Chantry Mill facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
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| Area of Search | West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 8.7 hectares (21 acres) |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Chantry Mill is a special natural area in Storrington, West Sussex. It covers about 8.7 hectares (that's like 12 football fields!). This site is super important because it helps us learn about Earth's ancient past. It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing geology.
Contents
Chantry Mill: A Window to the Past
Chantry Mill is a unique place where you can see Earth's history laid out in layers. It's one of the best spots to observe where two very old rock layers meet. These layers are called the Gault and Folkestone Beds. Scientists study them to understand what our planet was like millions of years ago.
Earth's Ancient Layers
The rock layers at Chantry Mill date back to a time called the Lower Cretaceous period. This was about 140 million years ago! Imagine dinosaurs roaming the Earth – that's how old these rocks are. The Gault and Folkestone Beds are like pages in a giant history book. They show us how the land and seas changed over vast periods of time.
The Gault Beds are made of clay. They formed at the bottom of a deep sea. The Folkestone Beds are mostly sandstone. They formed in shallower water, like a sandy seabed. Seeing where these two different types of rock meet at Chantry Mill is very rare and special. It tells us about big changes in the environment back then.
Why is it Protected?
Chantry Mill is protected for a few important reasons:
- Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): This means it's one of the best examples of a natural habitat or geological feature in the country. It's like a national treasure for nature and science.
- Geological Conservation Review site: This title means it's a key location for understanding the geology of Great Britain. Scientists visit these sites to do research and teach others about Earth's past.
Protecting Chantry Mill ensures that these valuable rock layers can be studied for many years to come. It also helps preserve the natural landscape around them.
Exploring Chantry Mill
If you want to visit, there's a public footpath that runs along the south-western edge of the site. This path allows you to see some of the natural beauty and imagine the ancient world these rocks reveal. Remember to always stick to the paths and respect the protected environment.
