Furzy Cliff facts for kids
Furzy Cliff is a cool spot on the coast in Dorset, England. It's located near the village of Preston. This cliff is just east of Weymouth.
From Furzy Cliff, you get amazing views! You can look out over Weymouth Bay. You can also see Portland Harbour and the Isle of Portland. Right next to the cliff, to the east, is Bowleaze Cove. A little further inland, you'll find Jordan Hill and the old ruins of a Jordan Hill Roman Temple. The top of Furzy Cliff has a big grassy area. It's a great place to enjoy the scenery.
What is Furzy Cliff Made Of?
Furzy Cliff is mostly made of a type of rock called Oxford Clay. This clay is very old! On top of the clay, there's a thin layer of Corallian Limestone.
Because of the clay, the cliff can sometimes have "mudslides." This happens when the ground gets wet and slippery. The lower part of the cliff is mainly soft clay.
Ancient Fossils Found Here
You can find really old fossils at Furzy Cliff! These fossils are from the Jurassic period. That was millions of years ago!
One common fossil found here is called Gryphaea dilatata. People often call them "devil's toenail." These are the fossilized shells of an ancient type of oyster. They look a bit like a curved toenail!
A Famous Painting of Furzy Cliff
Did you know Furzy Cliff is in a famous painting? In 1816 and 1817, a well-known artist named John Constable painted it. He was on his honeymoon at the time!
The painting is called Weymouth Bay: Bowleaze Cove and Jordon Hill. It shows Furzy Cliff from the beach at Bowleaze. Today, you can see this painting at the National Gallery in London.
