Shelve Church Section

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 52.5850, -2.9806

Condition (Natural England)

Favourable (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
SO336990 Favourable 0.25 2016-11-08

Geology & landscape

Geological Period: Ordovician

Description

Description This is a famous exposure of the Mytton Flags, of Lower Ordovician age. During this period of geological history, this area lay on the eastern edge of a deep ocean basin occupying most of Wales, whilst shallower ‘shelf’ seas extended eastwards over the Midlands. Fossil organisms characteristic of both deep and shallow marine environments can be found at this locality enabling detailed comparisons to be made between the two areas. These outcrops contain a more prolific mixed graptolite, trilobite and brachiopod fauna than can be found at any other comparable Shropshire site.