GEODIVERSITY
Hard Rock Case Study

Clee Hill
Shropshire

Key Highlights

Maintaining access to a geological section as mineral extraction progresses and using signboards to interpret the geological interest.

Geological and Historical Background

Dolerite at Clee Hill is extracted as a source of aggregate. The quarry provides outstanding exposures of the Clee Hill Sill, including the upper contact zone with Coal Measures sediments.

The site is designated a SSSI and is particularly important for illustrating the mechanism of sill emplacement and the relationship between alkaline magmatism, tectonics and sedimentation in the later stages of the Carboniferous period in the Midlands.

Opportunities for Geological Conservation

With the phased removal of overlying Coal Measures overburden and a multi-bench system of working, the quarry provides illustrative sections of the sill and contact zone on a continuing basis. This site is suitable for interpretation providing that safe viewing platforms are created.

Conservation during Quarry Operations

Extensive sections of the sill and contact zone will be exposed throughout the quarry's working life. Close liaison between those managing the quarry operations and Hanson's geological services ensure that, where possible, representative examples of the geological features are conserved.

Quarry personnel and company geologists carry out regular visual inspection of the exposures. These inspections are carried out to check stability for health and safety reasons and also to assess the exposure conditions.

In 2003, Hanson Aggregates submitted an ALSF grant application aimed at providing the general public, schools and geological interest groups with an opportunity to learn about the geology of Clee Hill Quarries. This was to be achieved through the construction of safe footpaths and viewing platforms, with interpretation panels providing information about the geology and history of mineral extraction at the site.

The grant application was successful. The viewing platforms, with interpretation boards, were opened in July 2004. The interpretation boards provide information about the geology and history of mineral extraction at Clee Hill and were developed by Hanson, with several partners, including the Shropshire Geological Society, Shropshire RIGS Group, Shropshire Wildlife Trust and South Shropshire District Council.

The viewing platforms are used regularly by schools and various groups, including the local RIGS group, amateur geological societies, academic institutions and local residents.

Conservation and Quarry Restoration

The existing planning consent permits working of the quarry, which would remove, or through restoration, obscure the special features of interest of the SSSI.

However, Hanson is identifying and planning for the permanent retention of suitable and representative exposures as part of the site restoration, despite some sterilisation of reserves. The site will therefore be available for long-term educational use.