Bilsey Hill facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 3.0 hectares (7.4 acres) |
| Notification | 1992 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Bilsey Hill is a special place in Norfolk, England. It covers about 3 hectares (7.4 acres) of land. This area is very important for understanding Earth's history. It is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its unique geological features. Bilsey Hill is also part of the beautiful Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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What Makes Bilsey Hill Special?
Bilsey Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it is a protected area. It has special plants, animals, or geological features. For Bilsey Hill, its importance comes from its geology. It is also a Geological Conservation Review site. This means it is one of the best places in Britain to study rocks and landforms.
A Window into the Ice Age
At Bilsey Hill, there is a deep section of earth that is about 20 meters (66 feet) deep. This section is like a giant history book. It shows layers of rock and soil from the Pleistocene period. The Pleistocene was a time when huge ice sheets, or glaciers, covered much of the Earth. This period is often called the Ice Age.
Clues from Ancient Ice
The layers at Bilsey Hill show what happened when the ice sheets melted. You can see different types of material there. These include glacial till, which is a mix of clay, sand, and rocks left behind by glaciers. There are also layers of sand and gravel. These were carried and dropped by the meltwater from the ice sheets. Studying these layers helps scientists understand how glaciers moved and changed the landscape long ago.
Visiting Bilsey Hill
Bilsey Hill is on private land. This means there is no public access to the site. Even though you cannot visit it directly, its scientific importance helps us learn more about our planet's past.
