Catton Grove Chalk Pit

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 52.6500, 1.2937

Also within

Norfolk County

Condition (Natural England)

Unfavourable Declining (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
TG228108 Unfavourable Declining 0.06 2022-11-14

Geology & landscape

Geological Period: Cretaceous · Rock Type: Chalk

Description

Area, 0.05 hectares 0.13 ac Description This site, in suburban Norwich, is the type locality for the Upper Chalk Cretaceous Catton Sponge Bed. This famous late Campanian rock unit represents an early diagenetic hardened level hard ground which has a well preserved fauna including important ammonites and many undescribed sponges. This seldom exposed horizon representing a hardened sea bed a rarity in the Chalk is an important marker band across East Anglia and is best seen at Catton.