Beachy Head

Leaning precariously over the edge to see Beachy Head lighthouse this afternoon I knew I would have to crawl to get the shot! NO WAY was I going to stand on the edge leaning over a precarious drop of over 500 feet - even for blip!

The lighthouse is 43m high and was built in 1902 and for more than 80 years was manned by 3 lighthouse keepers. It was decided with all the new navigational aids that the red and white stripes weren't essential anymore and was going to be left to return to it's natural granit colour. However a massive campaign was launched in Oct 2011, £27,000 was raised and the tower was repainted again.

This is a series of chalk cliffs; the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline on the south coast overlooking the English Channel and which are receding at the rate of a metre a year! They are fabulous breeding ground for nesting birds such as fulmars and kittiwakes.

The stunning panoramic views from the top here and all around are breathtaking and we were so lucky with the clear blue skies and sun today although it was a trifle bracing!

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