Hart Hill, Kent facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 1.4 hectares (3.5 acres) |
| Notification | 1992 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Hart Hill is a special natural area located north-west of Charing in Kent, England. It covers about 1.4 hectares (3.5 acres). This site is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its important geological features. It is also part of the Geological Conservation Review, which identifies the best places in Great Britain for studying Earth's history.
Contents
Why Hart Hill is Special
Hart Hill is very important for understanding Earth's past. It helps scientists learn about ancient environments. The site is famous for showing a special layer of rock called the Lenham Beds. These beds contain clues about what the area was like millions of years ago.
Uncovering Ancient History
The Lenham Beds at Hart Hill are like a time capsule. They contain fossils of sea creatures. These fossils help scientists figure out the age of the rocks. For a while, scientists had different ideas about how old these beds were.
Dating the Lenham Beds
Today, most scientists agree that the Lenham Beds formed during the Pliocene epoch. This was a time period that lasted from about 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago. They figured this out by studying the types of fossils found there. The beds contain marine bivalves, which are like clams and oysters. They also have gastropods, which are sea snails. These specific fossils tell us a lot about the ancient sea that once covered this area.
Visiting Hart Hill
While Hart Hill is a very important geological site, it is not open for public access. The land has been developed with buildings. However, you can still see some of the interesting geology from a nearby path. The Pilgrims' Way offers views of the site. This allows people to appreciate its scientific value even without direct access.
