Category Archives: Natural History

Geology & Rock Formations, History, landscape photography, March, Natural History, photography, Spring

Dinosaur Footprints on Bexhill Beach – 135 Million Years Old

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Introduction

While exploring the foreshore at Bexhill Beach over the last couple of days, I came across several remarkable features preserved in the rock – dinosaur footprints dating back roughly 135 million years to the Early Cretaceous period.

Dinosaur footprint impression preserved in sandstone on the foreshore at Bexhill Beach, East Sussex
A dinosaur footprint preserved in the sandstone of the Ashdown Formation on the foreshore at Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. The track dates to the Early Cretaceous period around 135 million years ago, when this area was a muddy river floodplain rather than coastline. Coastal erosion has revealed this ancient surface where dinosaurs once walked, preserving both footprint impressions and natural casts in the rock.

The Sussex coast exposes rocks from the Ashdown Formation, part of the Wealden Group. At the time these sediments were forming, this area wasn’t coastline at all. It was a warm river floodplain with muddy riverbanks, shallow lagoons and dense vegetation. Dinosaurs walked across these mudflats, leaving footprints that were buried by sediment and eventually turned into rock.

Coastal erosion along the foreshore is now slowly revealing parts of that ancient landscape again.

YouTube Video

I filmed several of these footprints during my visit and I’m currently putting together a short video explaining the tracks and how they formed.

👉 Subscribe to my YouTube channel here to see the video

Casts and Impressions

Interestingly, two different types of footprints can be seen on the Bexhill foreshore.

Dinosaur footprint impression preserved in sandstone on the foreshore at Bexhill Beach, East Sussex
A dinosaur footprint preserved in the sandstone of the Ashdown Formation on the foreshore at Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. The track dates to the Early Cretaceous period around 135 million years ago, when this area was a muddy river floodplain rather than coastline. Coastal erosion has revealed this ancient surface where dinosaurs once walked, preserving both footprint impressions and natural casts in the rock.

📍 Google Maps location: 50.837650, 0.483188

📍 what3words: ///newest.icons.slides,

Some appear as raised shapes, known as natural casts. These form when a dinosaur footprint fills with sediment which later hardens. As the surrounding rock erodes away, the filled footprint can remain standing proud of the surface.

A dinosaur footprint preserved in the sandstone of the Ashdown Formation on the foreshore at Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. The track dates to the Early Cretaceous period around 135 million years ago, when this area was a muddy river floodplain rather than coastline. Coastal erosion has revealed this ancient surface where dinosaurs once walked, preserving both footprint impressions and natural casts in the rock.

📍 Google Maps location: 50.836672, 0.475356

📍 what3words: ///gained.gent.funded

Others appear as true impressions – the actual depressions left when a dinosaur stepped into soft mud millions of years ago.

Finding both types close together strongly suggests that the rock surface represents part of the original ancient mudflat where dinosaurs once walked.

What Dinosaur Made These Tracks?

The footprints show the classic three-toed (tridactyl) shape typical of ornithopod dinosaurs, a group that includes animals such as Iguanodon which are well known from the Wealden rocks of Sussex.

A dinosaur footprint preserved in the sandstone of the Ashdown Formation on the foreshore at Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. The track dates to the Early Cretaceous period around 135 million years ago, when this area was a muddy river floodplain rather than coastline. Coastal erosion has revealed this ancient surface where dinosaurs once walked, preserving both footprint impressions and natural casts in the rock.

Palaeontologists usually classify footprints by their track type rather than a specific species, but the general form is consistent with plant-eating dinosaurs that roamed this region during the Early Cretaceous.

Location

Several people have asked where these footprints can be found.

They are located on the foreshore near Bexhill when the tide is very low, as the rock platform needs to be exposed.

See the google and what3words above under each photo.

Because the footprints are on the intertidal rock platform, they are best viewed around low tide.

