{"id":3686,"date":"2015-07-19T20:10:07","date_gmt":"2015-07-19T20:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/geopark.org.uk\/pub\/?p=3686"},"modified":"2015-12-19T07:04:44","modified_gmt":"2015-12-19T07:04:44","slug":"geology-and-landscape-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/geopark.org.uk\/pub\/2015\/07\/geology-and-landscape-6\/","title":{"rendered":"Geology and Landscape"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Bewdley

Bewdley Station rock cutting<\/p><\/div>\n

A journey of the Severn Valley Railway between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth takes you through the wonderful Severn Valley. Travelling north from Kidderminster the underlying bedrock switches from Permo-Triassic in age to Carboniferous upon leaving Bewdley.\u00a0 Upon reaching the Bridgnorth area once again the bedrock dates Permian in age.\u00a0 This variety in rock ages and rock types together with the erosive powers of the River Severn and its tributary has created a stunning ‘heart of England’ countryside landscape.<\/p>\n

The River Severn and later the precursor the Severn Valley Railway carried vast quantities of material along these transport routes, with many materials extracted from the landscape through which the trains now travel. Building Stone (both Carboniferous and Permo-Triassic rocks), millstones, coal, sand and gravel, clay, ironstone and limestone (limited) were all extracted locally.<\/p>\n

At Bridgnorth station the sandstone cliffs on which ‘High Town’ sits are just a stone throw away. Here you can explore the historical caves and clearly see the dune bedding exhibited in the fossilised dunes of the Permian Bridgnorth Sandstone.\u00a0 Further south, just behind the Engine House in Highley, is Stanley Quarry. This is one of a series of Carboniferous sandstone quarries along this stretch of the valley, where it is believed sandstone was extracted for use in the construction of Worcester Cathedral. Pick marks along with plug and feather marks\u00a0 are still clearly visible on the rock faces in Stanley Quarry.\u00a0 Acesss to the quarry is by permission of Severn Valley Railway only.\u00a0 At Bewdley Station a group of local volunteers maintain the Permian sandstone rock face alongside the platform, making this exposure a great site at which to view the sedimentary features exhibited.<\/p>\n

\"Pick

Pick marks on a dressed face in Stanley Quarry, Highley<\/p><\/div>\n

Explore the Geology and Landscape of the Severn Valley Railway<\/strong><\/p>\n