Broom Gravel Pits

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 50.8136, -2.9578

Condition (Natural England)

Unfavourable Declining (2)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
ST326019 Unfavourable Declining 1.21 2023-01-17
ST327023 Unfavourable Declining 0.33 2023-01-17

Geology & landscape

Geological Period: Quaternary

Description

Area, 1.6 hectares 3.9 ac Description Broom Gravel Pit's are sites of the highest importance for Pleistocene studies. They provide critical sections in the terrace gravels of the Axe Valley which has long been famous for its Pleistocene geomorphological and archaeological interests relating to the Hoxnian and Wolstonian periods. Not only are the pits of geomorphological significance for representative sections in the gravel deposits, but they also provide unique evidence for environmental conditions during part of the Middle Pleistocene period in South West England. Broom Gravel Pit's are therefore key reference sites in a classic area for Pleistocene studies.