A Glimpse Into Deep Time

Standing on this rock today, it’s quite remarkable to think that the surface beneath your feet was once a muddy riverbank walked on by dinosaurs over 135 million years ago.

Dinosaur footprint impression preserved in sandstone on the foreshore at Bexhill Beach, East Sussex
A dinosaur footprint preserved in the sandstone of the Ashdown Formation on the foreshore at Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. The track dates to the Early Cretaceous period around 135 million years ago, when this area was a muddy river floodplain rather than coastline. Coastal erosion has revealed this ancient surface where dinosaurs once walked, preserving both footprint impressions and natural casts in the rock.

Thanks to the constant action of the sea slowly wearing away the cliffs and foreshore, these ancient traces occasionally reappear – giving us a rare glimpse into a landscape from the age of dinosaurs.

If you visit the site, please take care around the rocks and avoid damaging the footprints so others can enjoy seeing them too.

If you’d like to see more locations like this across Sussex, you can explore them on the Sussex Photography map collection on the site.

England, February, Geology & Rock Formations, High Weald, Kent, landscape photography, Natural History, photography, South East, Tunbridge Wells, UK, Winter

Toad Rock, Rusthall Common

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Introduction

Toad Rock is one of the most distinctive sandstone formations in the Tunbridge Wells area. Perched on Rusthall Common just west of Royal Tunbridge Wells, the rock appears almost sculpted — its rounded upper section balanced on a narrower base, giving it the familiar “toad-like” shape that gives the landmark its name.

It is part of the same sandstone ridge system that runs through Tunbridge Wells Common, High Rocks and Eridge Rocks, forming one of the most interesting geological landscapes in the High Weald.

Short film from Rusthall Common and Toad Rock:

Just a short walk from Wellington Rocks on Tunbridge Wells Common, Rusthall Common reveals even more dramatic sandstone formations — including Bull’s Hollow, where sheer rock faces rise abruptly from the woodland floor.

Location: Rusthall Common, Kent
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The Geology

Toad Rock is formed from the Tunbridge Wells Sand Formation, laid down around 100 million years ago during the Lower Cretaceous period.

At that time, this part of southern England was a vast river delta. Sand and sediment carried by ancient rivers settled in layers and gradually compacted into sandstone. Over millions of years, erosion exposed the rock and sculpted the shapes visible today.

Toad Rock, Rusthall Common, Kent
Toad Rock on Rusthall Common near Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. This distinctive weathered sandstone formation is part of the Tunbridge Wells Sand Formation within the High Weald, shaped over millions of years into one of the area’s most recognisable natural landmarks.

The unusual perched shape of Toad Rock is the result of differential erosion — where softer layers of sandstone wear away more quickly than harder layers above them. The harder cap protects the rock beneath, leaving the characteristic overhanging form.

Iron minerals within the stone give the sandstone its warm brown and reddish tones, particularly visible after rain or in soft overcast light.

Victorian Visitors

Rusthall Common became a popular walking destination during the Georgian and Victorian periods, when visitors staying in Royal Tunbridge Wells would venture out to explore the surrounding countryside.

The dramatic rock formations were seen as romantic curiosities, and Toad Rock became one of the most photographed and described features in local guidebooks of the time.

Many of the surrounding rocks are just as impressive, though often overlooked by visitors focused on the famous “toad” itself.

Bull’s Hollow

Just across the Common from Toad Rock lies Bull’s Hollow, where sandstone cliffs rise sharply above the woodland.

The rock faces here reveal the scale of the sandstone ridge beneath the landscape. Unlike the more sculptural form of Toad Rock, Bull’s Hollow exposes the layered cliff structure of the formation, showing how erosion has cut through the sandstone over geological time.

It remains one of the most striking but lesser-known features of Rusthall Common.

Living With Ancient Stone

One of the most unusual aspects of the area is how closely modern life sits beside these ancient formations. Along nearby Upper Street, houses have been built directly beside and even around exposed sandstone outcrops.

