Martley parish, located along and to the east of the River Teme in west Worcestershire, boasts exceptionally varied and unique geology. The River Teme is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) along its entire length, from its source in the Kerry Hills in Wales to its confluence with the River Severn south of Worcester. Martley’s geology is remarkable, with seven distinct geological periods spanning 700 million years found within its boundaries.
Martley Rock
The highlight of Martley’s geological features is Martley Rock, now a developed visitor site. This site exhibits five geological periods in an area approximately 60m x 15m. First recorded by Sir Roderick Murchison in 1839, Martley Rock offers interpretation boards and leaflets to help visitors understand the geological displays. This site includes the most northern exposure of Malvern Complex (Pre-Cambrian) rock, estimated to be around 700 million years old, Cambrian Quartzite (approximately 500 million years old), Silurian Raglan Mudstone (418 million years old), Carboniferous Halesowen Formation Coal Measures (308 million years old), and Triassic rocks (230 million years old).
A significant fault, the East Malvern fault, runs through the Martley Rock site. This fault has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape over hundreds of millions of years. Visitors can observe this dividing line between the Silurian-aged rocks and the red Triassic rocks to the east, which are a common feature in the region and often used as building material.
Other Geological Features in Martley
Other notable geological features in the parish include exposures of Permian Breccia, a rubble from the erosion of high mountains to the north, and Silurian limestone filled with fossils. In the Teme Valley, just 2-3 miles from Martley, is one of the largest exposures of Travertine rock, also known as Tufa. Tufa forms from the evaporation of water containing a high degree of dissolved calcium carbonate, a process that continues today and is visible at this deposit.
Additionally, the Brockhill Dyke, an igneous intrusion of dolerite, forced its way into cracks in the surrounding Silurian mudstone. The high temperature of the igneous rock affected the surrounding rocks, creating a feature known as a chilled margin, which is a noteworthy sight along with the onion skin weathering of the igneous outcrop.
The Teme Valley also has a history of coal mining, with many bell pits and shafts operating until the 1970s. In the parish, there are tales of ancient coal mining on Berrow Hill, where two or three depressions, believed to be old coal pits, can still be seen.
