Pebble Walk - Bagshot Sand EarthCache

This is one of a series of earth caches placed in Thorndon Country Park as part of Essex Mega 2015 to showcase the interesting geological features of this part of Essex.  The series follows the route of the Pebble Walk, a discovery trail created by the Essex Rock and Mineral Society, and we have been fortunate to have the assistance of ERMS members in developing the series. 

The lower part of Thorndon Country Park south of the Visitor Centre sits on the Claygate Beds, since here erosion has removed the upper layers of pebble gravel and Bagshot Sand. The cross section shows the arrangement of the geological layers in the Park. Cross Section of Thorndon Country Park

However, at the given co-ordinates an isolated occurrence of Bagshot Sand can be seen just beyond a large oak tree. The area is accessed from the main path by a narrow path about 20 metres long

At the given co-ordinates please keep to the top of the bank. Look down the bank to the left of the large fallen tree and you will see an area of sand stretching down the bank in amongst the vegetation. 

In order to claim this earthcache, please email us via our profile answering the questions below  

Please Note : Logs without a corresponding email or message will be deleted. We're sorry to have to introduce this rule but we have had a few unsubstantiated logs since publication.

Questions to answer

1. Describe the colour of the sand ('sand coloured' is not enough!). Is it light or dark?
2. Describe the texture of the sand. Is it fine or coarse grained?
3. Estimate the width of the sand area exposed at the top of the bank.

Although not required to claim a find, it would be nice to see a photo of you or your GPS at GZ.

 Many thanks to Ros Smith and Ian Mercer of the Essex Rock and Mineral Society for their invaluable assistance in developing this earthcache, and many thanks to Essex Country Parks for giving permission to place this EarthCache.