The contrast is striking: homes only decades old standing next to rock formed a hundred million years ago.

It’s a reminder that these geological features long predate the town itself — and will likely remain long after.

Practical Info

Location: Rusthall Common, Kent
Access: Open common land with public access
Parking: Rusthall village or Tunbridge Wells Common
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or overcast conditions for photography
Nearby: Wellington Rocks, High Rocks, Eridge Rocks, Harrison Rocks

Toad Rock is more than just an unusual natural landmark. It is part of a wider sandstone landscape that defines the High Weald — a landscape shaped over millions of years and still quietly embedded in everyday life.

England, February, Geology & Rock Formations, High Weald, Kent, Natural History, photography, South East, Tunbridge Wells, UK, Winter

Wellington Rocks, Tunbridge Wells Common

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Introduction

Wellington Rocks are a series of weathered sandstone outcrops rising from the open heath of Tunbridge Wells Common. Just above the historic spa town, these formations are part of the same sandstone belt that runs through Eridge, Rusthall and High Rocks — a continuous geological system straddling the Sussex–Kent border.

Shaped over millions of years, the rocks remain one of the most accessible and quietly impressive natural landmarks in the area.

Short film from Wellington Rocks:

A short walk west across the Common leads to Toad Rock on Rusthall Common, making this part of the High Weald one of the richest clusters of sandstone formations in southern England.

Location: Tunbridge Wells Common, Kent
[View on Google Maps]
[See all mapped locations]

The Geology

Wellington Rocks are formed from the Tunbridge Wells Sand Formation, laid down approximately 100 million years ago during the Lower Cretaceous period.

Wellington rocks tunbridge wells common
Sandstone outcrops on Tunbridge Wells Common, known as Wellington Rocks, part of the Tunbridge Wells Sand Formation in the High Weald. These weathered iron-rich rocks rise from open heathland just above the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

At that time, this landscape was a vast river delta. Sand carried by ancient rivers settled in layers, eventually compacting into sandstone. Over geological time, uplift and erosion exposed the rock. Wind, rain and frost gradually sculpted the softer layers, creating the rounded forms, fissures and ledges visible today.

The iron content within the stone gives the rock its warm, earthy tones — particularly noticeable in soft overcast light or after rain.

Why “Wellington” Rocks?

The rocks were named in the 19th century after Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, reflecting the patriotic mood of the Victorian era. Tunbridge Wells was a fashionable spa town at the time, and public features were often given commemorative names.

The Common itself became an important leisure space, with visitors walking out from The Pantiles to enjoy fresh air and views over the surrounding countryside.

Common Land & Protection

Although much of Tunbridge Wells Common is privately owned, it is registered common land. This provides strong protection and preserves public access rights.

Occasionally, parts of the Common appear on the market as freehold interests change hands. However, common land status significantly restricts development and safeguards public access.

Ownership may change over time — the rocks remain.

Photographing Wellington Rocks

Wellington Rocks are best photographed in:

  • Overcast light (to preserve texture and avoid harsh contrast)
  • Early morning or late afternoon for soft directional light
  • Autumn and winter when foliage is thinner and the rock faces are more visible

The perimeter path allows you to walk around and over the outcrops, offering a variety of angles — from close textural studies to wider compositions including heathland and woodland.

Practical Info

Location: Tunbridge Wells Common, Kent
Access: Open access common land
Parking: Town centre / Common roadside parking
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for quiet conditions and soft light
Nearby: Rusthall Common (Toad Rock), The Pantiles, High Rocks

Wellington Rocks form part of a remarkable sandstone ridge system that defines this corner of the High Weald. A landscape shaped long before county lines were drawn — and one that continues to offer geology, history and open space in equal measure.

