Geology Site Account

Site name: Buckingham Hill Sand Quarry

Grid reference: TQ 674809

Brief description of site:

Fine disused sand pit providing magnificent exposures of the Woolwich Beds.

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Summary of geological interest

The disused Buckingham Hill Pit, north-west of Waltons Hall, was formerly operated by Tarmac and is often referred to as the Orsett Tarmac Pit. It provides fine exposures of the Woolwich Beds, which are mostly marine sand. In the sandy strata is the preservation in the cliff faces of burrows of crustaceans that lived on the sandy sea floor some 60 million years ago.

This site gives the impression of a wild and remote corner of Essex and the towering cliffs of sand add to the grandeur of the scene. It is important that the cliff profiles are retained for the benefit of geology and wildlife.

The Buckingham Hill Sand Pit. Photo © G. Lucy