Although fossils can be found at this location, it is the wildlife and geological features of the area that are the real treats. Fossil plant remains can be found in the cliffs and loose rocks.
DIRECTIONS
♦ The village of Little Haven is approached along quaint country lanes and there is a pay and display car park. From there, it is a short walk to the beach.
♦ To get out of the bay in front of the village and explore to the north and the south, the location must be visited at close to low tide. There is a possibility of getting cut off by a rising tide, but, on the north side, at least you can escape at Broad Haven, should this be necessary.
♦ Fossils are found on both sides of the bay.
♦ Ref: 51.77181, 5.11298
PROFILE INFO
FIND FREQUENCY: ♦ – Carboniferous plant fossils can be found in the cliffs and in loose rocks both to the north and south of the village. These are generally poorly preserved, but, if you are lucky, better specimens can be found.
CHILDREN: ♦♦♦♦♦ – Little Haven has a sandy beach and plenty of rock pools for children to enjoy. There are few hazards and the walk to the various fossil hunting areas is relatively short.
ACCESS: ♦♦♦♦♦ – The beach at Little Haven is within easy access from the village’s pay and display car park. From the bay in front of the village, you must go north or south to find fossils and to view the geological features. There are no particularly difficult obstacles to overcome at this location.
TYPE: – Plant fragments can be seen and collected from shale blocks found below the cliffs. Many interesting geological features can also be observed along this stretch of coastline.
FOSSIL HUNTING
In a few areas, there are shale blocks that have fallen from the cliffs. These contain poorly preserved plant fossils.
Small pieces of coal can also be found along with thin seams of coal, which can be seen in the cliffs. Blocks of shale can be found in the coves either side of the bay at Little Haven. Sandstone blocks are also present and, if you have a look around, you will easily find them.
GEOLOGY
The Upper Carboniferous (Silesian) geology is from the South Wales Measures Group and formed 313-309 Mya. The South Wales Lower Coal Measures Formation is Duckmantian in age, whilst the South Wales Middle Coal Measures Formation is Langsettian. Both are from the Westphalian Stage
There are also many interesting geological features to be seen at Little Haven. These include deformed rock layers, caves and near perpendicular bedding. Interesting geological features are abundant.
SAFETY
The biggest risk at Little Haven is from the incoming tide. Knowledge of tide times is essential, so make sure you have consulted tide tables before you visit the location and, if you intend to go exploring, do so on a falling tide.
EQUIPMENT
Most fossils at Little Haven can be collected from small boulders at the base of the cliff. Therefore, a geological hammer and safety glasses may be useful to split these. However, do not hammer or collect from the cliff face or the larger boulders.
ACCESS RIGHTS
This site is an SSSI. This Special Site of Scientific Interest, means you can visit the site, but hammering the bedrock is not permitted.
It is important to follow our ‘Code of Conduct’ when collecting fossils or visiting any site. Please also read our ‘Terms and Conditions‘
LINKS
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