join our Facebook group
Photo Gallery >>
Snowdown Colliery Tip PDF Print
Snowdown Colliery Tip Show Snowdown Colliery Tip on the Map >>

Grid Reference: TR249508

This RIGS is the spoil tip of colliery that opened in 1909 and closed in 1987. The tip is composed of Carboniferous sedimentary rock, around 310-305 Ma, that is associated with Kent No. 1 (Beresford) and No. 6 (Millyard) seams. A central depression was caused by recent extraction for Channel Tunnel construction.

The scientific study of Carboniferous rocks and fossils, an endangered system in Kent, is important to our understanding of the changing climate and habitat. Shallow excavation is needed to expose fossiliferous shale/mudstone.

Fossil plants found at the site include arboreal clubmosses (Lepidodendron, Sigillaria), horsetails (Calamites, Sphenophyllum), ferns, including Pteridosperm, foliage, seeds and stems, rare Cordaites (Mudstone) and charcoal (Shale).

Fossil animals found include rare Arthropods both terrestrial and freshwater.

Access And Safety

Snowdown Colliery is private land; permission for access must be obtained from the Coal Authority.

 

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 >>