Suffolk Geosites

Our GeoSuffolk leaflet introduces a variety of Suffolk Geosites.   For many geologists it is the shelly sands (crags) of Pliocene-Pleistocene age
which attracts them to Suffolk .

GeoSuffolk leaflets to download

To download the GeoSuffolk leaflet click here

To download the GeoIpswich leaflet click here

Some Suffolk Geosites have special protection

Suffolk Geological SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest)

are administered by Natural England.

To find out more about SSSIs go to the NE web site.

GeoSuffolk administers Suffolk RIGS

(Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites). To find out more about RIGS go to the GeoConservationUK web site.

Here are four images to show some 21st century exposures.

This photograph shows a cliff at Bawdsey, Suffolk , where the sea is reclaiming its former sea-beds now preserved in the cliff layers.

It is very important that temporary coastal exposures are recorded by photography and other methods for both scientific purposes and information for civil engineers.

At Bawdsey, Red Crag with fossil sea shells rests on London Clay containing fossil wood.  

For geological maps of Suffolk contact:

The British Geological Survey.

UKGE based in Reydon, Suffolk.

May we also suggest a visit to The Breckland web site.

These are sections being actively managed at Sutton by GeoSuffolk. They are on privately owned land.

This photograph demonstrates Red Crag sand on London Clay and the water table at this underground junction.  

This one shows blocks of Coralline Crag limestone that have fallen off the cliff of a 2.5 million year old island into the former Red Crag sea.

GeoSuffolk's new panel interpreting the Coralline Crag 'island' at Sutton is in place. Look out for it if you are walking in this area. Check on your OS map - it is by the footpath north-east of Rockhall Wood.

These sites are of great educational and scientific value.