Dalham Farm facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 8.8 hectares (22 acres) |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Dalham Farm is a special place in High Halstow, Kent, England. It covers about 8.8 hectares (22 acres) and is known for its unique geology. This farm is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it's very important for studying how the Earth's surface changes.
It is also a Geological Conservation Review site. This means it's one of the best places in Britain to see certain geological features. Scientists visit Dalham Farm to learn more about how land moves and changes over time.
Contents
What Makes Dalham Farm Special?
Dalham Farm is famous for showing something called mass movement. This is when large amounts of rock and soil slowly slide down a hill. At Dalham Farm, this happens on a gentle slope of about 8%. This slope is made of a type of ground called London Clay.
Understanding Moving Earth
When you look across the farm, you can see ridges in the ground. These ridges are proof of the slow movement of the soil and clay. It's like the land is slowly creeping downhill, creating these wavy patterns.
Why is This Movement Important?
Scientists believe that Dalham Farm might have the gentlest slope in Britain where this kind of ground movement happens. It's like a very slow landslide on a nearly flat surface! This makes it a unique place to study.
The farm helps scientists understand how hillsides wear down over time. This process is called slope degradation. What's really interesting is that this is happening at Dalham Farm even though there's no coastal erosion. Usually, land movement like this is seen near coastlines where the sea washes away the land. But here, it's happening inland, which provides important clues for geologists.
Visiting Dalham Farm
If you want to see this interesting geological site, a public footpath crosses the farm. This allows visitors to observe the unique landscape and learn about the slow, powerful forces that shape our Earth.
