Bognor Common Quarry facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 25.1 hectares (62 acres) |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Bognor Common Quarry is a special place in West Sussex, England. It's known for its amazing rocks and fossils. This site is officially called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It covers about 25.1 hectares, which is roughly the size of 35 football fields!
This area is important because it helps scientists learn about Earth's past. It's located east of Petworth and is a great spot to explore geology.
Contents
What Makes Bognor Common Quarry Special?
Bognor Common Quarry is a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI). This means it's a protected area. It has unique plants, animals, or, in this case, geology. The government protects these sites to keep them safe for future generations.
Why is it a Geological SSSI?
This quarry is special because it shows off some very old rocks. These rocks are part of the Lower Greensand Group. They are called the Hythe Beds. Geologists study these rocks to understand how our planet has changed over millions of years.
What are the Hythe Beds?
The Hythe Beds are layers of rock that formed a very long time ago. They are part of a bigger group of rocks called the Lower Greensand Group. These rocks were laid down during the Early Cretaceous period.
How Old Are These Rocks?
The rocks at Bognor Common Quarry are incredibly old! They formed between 146 and 100 million years ago. Imagine that – dinosaurs were roaming the Earth when these rocks were being created! Studying them helps us peek into that ancient world.
What is Fuller's Earth?
Scientists have found a special type of clay here called Fuller's earth. This clay is very absorbent. It was traditionally used to clean wool. It might have come from volcanoes that were active far to the south. Finding it here tells us more about the geological history of the area.
Can You Visit Bognor Common Quarry?
Yes, you can! Bognor Common Quarry is part of Bognor Common. This common land is open to the public. It's a great place to go for a walk and see some amazing geology up close. Remember to always respect the natural environment when you visit.
