Bonchurch Landslips, Scientific research site in Ventnor, United Kingdom.
Bonchurch Landslips is a protected site on Ventnor's coast featuring rugged terrain where Upper Greensand rocks sit above Gault clay deposits. The area spans roughly 28 hectares and displays a patchwork of steep slopes, ravines, and open spaces that reveal the underlying geology.
Two major geological events in 1810 and 1818 shaped the landscape we see today, documented by geologist Thomas Webster. These early shifts established the foundation for the site's current features.
The name comes from the nearby village of Bonchurch. Visitors can see natural formations like Devil's Chimney, which has long been part of the local character and remains a focal point for exploration.
The site is accessible via several footpaths, including Coastal routes V65b from Ventnor and V65a from Luccombe. The trails offer different entry points and allow visitors to explore the geological formations at their own pace.
A significant landslide in December 2023 dramatically altered the terrain and caused partial loss of geological structures as well as local evacuations. This recent event continues to be studied by scientists and shows how the place keeps shifting.
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