Barrington Pit
Also within
Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL383491 | — | Unfavourable No Change | 3.75 | 2022-03-30 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Quaternary
Description
Area, 3.7 hectares 9.0 ac Description This is a site of national importance for its vertebrate fauna. Barrington Pit is one of the richest and most important mammal localities in the British Isles most finds having been made around the turn of the century. The deposits in which mammal fauna have been found date from the Pleistocene Period of the Quaternary. Fifteen species are represented including hippopotamus, extinct rhino, extinct straight tusked elephant, various deer, aurochs, bison, lion and spotted hyaena. Pollen analyses from sediment adhering to museum specimens indicates an Ipswichian Interglacial age Subzone Ip llb but a modern study of the deposits in situ is badly needed.