These Coastguard cottages date from the 19th century and are found to the north of Sizewell. They are now used by the National Trust who own the heath in this picture. There is a cafe and souvenir shop. Tourists come to enjoy the view, wildlife, and the peace and quiet. Minsmere R.S.P.B. bird reserve is to the south of this image.

The heathland plants are delicate and do not withstand the trampling of so many feet and as a result the cliff top is becoming severely eroded.

On the beach the sea continues to erode the bottom of the cliffs and to wash away many tons of sands and gravels each year. This picture was taken in 1991 and already the cliff have been worn back a further 10 metres at this point. In time all the heath and the cliffs in this picture will vanish like the town of Dunwich into the sea.

This area is situated on a large mass of flint gravels and sands which have been deposited in the Sandlings of Suffolk before the last ice ages started some 2 million years ago. They are also good for building houses but are easily washed away during storms.