Rock Edge Nature Reserve, Geological nature reserve in Headington, Oxford, England.
Description
Rock Edge Nature Reserve is a protected nature reserve in Headington, Oxford, with exposed coral formations and sandy layers from an ancient tropical reef system. The site displays clear geological layers that reveal millions of years of natural history recorded in stone and sediment.
History
The site began as Crossroads Pit, a limestone quarry worked for generations to extract stone for local building. It gained protected status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1972 when its geological importance was recognized.
Culture
The reserve functions as an educational center where students and researchers examine prehistoric marine life through discovered fossils.
Practical
Access to the reserve is through a winding trail that loops around the old quarry workings, making it easy to explore on foot. Visit during dry weather since the ground can become slippery after rain.
Did you know?
The exposed limestone formations contain remnants of marine creatures that inhabited this location when it was submerged under tropical waters.
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