Stert Brook Exposure

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 51.3240, -1.9776

Also within

Wiltshire County

Condition (Natural England)

Favourable (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
SU016582 Favourable 0.39 2024-03-13

Geology & landscape

Geological Period: Jurassic · Rock Type: Greensand

Description

Description This locality shows the most complete section in the Vale of Pewsey of the Portland Beds, of late Jurassic age. The section extends from basal glauconitic micrites identical to those of the Swindon area, through the lime mudstones and ooid grainstones similar to those on the Vale of Wardour, all overlain by Lower Greensand. This section shows a unique combination of north Wiltshire Oxfordshire and south Wiltshire rock types, parts of the succession having a prolific molluscan fauna. This is an important site in the analysis of facies and ancient environments represented in the late Jurassic marine rocks of the Wessex Basin.