Wivenhoe Gravel Pit
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TM050235 | — | Unfavourable Declining | 1.02 | 2022-03-30 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Quaternary
Landscape processes: Glacial
Description
Description Localised exposures in this part of the Wivenhoe gravel workings reveal organic sediments of interglacial origin interbedded with early Thames gravels. The gravels comprise the Wivenhoe Gravel Member of the Kesgrave Sands and Gravels formation, the pit representing the type site of this unit. The interglacial sediments contain well preserved pollen, plant macro fossils and beetle remains. They appear to represent a temperate interval closely pre dating the Anglian Glacial Stage, when the most extensive ice development in Britain took place, diverting the Thames and causing major changes in the geomorphology of south eastern England. Interglacial sediments such as these provide the main evidence for dating the various early Thames gravel aggradations. The sediments at Wivenhoe have great scientific potential for improving the record from this part of the Pleistocene in Britain and for providing valuable correlation with the much better established continental sequence, particularly that in the Netherlands.