The Geopark is happy to report that Morley Quarry, in Shepshed, was recently added to the UK’s register of nationally important geological sites.
Known as Geological Conservation Review (GCR) sites, these locations contain the country’s most important examples of geology, including examples of minerals, fossils, and landscapes. Morley Quarry was added as it provides accessible exposures of the oldest Precambrian rocks in Charnwood Forest, known as the Ives Head Formation. These rocks are estimated to be around 580 million years old, and were deposited as layers of sediment at the bottom of an ancient ocean, at a time when Charnwood Forest would have been around 60 degrees south of the equator.
GCR site status is awarded by a committee of the chief scientists of the government conservation bodies of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. In making their decision, the chief scientists noted the robust letters of support from scientists and the Geopark, and were also gladdened to hear that the site is already being looked after by a team of Geopark volunteers.
Dr Jack Matthews, Geopark Geoheritage Officer, said “This is wonderful news for Shepshed, Charnwood Forest, and Leicestershire as a whole, and is further evidence of the importance of our region’s geology. It is a testament to our fantastic Geopark volunteers that their hard work in conserving the site was recognised by the chief scientists.”
Over the next few month’s the Geopark will be installing new interpretation at the site, bringing to life the story of Morley Quarry’s amazing geology that reaches back more than half a billion years. This site’s new designation comes just a few months after Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood was awarded National Nature Reserve status. Both of these announcements will be of great assistance to Charnwood Forest as we continue to work towards UNESCO Global Geopark status.
The site is owned by Charnwood Borough Council, and has Local Nature Reserve status. If you’d like to find out more about Morley Quarry, and how to visit, see our Morley Quarry Geosite page.