Compton Martin Ochre Mine facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
The site of Compton Martin Ochre Mine
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| Area of Search | Avon |
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| Coordinates | 51°18′24″N 2°39′25″W / 51.3067°N 2.6570°W |
| Interest | Geological and Biological |
| Area | 2.1 acres (0.0085 km2; 0.0033 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1988 |
The Compton Martin Ochre Mine is a very special place in Somerset, England. It covers about 0.85 hectare (which is about two football fields). This site is important for two main reasons: its unique geology (the rocks and how they formed) and its biology (the animals that live there).
It was officially named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1988. This means it's a protected area because it has rare or important natural features. The mine is located on the north side of the Mendip Hills, close to the village of Compton Martin.
Contents
What Makes the Geology Special?
This mine is a Geological Conservation Review site. This means it's a top spot for studying Earth's history. The site has many tunnels and open areas near Compton Wood.
Ancient Red Rocks
Inside the mine, you can see layers of a special rock called iron ore. This iron ore is also known as red ochre. It's a type of hematitic rock, which means it's rich in iron.
These rocks formed a very long time ago, about 220 million years ago. This was during a period called the Triassic time. Back then, the Mendip area was a hot desert!
How Red Ochre Formed
The red ochre formed in a unique way. It was deposited underwater in layers. Imagine a temporary lake or pond in the middle of that ancient desert. This lake was fed by hot springs. These springs brought up tiny bits of iron oxide, which settled down as layers. Over millions of years, these layers became the red ochre we see today.
Red ochre is a natural mineral made of iron oxide. People used it a lot in the past to make paint. It's thought that a company called Mendi Oxide & Ochre Co. Ltd., from Wick, owned this mine.
Why is it Important for Animals?
The Compton Martin Ochre Mine is also a crucial place for wildlife. It's especially important for bats.
Home to Rare Bats
The mine tunnels are a perfect place for Greater Horseshoe Bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) to hibernate during the cold winter months. These bats are quite rare and are considered an endangered species.
Because they are so important, Greater Horseshoe Bats are protected by law. They are listed under the Wildlife and Countryryside Act 1981 in the UK. They are also protected by the 1992 European Community Habitats Directive, which is a European law.
Part of a Bigger Bat Habitat
This mine, along with the Combe Down and Bathampton Down Mines, is a key part of a larger protected area. This area is known as the ‘Bath and Bradford-on-Avon Bats’ candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). This means it's a very important network of sites for these special bats.