April, August, Autumn, December, East Sussex, England, February, High Weald, January, July, June, Kent, landscape photography, March, May, November, October, photography, September, South Downs, South East, Spring, Summer, Sussex, UK, Winter, Woodland & Parks

Landscape Photography Review 2025

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2025 Photography Year in Review

2025 was a year of working closer to home and learning to respond to conditions rather than chase them. From misty dawns on the South Downs to woodland waterfalls in the High Weald and long exposures on Romney Marsh, this review brings together one standout image from each month — moments that best reflect how and where I photographed across the year.

Continue reading Landscape Photography Review 2025 →
December, East Sussex, England, High Weald, photography, South Downs, Sussex, UK, Winter, Woodland & Parks

December 2025: Sussex Photography Monthly Review

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Introduction

December 2025 was dominated by wet, cold and overcast weather across East Sussex, which quietly shaped the direction of my photography. With wider landscapes often flat and uninviting, the focus naturally shifted into woodland, following streams and revisiting places that only reveal themselves after prolonged rainfall. The result was a month spent exploring seasonal waterfalls across the High Weald, interspersed with a handful of coastal and observational shoots.

This post brings together those December walks and discoveries, from hidden ghylls and temporary cascades to a final New Year’s Eve sunset at Beachy Head.

Continue reading December 2025: Sussex Photography Monthly Review →
December, East Sussex, England, High Weald, landscape photography, Natural History, photography, Sussex, UK, Winter, Woodland & Parks

Hidden Waterfalls of Ashdown Forest After Heavy Rain

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Introduction

Ashdown Forest is not known for permanent waterfalls, but after prolonged rain the landscape briefly transforms. Beneath the open heathland plateau, sandstone ledges and clay layers shed water quickly, feeding short-lived streams that cut into wooded ravines and momentarily bring hidden waterfalls to life. Miss the timing and these features disappear again, leaving little trace beyond damp rock and leaf-stained pools.

This walk followed one such stream after heavy December rainfall, linking three very different waterfalls: the hidden plunge of Mungo’s, the stepped Garden of Eden fall beside a footpath, and an unnamed woodland drop further downstream. Each only flows properly for a short window after rain, making timing far more important than season or popularity.

The short video below captures all three waterfalls in motion, followed by mapped references for context. The sections that follow look at each waterfall in turn, combining the walk itself with notes on geology, nature, and what makes these fleeting moments worth photographing in Ashdown Forest.

Continue reading Hidden Waterfalls of Ashdown Forest After Heavy Rain →
East Sussex, England, High Weald, photography, Sussex, UK, Woodland & Parks

High Weald Hidden Woodland Waterfalls

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The High Weald is shaped by water as much as it is by woodland. Beneath the canopy of ancient forests, countless small streams cut through sandstone and clay, forming quiet, seasonal waterfalls that are easy to miss unless you know where to look. These are not dramatic tourist landmarks, but subtle features of the landscape that appear, fade, and change character with rainfall and time of year.

This post brings together a growing collection of lesser-known woodland waterfalls across the High Weald, documented over many walks and return visits. The focus is on atmosphere, seasonality, and context rather than exact directions, reflecting the fragile nature of these places and the effort involved in finding them.

To balance sharing with protection, precise locations are not published openly. Instead, general areas are described here, while exact pins are shared separately via a supporter map for those who value responsible exploration. The guide will continue to evolve as new waterfalls are discovered and existing sections are updated.

Continue reading High Weald Hidden Woodland Waterfalls →
December, East Sussex, England, High Weald, landscape photography, Natural History, photography, South East, Sussex, UK, Winter, Woodland & Parks

Willingford Stream Waterfalls – Dallington Forest and Brightling Down

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The Willingford Stream runs quietly through Dallington Forest and along the slopes of Brightling Down, but after prolonged rainfall it becomes one of the more rewarding winter locations on the High Weald. December’s cold, wet and overcast weather wasn’t ideal for wide landscapes, but it was perfect for returning to woodland streams and seasonal waterfalls.

This visit followed weeks of steady rain. In drier months the Willingford Stream is easy to overlook, but when water levels rise a series of small waterfalls and cascades begin to appear along its course.

