Short Gill Cave System
Also within
Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SD667845 | — | Favourable | 3.66 | 2021-05-17 |
| SD668844 | — | Favourable | 17.0 | 2022-01-10 |
| SD669850 | — | Favourable | 1.73 | 2022-01-10 |
| SD670849 | — | Favourable | 12.97 | 2022-01-10 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Feature: Cave / Cavern, Geological Fault · Rock Type: Limestone, Shale
Landscape processes: Karst
Description
Area, 35.7 hectares 88.2 ac Description Short Gill Cave System is situated in Barbondale, midway between Dent and Barbon. The site is centred around Short Gill on the lower slopes of Barbon High Fell. The caves of the Dent Fault Zone are unique in Britain, as they are the only ones formed in vertical limestones. Short Gill lies in the heart of this zone. Movements along the Dent Faultsome 250 million years ago caused the slates on its western side to be brought directly into contact with limestones on its eastern side and furthermore caused the limestone beds to be dragged upwards into a vertical position along the fault plane. More recently, caves have been formed in the upturned limestone beds following, to a remarkable degree, the vertical bedding plane and shale band weaknesses of this unusual structure. Short Gill is the best single example. The length of the caves which have been produced is restricted by the abrupt edge of the limestone at the fault in Barbondale; nonetheless, the caves show great diversity and clear structural control. Earlier formed high level caves, now dry, contain washed in sediments and calcite formation which may illuminate the recent geological history of this key area between the Pennines and the Lake District.