hengistbury Head after lunch. Unfortunately, we had to squeeze another appointment in, which resulted in having to make a trip up to Romsey in Hampshire. On top of all that, it rained nearly all day!

On our way back to Christchurch, we had time to stop for a quick stroll on Mudeford Quay. This image was taken from the quay looking across the treacherous currents of The Run to Gervis Point on Mudeford Sandspit. The Black House was at the centre of a long gone shipbuilding industry and is now used as holiday flats. The sand dunes are full of beach huts and holiday chalets. The spit itself, is the product of longshore drift and Hengistbury Head, which can be seen to the distant right, is being eroded at an alarming rate. In the 19th century, the headland became an open cast mine to exploit it for its ironstone boulders, known ad Doggers. Removal of the ironstone left Hengistbury unstable and exposed to the ravages of the sea. Within 80 years, 50% of the headland was washed away. Today, much work is being undertaken to secure and protect what remains - a new Visitor Centre is being constructed, there is an excellent nature reserve, lovely walking and great beaches. Depending on the season, ferries run to the sandspit from Christchurch and Mudeford...