This small disused quarry, was once a good location for ammonites, echinoids, belemnites, sponges and molluscs. Sadly today, the quarry is nearly all overgrown with just a small section of bedrock that is not covered up. Still worth a visit if in the area.
DIRECTIONS
♦ To access Bessingby, you need to head towards Scarborough along the A165, past Driffield. The quarry is near Bridlington, on a busy road.
♦ It is best to park on the opposite side of the road to the quarry, in the road leading to a housing estate. The quarry is just before the hospital and just before the crossroads (if coming from the south), on the left hand side.
♦ Follow the footpath through the wooded area and you will come to the quarry.
♦ Ref: TA 16458 67180
PROFILE INFO
FIND FREQUENCY: ♦♦ – Although the chalk is rich in fossils, this old quarry is now disused so there are no new exposures. However, there is one small section left, but it is hard work trying to climb up and through the brambles to get to it. This is a great shame for a quarry that was once visited by many geological societies.
CHILDREN: ♦♦ – The quarry has some very steep slopes and is overgrown, so is not recommended for children.
ACCESS: ♦♦♦ – The quarry is easy to find with parking nearby. The problem is getting to the last remaining section of bedrock that is not overgrown. You will need to climb up a slope covered in brambles.
TYPE: –This is an old quarry that is now almost overgrown. Fossils are found in the quarry face bedrock and scree, although the scree is mostly overgrown.
FOSSIL HUNTING
This old quarry was once rich in ammonites, echinoids, belemnites, sponges and molluscs. One particular zone is full of Scaphites and is still visible today. This occurs in the higher beds, and includes the common binodosus and rare examples of its dimorph, Scaphites inflatus.
Unfortunately, today, the bedrock of this quarry is mostly covered. Some shells can be collected from the slopes of the quarry, but work will be required in clearing these using a pick.
GEOLOGY
The rocks at Bessingby Quarry are part of the Flamborough Chalk Formation (Lower Campanian) from the White Chalk Subgroup. The chalk that is still visible covers the following zones in order of appearance from top to bottom: thinly bedded chalk; Sphnenoceramue patootenole, Inoceramus lingua, Orange Marl (Upper), Orbithynchis sp and Grange Marl (Upper), with further zones now overgrown.
SAFETY
Common sense and safety should always be given priority at all sites. There are two important safety notes for this location: the first is to be aware of falling rocks and hard hats are recommended at all times; and the second is to use care when climbing the small cliff, as it is very steep and you can easily slip and fall.
EQUIPMENT
A hammer, chisel and eye protection are required at this location. Suitable footwear should also be worn. Fossils should be wrapped well and placed carefully into containers.
ACCESS RIGHTS
There are no restrictions at this location, but you should always collect sensible and safely, please see our code of conduct below.
This location is on old MOD land, parking is free at the top of the cliff.
It is important to follow our ‘Code of Conduct’ when collecting fossils or visiting any site. Please also read our ‘Terms and Conditions‘
LINKS
♦ Buy Fossils, Crystals, Tools
♦ Location Discussions
♦ Deposits Magazine
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♦ UK Fossils Network