Scar Hole Quarry, Jackson Bridge

Geological Sites | Leeds | Bradford | Calderdale | Kirklees | Wakefield

STATUS: Local Geological Site
OTHER DESIGNATIONS:
COUNTY: West Yorkshire
DISTRICT: Kirklees
OS GRID REF. SE 175 074
OS 1:50,000 Landranger 110 Sheffield and Huddersfield
OS 1:25,000 Explorer 288 Bradford and Huddersfield
BGS 1:50,000 Sheet 86 Glossop
FIRST DESIGNATED by West Yorkshire LGS Group in 1996
DATE OF MOST RECENT SURVEY
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION produced by Ian Chisholm
DESIGNATION SHEET UPDATED August 2009

SITE DESCRIPTION: The quarry site has several 10/12m high faces, with spoil heaps below each face. The escarpment overlooking the Holme Valley is capped by Upper Carboniferous Greenmoor Rock which is exposed here. There are many interesting sedimentary structures, including different types of bedding and ripple marks, showing that these rocks were deposited in shallow water environments.

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS: The slopes below are made from Coal Measures shales and silts and have some coal seams that were productive until the 1950s. There are capped shafts and spoil heaps in the fields nearby, which can be reached by footpaths below Scar Hole quarry.

EDUCATIONAL VALUE: The quarry is suitable for more advanced groups to study depositional environments.

AESTHETIC CHARACTERISTICS: There are fine views over the Upper Holme Valley toward Holme Moss, with views to the north over the Huddersfield district. The quarry face is sometimes subject to rubbish tipping and to graffiti.

ACCESS AND SAFETY: There is limited parking for three cars in quarry entrance adjacent to Scar End Lane. Care is required on sloping ground surrounding site. The main quarry faces are easily visible from a wheelchair in the car park, but the faces away from the road are not accessible. Hard hats should be worn if the face is approached.