Thornsgill Beck, Mosedale Beck and Wolf Crags

Site of Special Scientific Interest · 54.5983, -2.9977

Condition (Natural England)

Favourable (4) Unfavourable Declining (1)
UnitFeatureConditionArea (ha)Assessed
NY355238 Favourable 16.14 2021-11-10
NY356226 Favourable 69.92 2021-11-10
NY357242 Favourable 11.62 2021-11-10
NY381242 Unfavourable Declining 0.13 2022-11-24
NY381244 Favourable 0.13 2021-11-10

Geology & landscape

Geological Feature: Moraine · Geological Period: Quaternary

Landscape processes: Glacial

Description

Description Thornsgill Beck, Mosedale Beck and Wolf Crags are situated approximately 10 kilometres east of Keswick, south of the A66 and west of the A5091, on the northern side of Threlkeld common. The area is a key locality for Quaternary studies in north west England. Sections show strongly weathered pre Devensian till overlain by Late Devensian till. These deposits, together with a Loch Lomond Stadial moraine at Wolf Crags and meltwater deposits in Mosedale, provide an exceptional geomorphological and sedimentary record in this part of the country. The weathered tills are particularly significant in providing the clearest evidence available of pre Devensian glaciation in north west England. They are of considerable pedological interest and their survival raises implications for the timing and efficacy of glacial erosion.