Kirtlington Quarry, Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Kirtlington, England
Kirtlington Quarry is a nature reserve containing Middle Jurassic limestones and clays formed about 165 million years ago when this region lay beneath a tropical sea. The exposed rock layers hold many fossils of marine animals and reptiles from that distant geological period.
From 1907 to 1928, limestone and clay were extracted here for cement production. After mining ceased, the site transformed into a nature reserve and became an important location for geological research.
Researchers and fossil enthusiasts visit this location to examine remains from the Jurassic period that lie exposed in the walls. For visitors, walking through the quarry provides direct contact with layers of rock that show what Oxfordshire looked like millions of years ago.
Visitors should follow designated paths and observe safety guidelines, as the quarry walls can be steep and unstable. Wear sturdy footwear and take care on wet surfaces, as rain can make the ground slippery.
This location holds the richest collection of Middle Jurassic mammal fossils anywhere in the world. Paleontologists have discovered remains of early mammals that show how small creatures lived in a world dominated by large reptiles.
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