Fairy Holes Cave facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fairy Holes Cave |
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 Fairy Holes Cave
Location in County Durham
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| Location | Wear Valley, North East, England |
| Area | 208.8 ha (516 acres) |
| Established | 1961 |
| Governing body | Natural England |
| Website | Map of site |
Fairy Holes Cave is a very special place located in the Wear Valley area of west County Durham, England. You can find it on the western side of Snowhope Moor, next to a stream called Westernhope Burn. It's about 3 kilometers southwest of the village of Eastgate. This cave is so important that it's been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest, often called an SSSI.
Discovering Fairy Holes Cave
Fairy Holes Cave is not just any cave; it's the longest known underground stream passage in the Yoredale Limestone rock of the North Pennines. Think of it as a long, hidden river flowing through ancient stone! It's also the best example of this type of cave in the area.
What Makes This Cave Special?
The cave is part of the "Yoredale Series," which is a group of rock layers found in the North Pennines. These layers include different kinds of rock, but the limestone parts are where caves like Fairy Holes often form. Water slowly dissolves the limestone over thousands of years, creating amazing tunnels and chambers.
The cave's long stream passage makes it very unique. It shows how water shapes the land deep underground. Scientists study places like this to understand how our planet has changed over time.
Protecting Our Natural Wonders
Because Fairy Holes Cave is so important, it's listed by the Geological Conservation Review. This means experts agree it's a nationally important site for geology. Being an SSSI means the cave and the land around it are protected by law. This helps make sure these natural treasures are safe for future generations to learn about and enjoy. Natural England is the group that helps manage and protect this special area.
