Understanding Slapton Line

Start Bay is one of the most studied coastlines in the UK, with researchers taking measurements along the length of Slapton Sands almost every month for the past two decades. This huge data set, gathered by the University of Plymouth’s Coastal Processes Research Group, can be paired with wave strength and direction to understand patterns of sediment transport in the Bay.

Professor Gerd Masselink, a coastal geomorphologist at the University of Plymouth, recently gave a talk for the British Society for Geomorphology, titled “20 years of research into the morphodynamics of the Slapton Sands barrier system” which is available to watch online.

Our timeline below shows the incredibly rich and remarkable 10,000 year history of the Slapton Line. Click on the image to learn a bit more about this very special part of the British coastline.

Explore Start Bay

Slapton Line sits in the centre of Start Bay, a glorious 15 miles stretch of coastline with a vibrant community and lush wildlife. Why not take the plunge and Explore Start Bay? Click here to be taken to the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty website and learn more about this very special area.