Lenham Quarry facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 4.0 hectares (9.9 acres) |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Lenham Quarry is a special place in Kent, England. It's known for its amazing geology, which is the study of Earth's rocks and history. This quarry is officially called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected because it has important natural features.
Lenham Quarry: A Peek into Earth's Past
Lenham Quarry is located east of Lenham village in Kent. It covers about 4 hectares, which is roughly the size of four rugby fields. This site is very important for understanding Earth's history. It's also recognized as a Geological Conservation Review site. This means it's one of the best places in Britain to study certain geological features.
What Makes Lenham Quarry So Special?
The main reason Lenham Quarry is so important is its fossils. Scientists have found many fossils of sea creatures here. These fossils include:
- Gastropods: These are like ancient snails.
- Bivalves: These are similar to clams or mussels.
- Serpulid worms: These worms lived in tubes attached to rocks.
These fossils tell us that the rocks at Lenham Quarry formed during a time called the Pliocene period. This period was about 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago! It's rare to find places in Britain where rocks from this specific time are visible. This makes Lenham Quarry a unique window into Earth's ancient past. It helps scientists learn about what the environment was like millions of years ago.
Visiting Lenham Quarry
You can visit Lenham Quarry to see this amazing geological site for yourself. There is access to the site from a road called Hubbards Hill. It's a great place to learn about fossils and the history of our planet.
