Ellen, R. and Callaghan, E. 2015. Geodiversity Audit of Spireslack and Mainshill Wood Surface Coal Mines. British Geological Survey Commerical Report CR/15/126. 70pp.
Spireslack Locality 5: Shark spine fossil in McDonald Limestone Pavement
NGR: [274730 630539]
| Key category of interest | Rarity | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Palaeontology | 5 | 5 |
| 2. Sedimentary rocks | 1 | 5 |
| 3. Economic geology | 5 | 5 |
Access: Good access to base of exposure, easily accessible from roadway.
Current safety: Little evidence of recent falling blocks observed on limestone pavement, uneven surfaces
Measures to enhance site: Protect area to preserve shark spine and level surface around the base of the site to allow easier access.
Key categories in order of interest (1 = primary interest); Rarity, 5 = only example in Spireslack, 1 = many examples in Spireslack; Quality 5 = exceptional preservation in Spireslack, easy access/viewing potential 1 = average preservation in Spireslack, difficult access/viewing potential
Photograph overview with polygon boundary
© Getmapping: Licence Number UKP2006/01
Site description
Geology
The McDonald Limestone pavement, comprising the entirety of the northern limit of the main Spireslack void, is rich in fossils allowing an insight into the fauna that existed during Carboniferous times. Fossilised shell fragments and trace fossils are the most common, with trilobites also known from the site (see locality 3). At this locality, a beautifully preserved 5 cm long shark spine is exposed at the base of the pavement — the only one recognised within the Spireslack site to date. This locality is ideal for palaeontological studies as well as providing hands on access to limestone. Higher up the limestone pavement are two crescent shape marks — these are not geological features, but grooves left by the giant machinery which would have worked the coal from the pit during mining activity.
Access and enhancement suggestions
The shark spine should be protected from erosion — the limestone pavement has a flaky surface and over time the shark spine may erode. Flattening the area of ground in front of the pavement to allow easier access and viewing is also recommended. A fossil hunt trail could be set up to explore the fauna that lived in Spireslack during the Carboniferous — this would be a key site for such a trail.