Continue reading Willingford Stream Waterfalls – Dallington Forest and Brightling Down →
Beckley Woods, December, East Sussex, England, High Weald, Natural History, South East, Sussex, UK, Winter, Woodland & Parks

Beckley Woods Waterfalls After Heavy Rain

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Beckley Woods sits on the High Weald near the East Sussex–Kent border and is a place that only really reveals itself in the right conditions. After weeks of cold, overcast and windy weather, December brought sustained rainfall — the kind of weather that keeps most people indoors, but transforms woodland streams and gullies. When wider landscapes feel flat, waterfalls become the natural focus.

Continue reading Beckley Woods Waterfalls After Heavy Rain →
Ancient Trees, East Sussex, England, Natural History, South East, UK, Wilmington

The Wilmington Yew Tree – Ancient Guardian of Sussex

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Introduction

In the quiet village of Wilmington, East Sussex, an ancient yew tree stands beside St Mary & St Peter’s Church. Believed to be between 1,600 and 2,000 years old, this remarkable survivor is older than the church itself and steeped in history, myth, and folklore.

Here’s a short film I made exploring this extraordinary tree from every angle:

Trees like this remind us of the deep continuity of the land — they have seen whole cultures rise and fall. You can also find it on Google Maps and on my All Map Locations collection.

History and Myth

The Wilmington Yew predates the church by many centuries. Yews were sacred to pre-Christian cultures, often seen as symbols of eternity, death, and rebirth. Some believe this is why early churches were built alongside them — it made the process of converting older belief systems easier by reusing sites already held as sacred.

Over time, the yew gathered both practical and symbolic importance. Its wood was prized for making longbows, yet almost every part of the tree is poisonous — a paradox that only deepened its mystique.

Estimates of its age vary. The cautious figure is around 1,600 years, but some experts believe it could be over 2,000 years old. Hollowed trunks make precise dating impossible, adding to the sense of mystery.

Visiting Today

The Wilmington Yew still thrives, its huge branches supported by timber props. Standing beneath it, you can’t help but feel the presence of centuries. It is one of the oldest and most famous yews in Sussex, and a reminder of just how far back the story of this landscape goes.

Wilmington Yew Tree ancient east Sussex
Wilmington Yew Tree ancient east Sussex

Whether you come for photography, history, or quiet reflection, it’s a special place to spend time.

Practical Info

Location: St Mary & St Peter’s Church, Wilmington, East Sussex
Access: Free access to the churchyard during daylight hours. Parking in the village.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for the best light through the branches.
Nearby:

August, East Sussex, England, Hastings, Natural History, South East, Summer, UK

Rock-a-Nore at Sunrise – Hastings Working Beach and Forgotten Cliffs

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Introduction

Early one August morning, I filmed along the eastern edge of Hastings known as Rock-a-Nore — a name that comes from “rock against the north.” The light was perfect, spilling across the cliffs and over the shingle beach, where fishing boats still launch directly into the sea.

Below is the short film from that morning — a quiet look at one of Britain’s last working beaches.

You can view the area on Google Maps or on my own collection of All Map Locations.

The Hidden Heart of Hastings

Rock-a-Nore sits between the Old Town and the eastern cliffs, right where the land gives way to the sea. Unlike the white chalk faces of Beachy Head or Seven Sisters, these are Hastings sandstone — darker, layered, and more easily eroded. At low tide, it’s possible to walk from here all the way to Covehurst Bay and even on to Cliff End, though conditions can change quickly.

This part of the coast doesn’t get the same attention as the more famous cliffs along the Sussex coast — but in many ways, it’s far more alive.

The Stade and the Boats

The shingle beach here is called The Stade, from the old Saxon word for landing place. It’s home to the last full-time beach-launched fishing fleet in Britain.
There is no harbour. Boats are pulled out to sea using tractors and heavy winches, and returned the same way. This technique dates back centuries — adapted to the geography, and kept alive by generations of Hastings fishermen.

