Sandstone

Focus Point 7 on the Heritage Trail: ///action.window.awake

Sandstone on Bidston Hill

Bidston Hill is an SBI (Site of Biological Importance) and has 2 RIGS (Regionally Interesting Geological Site) designated areas. One of these (see photo above) is described as a ‘perfect example of wind blown sandstone deposition’. The whole of the Bidston area shows sandstone deposited some 206 – 248 million years ago in the Triassic period when the land was a scorching desert, with sand dunes spreading as far as the eye could see. Strong winds blew frequently across the desert keeping the dunes constantly shifting. The area was also prone to flash floods and this is illustrated by the sandstone near the observatory and old drinking fountain being full of small pebbles carried by seasonal rains.