Axe Vale Conservation Society president launches new book on landslips

The president of the Axe Vale and District Conservation Society recently launched a new book about the unique Undercliffs Nature Reserve between Axmouth and Lyme Regis.

The book, 'Landslips: The Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs', was written by Donald Campbell, a highly accomplished naturalist and author, based in Colyton.

Over a period of many years, Donald has acquired an unrivalled knowledge of the Undercliffs Nature Reserve, through his research and hands-on conservation work. 

His new book was edited and attractively designed by John Marriage, a former chairman of Lyme Regis Museum trustees and was recently officially launched at the museum, with guest speakers, including Rob Beard from Natural England, who gave a fascinating account of the achievements and problems associated with the management of the reserve.

Guests mingled in the museum foyer with drinks before moving to the teaching room for the talks, introduced by John Marriage, and the evening ended with book signings.

Following the great Bindon landslip in the winter of 1839-1840, this impressive and chaotic landscape became the focus of intense tourism; even Queen Victoria paid a visit, albeit from aboard ship.

Interest dwindled as the rock falls and meadows became covered in vegetation and trees. It was not until 1955 that the area was designated as a Nature Reserve and, eventually, active management began to maintain and improve the flower rich grasslands and to construct footpaths for public access, activities that continue today. 

This book reflects Donald's knowledge and his comprehensive research of the area. It is laced with a skilled storyteller's anecdotes and contains chapters on the history and geology of the Undercliffs, together with comprehensive reviews of the flora and fauna.

The book is available in hardback and well illustrated with photographs, tables and sketches. It is priced at £14.95 and available at Lyme Regis Museum shop.