Tilton Cutting facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Leicestershire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 4.4 hectares (11 acres) |
| Notification | 1983 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Tilton Cutting is a special place in Leicestershire, England. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing geology. This means it's protected for its unique rocks and fossils. The site covers about 4.4 hectares, which is like the size of eight football fields! It's managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, who help keep it safe and healthy.
This area is super important for scientists. It shows us rocks from the Lower Jurassic period, which was about 180 million years ago! Imagine how old that is. You can find many fossils here, including a special type of ammonite called Tiltoniceras acutum. Ammonites were ancient sea creatures with spiral shells. This site also has lots of different plants and birds.
Contents
What is Tilton Cutting?
Tilton Cutting is a place where the land was cut away, probably for a railway line, to reveal the rocks underneath. This "cut" acts like a window into Earth's past. It lets us see layers of rock that tell a story about what the world was like millions of years ago.
Why is Tilton Cutting Special?
This site is considered the best place in the East Midlands region to see rocks from the Lower Jurassic period. It's like a giant history book made of stone!
Discovering Ancient Life: Fossils
One of the most exciting things about Tilton Cutting is the number of fossils you can find. Fossils are the remains or traces of ancient plants and animals. Here, you can find many different kinds, including the famous Tiltoniceras acutum. This specific ammonite is very important because it helps scientists figure out the exact age of the rocks.
A Home for Wildlife: Plants and Birds
Beyond its ancient history, Tilton Cutting is also a vibrant home for modern wildlife. It has many different types of plants, making it a rich habitat. You can also spot various common birds here, enjoying the natural environment.
Visiting Tilton Cutting
You can visit Tilton Cutting! There is access to the site from the main road that goes from Tilton on the Hill to Oakham. It's a great place to explore nature and learn about Earth's history.
