St. Dunstan's Well Catchment facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°13′33″N 2°28′36″W / 51.2257°N 2.4768°W |
| Interest | Biological and Geological |
| Area | 39.8 hectares (0.398 km2; 0.154 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1967 |
St. Dunstan's Well Catchment is a special natural area in Somerset, England. It is located near Stoke St Michael in the Mendip Hills. This important place covers about 39.8 hectares (98 acres). It was first recognized as a special site in 1967. The area is important for both its unique rocks and its amazing wildlife.
This site is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it is protected because of its rare plants, animals, or geological features. St. Dunstan's Well Catchment was once called Stoke St Michael Slocker. It includes nine SSSI units made of rock and special grassy areas.
Contents
Exploring St. Dunstan's Caves
St. Dunstan's Well Catchment is home to a very important and well-known cave system. These caves are truly amazing to see. They have many beautiful decorations inside. In total, the mapped passages stretch for about 4 miles (6.4 km).
How the Caves Were Formed
The caves at Fairy Cave Quarry were mostly shaped by water. This water flowed under the ground with a lot of pressure. This process is called 'phreatic' development. Over time, the water level dropped. Now, many parts of the caves are above the water.
Amazing Cave Formations
The caves are filled with many different types of formations. You can see stalagmites, which grow up from the cave floor. There are also stalactites, which hang down from the ceiling. You might also spot beautiful calcite curtains. These formations are some of the best in Britain. They are very large and well-preserved.
Shatter Cave and Withyhill Cave
Among these, Shatter Cave and Withyhill Cave are especially famous. Many people think they are some of the most beautifully decorated caves in Britain. They have a huge amount of pure white and clear calcite deposits. These deposits make the caves look truly magical.
Wildlife at St. Dunstan's Well
This special area is also important for its wildlife. It has a rare type of grassland. This grassland is found in the field east of Stoke Lane Quarry. It is called Sheep's-fescue-Meadow Oat-grass type. This means it has many different kinds of plants that are not often seen elsewhere.
Bats Living in the Caves
The cave system is a safe home for several types of bats. Small numbers of greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) live here. You can also find lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros). Another bat species, the Natterer's bat (Myotis nattereri), also hibernates in these caves. These bats use the caves to sleep through the winter.