I was lucky enough to film a team launching one of the smaller boats into the morning tide. You can still feel the rhythm of work here — quiet but constant.

The Net Shops

Behind the boats stand the black wooden towers known as Net Shops — often called net huts, but their true name is older.
Built on tiny plots of land, each one is tall and narrow, designed to store and dry hemp fishing nets before the days of nylon. The tarred wood keeps them waterproof, and some reach three or four storeys high. You won’t find anything like them anywhere else in the world.

They’ve become an icon of Hastings — as much a part of the town as the boats and cliffs themselves.

East Hill and the View Across Town

Above Rock-a-Nore, the East Hill Lift rises up the cliff — the steepest funicular railway in England. At the top, you’re rewarded with views across the Old Town, the pier, and even Beachy Head in the distance.

Hastings east hill golden hour
Hastings east hill golden hour

From up there, you really see how the town fits together — hemmed in by the sea, the cliffs, and its own layered history.

Practical Info

  • Location: Rock-a-Nore, Hastings, East Sussex
  • Access: Easy via Rock-a-Nore Road, car parks nearby, and lift access to East Hill
  • Best Time to Visit: Sunrise for photography; low tide if exploring east towards Covehurst
  • Nearby:
    • Covehurst Bay – wild, dramatic, and rarely crowded
    • East Hill & Funicular – for the best views of Hastings
    • Hastings Old Town – historic streets, local pubs, and galleries
August, East Sussex, England, landscape photography, Natural History, photography, South Downs, South East, Summer, UK, Wilmington

Exmoor Ponies on Wilmington Hill – South Downs Views to Firle Beacon

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Introduction

High on Wilmington Hill at the end of August, the weather turned blustery and dramatic. A rainbow briefly appeared before storm clouds rolled over the Downs. Against this backdrop, a herd of Exmoor ponies grazed the slopes, with Firle Beacon soft in the distance. These hardy ponies are more than just a beautiful sight — they play a vital role in conserving the chalk grassland of the South Downs.

Here’s a short reel from the day:

Exmoor ponies on the South Downs are here for a reason — conservation grazing keeps the slopes open for wildflowers, butterflies, and other wildlife.

📍 View Wilmington Hill on Google Maps
🗺️ See all my Sussex locations here

History & Landscape

Wilmington Hill rises steeply above the Sussex Weald, offering world-class views across the patchwork fields of the Downs. Just below lies one of the region’s most iconic landmarks — the Long Man of Wilmington, a mysterious chalk figure cut into the hillside.

The ponies here are Exmoors, one of Britain’s oldest native breeds. Their hardy build and steady grazing make them ideal for managing rough chalk grassland, preventing scrub from overwhelming the delicate ecosystem. This form of conservation grazing helps to preserve habitats for species such as the Grayling butterfly, which depends on open, sunny slopes.

Photography Notes

The light on this day was constantly shifting — clouds racing in the wind, the land below glowing one moment and darkening the next.

Photographing the ponies against this backdrop created a natural contrast: the immediacy of a living subject set against the timeless South Downs landscape.

Exmoor ponies on wilmington hill south downs
pony on wilmington hill with firle beacon lit up in the background south downs east Sussex south east England UK

Practical Info

  • Location: Wilmington Hill, near the village of Wilmington, East Sussex
  • Access: Footpaths lead up from Wilmington village and nearby car parks; the climb is steep in places but rewarded with wide views
  • Best Time to Visit: Late summer and early autumn for dramatic skies and active grazing; spring for wildflowers
  • Nearby:

Closing Thoughts

The Exmoor ponies add something special to Wilmington Hill — a reminder that the South Downs are not just scenery but a living landscape, shaped by centuries of grazing, farming, and human imagination. With the Long Man at their feet and Firle Beacon on the horizon, this is Sussex at its most evocative.