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Grid Reference: TQ688353

scotney castle_quarry-2Interest in this small quarry site is focussed on a rather poorly preserved dinosaur footprint (the only known inland dinosaur footprint in Kent) and on various sedimentary structures within the sandstones.

Sandstones of similar type with similar structures can be seen at the SSSI at Pembury but that is now badly overgrown.

The quarry is located in the grounds of the National Trust property at Scotney Castle with excellent access and potential for educational use. There are good exposures of parts of two cyclothems from the Tunbridge Wells Sandstone, channel fill and floodplain sequences with a variety of interesting sedimentary structures and trace fossils.

The quarry was created around 1845 to provide building stone for the New House, now abandoned. Dressed blocks of sandstone can be studied in the walls of the old castle and in the New House and these clearly illustrate sedimentary structures, trace fossils and interesting weathering features. The quarry forms one locality on the Children's Trail (Dinosaur footprints).

The grounds and ancient woodland also form part of a Biological SSSI.

Access And Safety

The quarry, which is located in the grounds of the National Trust property at Scotney Castle, has excellent access and parking. There are stepped paths through the outcrops at the old quarry.

 

RIGS in Kent

rigs

(Regionally Important Geological Sites) 

RIGS are geological sites that are important for historical, scientific research or educational reasons.

Important information about visiting RIGS >>

SSSI’s in Kent 

sssi(Sites of Special Scientific Interest) 

SSSIs give legal protection to the best sites for wildlife and geology in England. 

Important information about visiting SSSI's >>