Hamstead Marshall Pit

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 51.3940, -1.4060

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Also within

Berkshire County North Wessex Downs Scenic Area

Condition (Natural England)

Unfavourable Recovering (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
SU414662 — Unfavourable Recovering 0.21 2013-04-12

Geology & landscape

Landscape processes: Fluvial

Description

Area, 0.206 hectares 0.509 ac Description This pit is the best available exposure of the Hamstead Marshall Terrace of the Kennet, formerly known as the Silchester Stage. A very well developed feature, this terrace clearly marks an important phase of fluvial development, and controversy over its relationship to the Thames Terraces and the presence or absence of Palaeolithic implements in the deposits makes this exposure of high importance.