Dale Quarry
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Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SK283540 | — | Unfavourable Declining | 2.06 | 2012-12-06 |
| SK283541 | — | Unfavourable Declining | 2.06 | 2012-12-06 |
Geology & landscape
Mining / Industrial: Quarry · Geological Period: Carboniferous · Rock Type: Limestone
Description
Description Dale Quarry is a disused quarry on the western edge of Wirksworth in Derbyshire. It adjoins the working Middle Peak Quarry to the north. Dale Quarry shows important exposures of the Matlock and Cawdor Formations, belonging to the Brigantian Stage of the Lower Carboniferous, Dinantian Series. The lithological development of these formations contrasts with the massive bedded limestones developed further to the west; at Dale Quarry the Matlock and Cawdor Formations contain a greater proportion of thin bedded dark limestone and shaky limestones. This change reflects a passage from the shallow shelf seas of the 'Derbyshire Block' into deeper water, shelf edge sediments marginal to a deep basinal area. This environmental change is also reflected in a distinct fauna consisting typically of spare productid and small rhynchonellid brachiopods, with rare zaphrentid corals. These features make Dale Quarry a key site for understanding Lower Carboniferous palaeogeography and sedimentation patterns.