Alderton Hill Quarry
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
|
The location - Alderton Hill | |
  Shown within Gloucestershire | |
| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | SP006345 |
| Coordinates | 52°00′34″N 1°59′31″W / 52.009382°N 1.991941°WCoordinates: 52°00′34″N 1°59′31″W / 52.009382°N 1.991941°W |
| Interest | Geological |
| Area | 0.34 hectare |
| Notification | 1997 |
| Natural England website | |
Alderton Hill Quarry (grid reference SP006345) is a 0.34-hectare (0.84-acre) geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Gloucestershire, notified in 1997. It is a Geological Conservation Review (GCR) site.[1]
Location and geology
The site is located on Alderton Hill to the south west of Dumbleton Wood, approximately 2 kilometres south west of Dumbleton village which is in north Gloucestershire.[1]
The site is a significant location for research because of its well preserved Lower Jurassic insect fauna. There is a range of publications which detail the findings on this site, which include fossil insects. Particular findings are specimens of dragonflies, Gomphites and a large cockroach. Fish remains have been found, and well preserved cephalopods.[1]
The discoveries are usually more complete than those from comparable localities. This is an important paleoentomological locality for research into the anatomy and evolution of early insect faunas.[1]
The site is located in hedges which are species-rich. They include Ash, Oak, Holly, Hawthorn, Hazel and Spindle. The Common Blue butterfly is recorded.[1]
References
SSSI Source
- Natural England SSSI information on the citation
- Natural England SSSI information on the Alderton Hill Quarry unit
External links
- Natural England (SSSI information)