Virtual Field Trips
Dell Quay to Chichester Marina
2. Shoreline near Dell Quay
At the end of the last ice age, sea levels
were much lower than they are today. The
channels of the Harbour were formed by rivers
flowing from the chalk Downs towards the
sea.
At that time the sea was much further away.
Fossil in Flint
Fossils in Flint
Along the shoreline there are patches of sticky red clay. The red clay was deposited here a long time ago by rivers and swamps. There are many flints mixed in with the mud here and some of them contain fossils.
Red Clay
Red Clay
The red clay was very useful. It was collected, moulded into the right shape and then baked in a very hot oven to make it hard. It could be made into bricks, tiles, pots and many other useful items.
Roman Roof Tile
Roman Roof Tile
The Romans used this clay to make roof tiles that were probably used on the roof of Fishbourne Roman Palace. There is evidence of a tile making factory near here and it is possible to find bits of Roman clay tiles.
Shoreline at Dell Quay
Shoreline at Dell Quay
The shoreline near Dell Quay is one of the few places where it is safe to walk on the mud as it is mixed with shingle. However it becomes unsafe further down the beach where there are open patches of sticky mud so take care and don’t get stuck!
To find out about what jumps and scuttles, creeps and crawls on the shoreline, follow these links.
Animals
The shoreline habitat
The mudflat habitat
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