Ercall Earthcache 🌍 EarthCache
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The Ercall quarries are renowned for their geological interest and were worked for aggregates until 1986. In 2000 the land was bought by the Shropshire Wildlife Trust to set up the Ercall Local Nature Reserve which is now a protected site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
During the late Precambrian period molten rock (magma) pushed up deep from within the Earth’s crust and formed a mass of igneous rock called granophyre – a type of fine grained granite. A long period of uplift and erosion followed until the early Cambrian period, when a shallow sea spread over the area causing further erosion and depositing a beach derived from the underlying lavas and granophyre. As the sea deepened the material formed fine white quartz sand which has hardened to form the Wrekin Quartzite. From the first viewpoint, you can clearly make out the different junction between the Precambrian and Cambrian.
Suggested parking is at N52°40.992, W002°32.053, please do not block off the gate entrance. From here follow the path to viewpoint 1 (N52°40.922, W002°31.789) where you should find the answer to the first question. Then follow the path up to the switchback and back towards the quarry, over the stile and then continue up the path to viewpoint 2 (N52°40.963, W002°31.709). This area has some steep drops so keep control of children and dogs, and do not attempt to climb over any of the barriers as there is a danger from falling rocks. The walk should take about 15 minutes from the car park.
To log this earthcache you must email us through our profile stating the colours of the two types of rock (answer on the noticeboard), and in addition, you must attach a photo taken from the bronze plaque at viewpoint 2 with your log (if you don’t have a camera then email us the short phrase from the plaque).UPDATE-The plaque is missing now, so just enjoy the view :)
We hope you enjoy your visit to The Ercall and would like to thank The Shropshire Wildlife Trust for giving their permission to place this cache.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)