Tipalt Burn

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 54.9995, -2.5159

Condition (Natural England)

Favourable (7)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
NY661662 Favourable 1.24 2011-11-01
NY663665 Favourable 4.77 2011-08-22
NY665673 Favourable 8.89 2011-08-04
NY672677 Favourable 5.39 2011-08-05
NY681680 Favourable 2.79 2011-08-05
NY684682 Favourable 0.74 2011-08-04
NY686682 Favourable 0.34 2011-08-04

Geology & landscape

Geological Period: Carboniferous

Description

Description Over some 2 miles of its course, the Tipalt Burn has exposed the local strata both in its bed and as adjacent crags and scars. The valley shows key sections in cyclic, late Lower Carboniferous marine rocks formed towards the southern edge of the Northumberland Trough. The sequence here consists of lower Brigantian aged Yoredale sediments and arguably, the best knoll reef development in the Yoredale sequences of northern England. The locality has a rich variety of both body and trace fossils, including cephalopod molluscs, echinoderms, bryozoans, corals and brachiopods. This is an important site for Dinantian facies and the interpretation of their fauna and palaeogeography. Other Information This site is identified as of national importance in the Geological Conservation Review. * Under Section 23 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949.