Elmstead Pit

Elmstead Pit
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Area of Search Greater London
Grid reference TQ42327066
Interest Geological
Area 0.05 hectares
Notification 1985
Location map Magic Map

Elmstead Pit is a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Elmstead in the London Borough of Bromley. Formerly known as Rock Pits, it is a small area of 0.05 hectare.[1] It is a Geological Conservation Review site.[2]

The pit exposes an important layer of the Oldhaven or Blackheath Beds laid down about 50 million years ago during the Eocene epoch. It has a rich and diverse selection of fossil fauna from a sub-tidal estuarine environment. Fossils include molluscs, sharks' teeth and fish scales. The geological features help to explain the changes in the disposition of land and sea in the London area during the Eocene.[1]

The site is located opposite Elmstead Woods railway station, and there is no public access.[3][4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Elmstead Pit, Natural England citation
  2. ↑ "Elmstead Rock Pit, Chislehurst (Palaeogene)". Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  3. ↑ "Map of Elmstead Pit (SSSI)". Natural England.
  4. ↑ Elmstead, Hidden London

Coordinates: 51°25′02″N 0°02′43″E / 51.4171°N 0.0453°E / 51.4171; 0.0453

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