Elmstead Pit facts for kids

Elmstead Pit is a very special place in Elmstead, located in the London Borough of Bromley. It's known as a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short. This means it's a protected area because of its important rocks and fossils.

This small site, which is only about 0.05 hectares (that's about half the size of a football field's penalty box!), was once called Rock Pits. It's also recognized as a Geological Conservation Review (GCR) site, highlighting its national importance for understanding Earth's history.

A Glimpse into Earth's Ancient Past

Elmstead Pit is like a window into the past, showing us rock layers that formed around 50 million years ago. These layers are part of what scientists call the Oldhaven or Blackheath Beds. They were created during a time known as the Eocene epoch, which was a very long time ago!

What Fossils Can We Find?

This site is famous for its amazing collection of fossils. These are the preserved remains or traces of ancient life. At Elmstead Pit, scientists have found many different types of fossils, including:

• Shells from molluscs (like snails and clams)
• Teeth from ancient sharks
• Scales from old fish

These fossils tell us that the area was once a sub-tidal estuarine environment. This means it was a shallow, salty area where a river met the sea, similar to a modern-day estuary.

Understanding Ancient Landscapes

The rocks and fossils at Elmstead Pit are very important for geologists. They help us understand how the land and sea changed in the London area during the Eocene epoch. By studying these features, scientists can piece together what the Earth looked like millions of years ago.

Visiting Elmstead Pit

Elmstead Pit is located right across from Elmstead Woods railway station. However, it's important to know that there is no public access to the site. This helps protect the delicate geological features and fossils for scientific study.