The Purbeck Heritage Coast comprises two blocks on the English Channel coast between Weymouth and Bournemouth around the town of Swanage, within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  It is an extremely diverse landscape: the northern block includes a continuous transition from calcareous grassland to heathland to saltmarsh, lagoon and the open water of Poole Harbour.  

The southern block encompasses the hard rock cliffs of the Channel coast which is the eastern extent of the ‘Jurassic Coast’ World Heritage Site.  

The area includes the UK’s most diverse grid squares for vascular plants and mammals; it is also home to each of the UK’s native reptile species.  It is recognised as important for its diverse geology, flora and fauna, which collectively contribute to the area’s natural beauty.

The area is subject to a wide variety of statutory controls operated by different bodies.