Harefield Pit is a designated geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located within the civil parish of Harefield, in the London Borough of Hillingdon, England. The site comprises the former workings of a quarry or pit that provides exposures of sedimentary strata of interest to geological research and education.
Geographical setting
- Location: Harefield, Greater London, United Kingdom.
- Coordinates: Not publicly disclosed in primary sources.
- Area: Approximately 1 hectare (exact size varies between official documents).
Designation and significance
- Status: Recognised as an SSSI under the UK Conservation Designations framework.
- Purpose of designation: The pit is protected primarily for its geological features, which include visible sections of Pleistocene or lower Cretaceous sediments (the precise formation and age of the exposed strata are documented in the official SSSI citation). These exposures provide insight into the regional stratigraphy, sedimentology, and palaeoenvironmental conditions of the area.
Management
- The site is subject to management agreements aimed at preserving its scientific value, preventing unauthorized alteration, and facilitating controlled access for qualified researchers.
Public access
- Access to Harefield Pit is generally restricted to protect the integrity of the geological exposures. Permission for scientific study is typically granted by the landowner in coordination with Natural England, the statutory body responsible for SSSIs.
References
- Natural England, Site of Special Scientific Interest citation for Harefield Pit (official document).
- Local planning and conservation records maintained by the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Note: Detailed information regarding the specific lithological units and fossil content present within Harefield Pit is limited in publicly available sources; therefore, the description emphasizes the site's protected status and general geological importance without venturing into unverified specifics.