Hillcollins Pit facts for kids
Hillcollins Pit, also called Furneux Pelham Gravel Pit, is a very special place in Hertfordshire, England. It's a small area, about the size of half a football field (0.2 hectares), that has been officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected because of its unique geology, which helps scientists learn about Earth's history. Experts identified it as nationally important in 1988 during a study called the Geological Conservation Review.
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What Makes Hillcollins Pit Special?
This site used to be a gravel pit, where people dug up gravel from the ground. Now it's no longer used, but it's still very important! It shows us something amazing: layers of rock and soil called the Westland Green Gravels. These gravels were left behind by an ancient version of the River Thames a very long time ago.
The Ancient River Thames
Imagine the River Thames, which flows through London today. Millions of years ago, it followed a completely different path! Between 1.6 and 1.8 million years ago, this "ancestral" River Thames flowed from Oxford all the way through an area called the Goring Gap and then continued towards Norwich. The Westland Green Gravels at Hillcollins Pit are like clues that show us exactly where this ancient river once flowed.
A "Type Site" for Geologists
The original place where scientists first studied the Westland Green Gravels has now been completely changed and can't be studied anymore. Because of this, Hillcollins Pit has become known as the type site for these gravels. This means it's the main and most important place where scientists can study them. It's super important for helping us figure out how the geography of southern Britain has changed over millions of years!
How to Find Hillcollins Pit
If you're interested in visiting this historic site, you can find it near Furneux Pelham. There's a track that leads to the site, located between Furneux Pelham and Gravesend.
