Neithrop Fields Cutting

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 52.0738, -1.3613

Also within

Oxfordshire County

Condition (Natural England)

Unfavourable Recovering (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
SP438419 Unfavourable Recovering 1.44 2012-09-07

Geology & landscape

Geological Period: Jurassic · Rock Type: Ironstone

Description

Area, 1.5 hectares 3.8 ac Description An outstanding section in the Middle and Upper Lias including the best and most complete section through the ironstone of the Banbury Ironstone Field. The make up of the Middle Lias sediments below the ironstone illustrates the proximity of the Banbury area to the 'London landmass', an island which had a strong influence on geography and sedimentation through much of the Jurassic. Above the Marlstone iron ore development there is a section in Upper Lias clays including the ammonite rich 'Cephalopod Limestones'. A key palaeogeographic and stratigraphic locality.