THE Jurassic Coast has been named as one of seven Natural Wonders of the UK by experts at the Royal Geographical Society in partnership with outdoor brand Merrell.

The 95-mile coastal World Heritage Site extends from Exmouth in Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset and was selected on the basis of its globally unique geology.

The rocks display an almost continuous sequence of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods – the only place on Earth that such a record exists.

The Jurassic Coast was also chosen for inclusion based on the outstanding contribution it has made to the study of Earth Sciences over the past 300 years.

The other six wonders on the list are Pistyll Rhaedar in Wales, Loch Coruisk and the Cuillins in Scotland, Wastwater in the Lake District, Dovedale in the Peak District, the Needles just off the Isle of Wight and another geological World Heritage Site – the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Jurassic Coast Trust CEO Lucy Culkin said: "We are delighted that the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site has been recognised by RGS as one of the seven wonders of the UK – we certainly think it is.

"The coast is steeped in 185 million years of history, revealing hidden stories through its geological, palaeontological and social history stories and discoveries.

"People come to the coast today for the same reasons they have done so for generations before them – to discover fossils which give us a peek into the world during the Mesozoic era, to experience the 95 miles of natural coastline, whether they want to walk, run or just stop to take in the outstanding natural land and seascapes, to study and pursue careers, and to be part of a legacy, which under the UN convention, spans beyond the realms of borders and nations.

"We are proud to be the organisation responsible for protecting the Jurassic Coast and look forward to welcoming new and longstanding visitors to the coast this summer, so they too can find their special place."