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Tilmanstone Colliery Tip PDF Print
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Grid Reference: TR287505

This RIGS is the spoil tip of colliery that opened in 1906-1913 and closed in 1985. The tip is composed of Carboniferous sedimentary rock, from around 310-305 Ma, associated with the Kent No. 1 (Beresford) and No.6 (Millyard) seams. The recording of the rocks and fossils in the spoil heap, now an endangered system in Kent, is important in our understanding of changes in climate and habitat.

Fossil plants found at the Tilmanstone Colliery Tip include:-

  • Clubmosses (tree): leaves (Lepidostrobophyllum frequent; Cyperites occasional), bark (Lepidodendron rare).
  • Horsetails: leaves (Annularia occasional, Sphenophyllum rare), stems (Calamitesrare)
  • Ferns s.l.: in concentrates with occasional Neuropteris and other seed ferns.
  • Gymnosperms: Cordaites present.
  • Unidentified plant fossis include rare fine rootlets.

Animals include freshwater mussels (Anthraconaia) in life assemblage; occasional cf.Euesteria-like conchostracans (Spinicaudatan clam shrimps); rare insects ( e.g. Mylacridcockroach) and fish (egg cases of shark in Palaeoxyris carbonaria group), plus unidentified arthropod.

Access And Safety

This site is an active quarry and all visits have to be properly controlled. Contact the Works Manager well in advance to make the necessary arrangements. Visitors will need to be properly inducted (advised of the potential hazards) and properly equipped (with boots, helmets, high-visibility clothing etc.).
 

RIGS in Kent

rigs

(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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