Pitstone Quarry

Pitstone Quarry is a geological site near Tring where rock and earth layers from the Pleistocene ice ages are clearly visible. The exposed sections within College Lake nature reserve show how climate changes shaped the land over tens of thousands of years.

The quarry began as an extraction site in the 20th century but revealed layers of deposits spanning tens of thousands of years. Today it serves as a record of ice age climates and landscape changes.

The quarry restoration project incorporates community input to transform the space into a beneficial area for local residents and nature conservation.

The site sits within College Lake nature reserve and can be reached from Upper Icknield Way. Some geological sections are kept restricted to protect ongoing scientific study and preserve delicate deposits.

Hippopotamus fossils were discovered here from a warm period approximately 125,000 years ago. These remains show that the land once had a tropical climate and supported animals very different from today.

GPS coordinates: 51.82089,-0.64703

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08