Wern Ddu Claypits
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Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Carboniferous
Description
Description This site shows a condensed sequence of lower and middle Westphalian (Carboniferous) strata, and clearly demonstrates the eastwards thinning of these strata as the palaeo-coastline is approached. Abundant fossil faunas and floras occur throughout the sequence, allowing detailed correlation with the more thickly developed sequences in the central part of the basin. The rocks here are also amongst the few in South Wales to have yielded an assemblage of Westphalian spores, which have proved important for correlating these sections with those in other coalfields. It is one of the most important sites for helping understand the Westphalian geological history of the southern province of Britain. The site also supports an interesting range of plant and animal species that have colonised the old workings in the period since the cessation of commercial operations.