Underwater Origins

Inspired by the fascinating findings of Malcolm Worthing’s Bird and Lepidoptera survey of the Forktree site, Forktree has moved on to the next phase of surveying, with Malcolm now undertaking a Native Vegetation survey of the property. This will give us a detailed baseline of native vegetation already on site before the Forktree rewilding began.

Surveying often reveals unexpected nuggets of information, such as the one below from Malcolm this week:

“During the Forktree Remnant Vegetation Survey, this interesting formation was found amongst the rocky outcrops at Forktree. After a quick remote image assessment by a local geologist, it was found to be oolitic quartzite. The matrix of the rock is made up of fine quartz crystals while the large, ball-like structures called oolites likely consist of iron oxide and quartz.

“Interestingly, oolites can only form in a water saturated setting meaning that these ancient sediments were either once submerged or at least sitting in shallow water. Although we cannot be certain, this process most likely occurred in a marine environment before the strata were uplifted out of the ocean to form the picturesque cliffs and hills we see today.

“This finding further adds to the importance of preserving and restoring our environments as such restoration allows for a better understanding of how our environment works and its history.”

Thank you, Malcolm - fascinating and inspiring as ever!