Purbeck Hills

[1][2] The ridge is formed by the structure known as the Purbeck Monocline, and extends from Lulworth Cove in the west to Old Harry Rocks in the east, where it meets the sea.

For most of their length the chalk of the Purbeck Hills is protected from coastal erosion by a band of resistant Portland limestone.

The ridge of steeply dipping chalk that forms the Purbeck Hills continues further east on the Isle of Wight.

The height of the chalk ridge and proximity to Poole Harbour and the south coast have made the hills of strategic importance.

At the eastern end Ballard Down is a National Trust nature reserve which is managed for its calcareous grassland habitat.