An Introduction to Ebbor Gorge in Somerset
Ebbor Gorge, a ravine cut from the Carboniferous Limestone of the Mendip Hills, is the perfect place for nature lovers to visit.
The site, which offers beautiful views, walks, and wildlife, was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1952.
In addition, a 40 ha area of the gorge is owned and managed by the National Trust as a National Nature Reserve.
The steeply wooded gorge is cool and green throughout the year and can be found in Somerset, close to Wells.
The gorge is located on the southwest-facing slope of the Mendip hills.
To the west of it, a stream runs down Hope Wood then joins the main gorge.
The floor of Ebbor Gorge is impenetrable and made up of Millstone Grit and Lower Coal Measures.
Ebbor Gorge was originally formed when a large cavern in the area collapsed some 200,000 years ago.
Within the gorge are several caves.
These were left behind by the collapse and have been found to contain bones and artifacts.
In some cases these have provided evidence of reindeer, cave bears, and wolves.
In other cases, the artifacts have dated to 5000 year ago and are evidence of Neolithic inhabitance.
Visitors can navigate the area using one of three marked trails that lead around the gorge and gain access to views across the Somerset levels to Glastonbury Tor and beyond.
You can learn more about the area and its history at the Wells museum.
Ebbor Gorge has a long history and was once home to Neolithic peoples as well as contemporaneous flora and fauna.
Today the area is dominated by ash woodland, woodland glades, and limestone grasslands.
Other species present include: •Oak •Wych Elm •Field Maple •Whitebeam •Beech •Hornbeam •Hazel •Dog's Mercury •Common Bluebells •Bryum canariense •Amblystegiella confervoides •Nettle Leaved Bellflower •White Letter Hairstreak •High Brown Fritillary •Chalkhill Blue •Brown Argus •Greater and Lesser Horseshoe Bats The area is also home to over 250 species of mosses, liverworts, and lichens.
The gorge has many species characteristic of ancient woodland, but parts of it are also inhabited by secondary woodlands that have grown to reclaim pasture and grazed areas.
The unique history of the area as well as its rare inhabitants make it a Site of Special Scientific Interest, while its beauty makes it a wonderful place for visitors.
The site, which offers beautiful views, walks, and wildlife, was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1952.
In addition, a 40 ha area of the gorge is owned and managed by the National Trust as a National Nature Reserve.
The steeply wooded gorge is cool and green throughout the year and can be found in Somerset, close to Wells.
The gorge is located on the southwest-facing slope of the Mendip hills.
To the west of it, a stream runs down Hope Wood then joins the main gorge.
The floor of Ebbor Gorge is impenetrable and made up of Millstone Grit and Lower Coal Measures.
Ebbor Gorge was originally formed when a large cavern in the area collapsed some 200,000 years ago.
Within the gorge are several caves.
These were left behind by the collapse and have been found to contain bones and artifacts.
In some cases these have provided evidence of reindeer, cave bears, and wolves.
In other cases, the artifacts have dated to 5000 year ago and are evidence of Neolithic inhabitance.
Visitors can navigate the area using one of three marked trails that lead around the gorge and gain access to views across the Somerset levels to Glastonbury Tor and beyond.
You can learn more about the area and its history at the Wells museum.
Ebbor Gorge has a long history and was once home to Neolithic peoples as well as contemporaneous flora and fauna.
Today the area is dominated by ash woodland, woodland glades, and limestone grasslands.
Other species present include: •Oak •Wych Elm •Field Maple •Whitebeam •Beech •Hornbeam •Hazel •Dog's Mercury •Common Bluebells •Bryum canariense •Amblystegiella confervoides •Nettle Leaved Bellflower •White Letter Hairstreak •High Brown Fritillary •Chalkhill Blue •Brown Argus •Greater and Lesser Horseshoe Bats The area is also home to over 250 species of mosses, liverworts, and lichens.
The gorge has many species characteristic of ancient woodland, but parts of it are also inhabited by secondary woodlands that have grown to reclaim pasture and grazed areas.
The unique history of the area as well as its rare inhabitants make it a Site of Special Scientific Interest, while its beauty makes it a wonderful place for visitors.
