Green Lane Pits
Also within
Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SK165625 | — | Favourable | 6.57 | 2008-03-28 |
| SK166623 | — | Favourable | 6.57 | 2008-03-28 |
Geology & landscape
Mining / Industrial: Quarry · Geological Period: Carboniferous · Rock Type: Carboniferous Limestone, Limestone
Description
Area, 8.42 ha. 20.8 ac. Description The site covers the disused sand pits which lie both north and south of Green Lane. Sand has been excavated from large, sand filled, natural depressions which have developed on the surface of the Carboniferous Limestone in this part of Derbyshire. This site contains some of the largest of these features which are unique to Derbyshire and are believed to have resulted from solution and collapse of the limestone surface some 5 million years ago, followed by infill by sands which already existed in the vicinity. Quarrying has exposed the original sides of the limestone depressions and so the morphology of their walls can be studied. This is a very important site for the study of these preglacial limestone landforms. The flora and fauna that has colonised the pits is of interest for its contrast with the improved limestone plateau that surrounds them.