Natural England

Staff from Natural England have succeeded in transforming a geological site of special scientific interest (SSSI) in Wheatley, Oxfordshire to its former glory through hard work and dedication.

Lyehill Quarry in Wheatley, Oxfordshire contains extensive sections of Wheatley limestone containing numerous fossils of mid-Oxfordian age (approximately 150 million years ago). The site had been in a declining condition for the past six years due to scrub development whose roots destroy the fossils and was being used to store new cars.

Natural England was given a month by the owner to work on the site while it was vacant before another tenant came in. 11 staff from offices in Oxford, Reading and Aston Rowant volunteered to help with clearance work which involved removal of scrub, shrubs and trees. Cut away areas on the rock face were treated with herbicide to prevent re-growth.

David Russell, Project Leader on the work said:

“I am delighted that staff were able to have such hands-on experience in helping to restore this site. We treated the project as a team building exercise - everyone really enjoyed the work and gained real satisfaction from the dramatic change that they achieved by removing vegetation from the rock faces and exposing the geological features.

“This is an important site in the area which we have been able to make accessible to local education groups by exposing examples of the entire sequence from the top of the Wheatley limestone to its base.”

Note for editors

Site’s importance:

Geological SSSI with extensive sections of the Wheatley limestone exposed.

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are areas designated by Natural England as internationally significant, and are safeguarded under European law. They consist of some of the country's very best wildlife and geological sites and include some of our most spectacular and beautiful habitats. It is essential to preserve the remaining natural heritage for future generations.

Issued on behalf of Natural England by the Government News Network South East. For further information please contact Katherine Ellery on 01483 882888, 07785 233167 or Katherine.Ellery@gnn.gsi.gov.uk