Scandal Beck, Brunt Hill

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 54.4165, -2.3984

Condition (Natural England)

Favourable (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
NY742024 Favourable 0.05 2023-08-21

Climate exposure

This is about exposure to a nationwide pressure this habitat type carries — not a verdict on this site's own management.

Peatland

Peat habitats store centuries of carbon and depend on a stable, waterlogged water table. Warmer, drier summers dry out peat, making it far more vulnerable to wildfire and to carbon release — a pressure that can undo years of restoration work regardless of how well the site is otherwise managed.

Geology & landscape

Geological Period: Quaternary

Landscape processes: Fluvial, Glacial, Peatland / Mire

Description

Area,.038 ha.096 ac Description Scandal Beck at Brunt Hill lies two kilometres south east of the village of Ravenstonedale. The exposure along the beck is important for Quaternary studies in Northern England. The sequence of deposits comprises: 1. till; 2. a series of fluvial sands, silts and clays containing organic lenses and peat layers that probably date from the Ipswichian interglacial; 3. till. The exposure at Scandal Beck is unique in Northern England and provides key evidence for interpreting late Quaternary stratigraphy.