GEOLOGICAL NOTES

Geological SSSIs get a facelift

Suffolk has a wealth of geological heritage with more than 30 sites notified as SSSI for their geological interest. However, a number of these geological SSSIs are in ‘unfavourable condition’. For these sites to be in ‘favourable condition’ an easily accessible representative exposure must be available on the site. A common problem for earth heritage sites is scrub invasion, which obscures the geological exposures of interest. Other problems include the dumping of rubbish, erosion of the exposures and damage from tree roots and animals disturbing the sediments. As part of English Nature’s target to move sites into favourable condition a scheme called Facelift offers funds for positive management works to be carried out to get these sites back into favourable condition. Over the past two years English Nature has been working, through the Facelift Project, with landowners, a local contractor and members of the Suffolk RIGS group to undertake positive management on several geological SSSIs on the coast.
Sites that have benefited include Rockhall Wood Pit Sutton. Cleared face, Richmond Farm Pit, Photo: Emma Coombs Richmond Farm Pit, Neutral Farm Pit, Chillesford Church Pit and Aldeburgh Brick Pit. (All of these sites are privately owned so access permission must be obtained from the owners.)
The work has mainly involved clearing vegetation and scrub, and in some cases machinery has been used to create new exposures. English Nature is delighted with the results, and these sites will be used for future geological study. The field meeting led by Bob Markham on 14 June visited several of these SSSIs in the Orford area.
Emma Coombs,
Assistant Conservation Officer, English Nature, Suffolk Team. Direct Dial:01284 731484

Dates of Geology Field Meetings

Saturday 23rd August COVEHITHE
Note change of locality to be visited. Meeting time and place are unchanged (see White Admiral no.54)

Saturday 6th September LARKVALLEY
Meet at Ramparts Field Picnic Site (TL 788715), just off the A1101, at 10.30 a.m. We shall drive on from there. Bring packed lunch and wear stout footwear. Sites to be visited will be decided nearer the date.

Saturday and Sunday 28th September NEWMARKET ROCK & GEM SHOW
At Newmarket Racecourse, 10a.m. – 5p.m. both days.
Admission: Adults £2.50, Concessions.
Note: this is a commercial show, not an SNS event.

Saturday 18th October OTLEY AND DEBENHAM
Field meeting to study small incised valleys known as Suffolk Gulls.
Meet at Otley Agricultural College car park (opposite reception), TM 199541, just off the B1078, at 10.30a.m. We shall drive on from there.
Bring packed lunch and stout footwear (Otley) and Wellington boots (Debenham)

Bob Markham
for further information, telephone 01394 38452