New camera cradle empowers community scientists in Sidmouth

A new 'CoastSnap' camera cradle installed facing cliffs in Sidmouth will help scientists keep an eye on the rate of erosion, with the help of local amateur photographers.

The next time you are walking along Sidmouth Esplanade, be sure to look out for the newly installed CoastSnap cradle overlooking the cliffs to the East of the esplanade.

By putting your smartphone in the cradle, taking a photo and submitting it using the instructions, you will become part of a region wide community science programme.

With enough images submitted, CoastSnap can help identify the rate of change occurring along the cliff frontage.

The Sidmouth CoastSnap project is in partnership with East Devon District Council, the Environment Agency and East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership to help monitor the erosion of the east cliffs as part of a wider coastal monitoring programme in the south west.

The CoastSnap southwest programme now has eight installations, with more to come, around the coast of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, for more information on the project, please visit the programme's website.