Banwell Caves

Infobox SSSI


name=Banwell Caves
aos=Avon
interest=Biological & Geological
gridref=gbmappingsmall|ST383588
area=1.7 hectares
notifydate=1963

http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk/map.aspx?
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Banwell Caves (gbmapping|ST383588) are a 1.7 hectare geological and biological Site of Special Scientific Interest near the village of Banwell, North Somerset, notified in 1963. The site comprises two caves, called 'Banwell Bone Cave' and 'Stalactite Caverns', which lie within the grounds of a large house, at the western end of Banwell Hill.

Geological Interest

The caves contain barite deposits, which are found in greater abundance and variety here than at any other site in the Mendip Hills.

Banwell Bone Cave contains an assemblage of bones from Pleistocene mammals (mainly bison and reindeer). The cave has a large hole in the roof and is believed to have been used as a pitfall trap.

Biological interest

The caves are used as a hibernation site by Greater Horseshoe Bats.

ee also

* Banwell Ochre Caves
* Caves of the Mendip Hills
* Quaternary Mammal Project

ource

* [http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1000754.pdf English Nature citation sheet for the site] (accessed 9 July 2006)