Kensworth Chalk Pit

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 51.8663, -0.5178

Condition (Natural England)

Favourable (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
TL021196 Favourable 130.91 2011-08-18

Geology & landscape

Geological Feature: Rock Outcrop · Mining / Industrial: Quarry · Geological Period: Cretaceous · Rock Type: Chalk

Description

Area, 131.33 hectares 324.52 ac Description This site provides the best Chalk Rock exposure in central England, a distinct band which forms a marker horizon in the late Cretaceous Period. The top surface of the Chalk Rock is extremely fossiliferous and has yielded many well preserved and rare specimens including ammonites. The large quarry exposes much of the Turonian stage and the base of the overlying Coniacian stage. The extent of the exposure here makes this an unrivalled locality for stratigraphic studies in the Upper Cretaceous.