#12 Sidmouth, Devon: A Jurassic gem...

I’ve always intended to expand the boundaries of my Buoys, Buckets and Beacons project beyond the borders of my home town, Brighton, because the shores around these isles are peppered with plenty of curious subjects. All I need to do is to sum up the courage to move outside my comfort zone...

Photographing in the sea adds an extra dimension to the art of the capture, one that is both exhilarating and intimidating.

With its swell, tides, currents and rips, the sea always has to be respected. Factor in the hidden rocks, reefs, obstacles and marine life below the surface, and the boats, jet skis, paddle-boards and other craft that whizz around atop it, and you soon realise why there is comfort in heading into territorial sea that you are familiar with.

But aren’t we built to overcome our apprehensions? Don’t we come alive with adventure and exploration? And wouldn’t I (and you) quickly tire of seeing the same Brighton buoys, buckets and beacons photographed each time?

Yes… it’s time for this project is get uncomfortable.

Last week, while away for a few days at a magical bolt-hole on the Jurassic Coast at which we are so lucky to spend time, I decided to take the plunge with my camera into new waters.

For those that don’t know it, the Jurassic Coast is a magnificent 96-mile stretch of towering cliffs along the Dorset and East Devon coast. Famous for its hugely significant geological history, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Towards the western end, the charming and picturesque seaside town of Sidmouth sits nestled in a valley between two of the dramatic red sandstone cliffs that this area is so well known for.

Coloured red by the iron oxide in desert sands that date back 200 million years, they have lasted well... however, they are somewhat prone to coastal erosion - and large landslips are common. So it’s not surprising that the water can sometimes adopt the same colour. Last week it certainly did.

I had some reservations about getting in. Not just because of the water colour, but also because I recently read reports that Sidmouth, which boasts a Blue Flag Beach, is also one of the 10 worst performers for hours of sewage discharges.

However, after a good sweaty walk over the cliffs and down into town, I shrugged off my concerns and, taking confidence from the other bathers already enjoying the waters, I headed in to the surf.

It was worth it.

Bright red and yellow buckets mark the rocky breakwaters that create and protect the pebble beaches abutting the town’s seafront. Topped with gull protection crowns (I’m not sure that’s the official term, but I like how it sounds), they have a regal appearance, which seems appropriate for a town that has a notable historical royal heritage.

Swimming out and then looking back inland, I see the brown waves rolling in, the beach itself busy with swimmers and optimistic sunbathers, and Sidmouth’s popular Esplanade bustling with locals and tourists enjoying the stylish cafes, restaurants, shops and an abundance of sweet shops...

Look east and west and I’m treated to a spectacular view of those red Jurassic cliffs, and I feel excited to be somewhere so beautiful… and outside my comfort zone.

Interesting fact: Sidmouth is famous for its folk music festival, which is celebrated in August each year and has been running since 1955. I’m sorry to say that I have never been to it … but hopefully one day I’ll step into that unknown too!