Hay Head Quarry

It is important both as the only site at which the effects of the eastern boundary fault of the Black Country coalfield can be seen in the landscape, and also as the type location of the lower Wenlock series (Barr Limestone Member of the Coalbrookdale Formation (Sheinwoodian stage)) and also is that of the ‘Barr Trilobite’, Bumastus barriensis. Exposures lying within the long linear strip of the old quarries are of shaley units with bentonites. Straigraphically they are within the Lowest part of the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation and contain fossils and microfossils that contrast strongly with the upper parts of the Wenlock Series exposed elsewhere. These beds are abruptly terminated to the east where they are down-faulted by the Eastern Boundary Fault and are juxtaposed with Coal Measures strata.

The faulting also results in contrasting soils on either side that introduce two completely contrasting types of woodland. Parts of the site are ancient semi-natural woodland with an associated rich flora including many plants which are rare or uncommon in the conurbation. This is an important geoscience site in on-going research on microfossils and carbon isotope correlation. Walking trails, education material, and an interpretive leaflet are available for this key geopark, geotourism, and geoeducation.

There is no visitor centre, café or toilets at the site, so plan your visit with this in mind.

• Walsall - Nature Reserves   
• Hay Head Wood