Basildon

The following sites have been selected to represent the different aspects of geology and landscape in the district. Not all sites have something to see; many are solely of historical interest as a record of an important or interesting discovery.

Some sites are not strictly geological but have a geological connection. Geological sites are therefore defined in their widest sense and include, for example, buildings, walls, wells, spas, springs, graves, boreholes, plaques, landslips and viewpoints.

This is not a complete list of geological sites in the district. Others may be added and descriptions expanded as further research is carried out.

Important note:
Not all of the sites here described are accessible. Some sites are on private land and can only be viewed from footpaths that pass through or alongside the site. Inclusion of a site on this list does not, therefore, imply any right of access. Please remember not to trespass on private land.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)

No geological SSSIs have been notified in the district.

Local Geological Sites (LoGS)

Click the links below to read and download the district report and LoGS citations for Basildon Borough Council

Basildon Borough Council – Report on Local Geological Sites – November 2024

BaG1 – Norsey Woods Nature Reserv, Billericay
Norsey Wood’s varied geology results in a variety of different soil types and hence a varied flora and fauna. The geology is similar to that of other high points in south Essex, with London Clay overlain in higher areas by sandy clay, the Claygate Beds, overlain by fine yellow Bagshot Sand. Rounded flint pebbles cap the highest ground along Stock Road and just into the north-west edges of the wood. These sedimentary layers are exposed in valleys and small ravines, on paths and in the roots of fallen trees.

BaG2 – Vange Hall Brick Pit, Vange
Vange Hill is a prominent area of high ground with steep slopes and land-slipped ground to the south. The eastern end of the hill, alongside Vange Hill Drive, is now a local nature reserve owned by Basildon Council. Basildon Golf Course occupies the western end and in the centre of the golf course, at the highest point, is the former pit of Vange Hall Brickworks. The bricks were made from the Claygate Beds, a sandy clay which was laid down in a subtropical sea about 50 million years ago. There is a record of fossils of marine creatures that inhabited this sea being found in this pit. The pit is now overgrown and mostly obscured, but it remains one of the only exposures of Claygate Beds in Essex.

Other Sites of Geological Interest

Langdon Hills Country Park (TQ 683 866)
London Clay and Claygate Beds with Bagshot Sand capping the highest ground. This in turn is capped by Stanmore Gravel (formerly called ‘pebble gravel’), the origin of which is still not fully understood. Disused sand and gravel pits exist in the woods. Spectacular views over the Thames Estuary. Part of the site is in Thurrock District.

Lincewood, part of Langdon Hills Nature Reserve (TQ 675 873)
An isolated, wooded hill known as Lincewood with an identical geology to the Langdon Hills. The hill is essentially an isolated patch of Bagshot Sand overlying Claygate Beds and London Clay, with the summit capped with Stanmore Gravel (‘pebble gravel’). There is a possibility of creating permanent exposures in Bagshot Sand and Pebble Gravel. The reserve is owned by Essex Wildlife Trust.

St. Michael’s Hill, Pitsea (TQ 738 878)
Abandoned River Thames cliff line. The hill is an example of landslipped ground, with fine views over the modern Thames Valley.