Geosite
This geosite is important for its palaeontology, structural geology, and the nature of the unconformity between the Upper Silurian and Carboniferous strata at the southern tip of the Netherton Anticline.
The site is a long roadside cutting behind a metal failing fence and features a dipping sequence of strata including Silurian Ludlow Bone Bed, Upper Ludlow Shales Group Whitcliffe Formation, Aymestry Limestone Formation and Carboniferous Pennine Lower coal Measures. This site is particularly important to geosciences in demonstrating the variability and diachronism of the basal beds of the Black Country Coalfield as it spread across older palaezoin landforms and links directly to comparable section at Saltwells Local Nature Reserve and Cotwall End Valley.
This site has considerable scientific importance and was used in a collaborative research project some 10 years previously with the Belfast Museum and the Ulster University and is currently of interest for research by the University of Birmingham. Access to the site is by agreement with the landowners and is within the remit of scientific enquiry. This site has potential to be a valuable site for geotourism and geoeducation and is being considered for the planned motor trail of the geology of the southern Black Country.
Geosite facilities
This is a closed site, viewing by appointment only.
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Geosite The Red House Glass Cone is open:
- 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday
- 11am to 4pm Saturday & Sunday
Car parking and admission to the site is free. There is a visitor centre, gift shop, artisan craft studios, on-site café (please check opening times before your visit)
Stourbridge Glass Museum, opposite the Red House Glass Cone is home to the globally significant Stourbridge Glass Collection. Complemented by engaging digital interactive displays exploring the area’s 400 year-history of glass making.
Ruskin Glass Centre, formerly the site of and Webb Corbett and Royal Doulton Crystal is home to over 25 craft businesses, has an organic café and the Glass House Heritage Centre offers guided tours providing the history and heritage of the site. Ruskin Glass Centre is part of Ruskin Mill Land Trust who specialise in educating young people with learning disabilities through a craft and land based curriculum. Admission is free and the centre's opening hours are from:
- Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm
- Saturday 9am to 3pm