Doulton's Claypit (SSSI)
Location and Access Information
Grid Reference: SO 936870
Upper Carboniferous sandstone
Doulton’s Clay Pit is located in Saltwells Nature Reserve. This is situated 4km south of Dudley. Proceed on A4036, turn left at Merry Hill traffic lights (signposted) and continue for half a mile along Coppice Lane. Turn left at sign for Saltwells Inn. Car parking free. Within the wood is Doulton's Claypit with spectacular cliffs showing a section through the rocks of the Middle and Lower Coal Measures. Abandoned in the 1940's, the claypit has been reclaimed by nature.
View the site map on Nature on the Map
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Geological Interest
Doulton’s Claypit demonstrates a series of strata through the Middle Coal Measures laid down in the Upper Carboniferous period c. 310 million years ago. This is the best exposure of the Productive Coal Formation in the Midlands coalfield. It shows a sequence from near the base of the formation and includes over 30 metres of shales and sandstones laid down in the low-lying swamp environment of the Upper Carboniferous. There are also several coals, including the Thick Seam, which has been extensively worked in this coalfield, and the lower Heathen Seam. The clay pit was excavated for Carboniferous clay during the 19th Century and was the source of clay for Royal Doulton.
