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Grid Reference: TR213622

Chislet Colliery represents a unique resource for research that could lead to a more complete understanding of Carboniferous palaeogeography and environment to be developed.

The site comprises the remains of the spoil tip of the colliery that opened in World War I and closed around 1969. The spoil tip is composed of Carboniferous sedimentary rock from about 312 Ma, associated mainly with the Kent No. 7 (Chislet No. 5) seam. 
Chislet is one of only four coalfield sites in Kent. With the closure of the mines no further spoil is being produced. The original spoil heap has been depleted by reclamation but residual deposits are believed to remain in the area.

A 1978 survey found fossil plants, low diversity compression flora and some delicate preservation including clubmosses, ferns, horsetails and gymnosperms. There were leaves, often encrusted with annelid (polychaete worm) tubes of Spirorbis cf. Pusillus. 
This was unusual as living Spirorbis is a marine creature but coal measure occurrence is considered to be an indication of freshwater habitat. Other rare animals included terrestrial arthropods (insect, spider s.l. scorpion). The main lithology was grey shaley mudstone with plant fossils and coarser lithologies in palaeochannel sediments.

In 2003, planning permission was granted for part of the site to be developed as a Business Park and another area was designated a SNCI.

Access And Safety

There is no public access to this site which is an Industrial redevelopment site (part), and wildlife conservation area (part).

 

RIGS in Kent

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(Regionally Important Geological Sites) 

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

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SSSI’s in Kent 

sssi(Sites of Special Scientific Interest) 

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

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