Shell Hill

Situated on the banks of the Marne River, approximately 6km from Black Hill, Shell Hill is said to be around 5 million years old. The hill gets its name from the deposit of oyster shells, which in some places are six meters thick. This oyster shell deposit remained untouched until the 1930s when a man named Clarke found a use for it.

A crushing plant was set up in the gully below, turning oyster shells into a fine powder (carbonate of lime). Although not particularly effective as a fertiliser, this powder helped to sweeten land in heavy rainfall areas. After a few years, work ceased, but the plant re-opened in 1942, turning the shells into shell grit by hand. The crushing plant finally closed in 1946.

Shell Hill remains a fascinating geological site, offering a glimpse into the natural history of the region.