The chalk of the Downs originally formed in the Upper Cretaceous period in a relatively deep marine environment. Microscopic skeletons of plankton formed into lime mud which then further transformed into the characteristic white rock that is evident today. This appearance of chalk is due to the colourlessness of the skeletons and lack of impurities in the original environment
What is the chemical formula for chalk?
Around 20 million years ago tectonic activity formed a huge A - - - - - - - - that has now become the south east corner of England. The North and South Downs are the remaining edges of this dome where the central, less resistant bands of rock eroded leaving the distinctive ridges we see today.
The corresponding S - - - - - - - that lies to the north is known as the L - - - - - B - - - -.
The angle of the rock layers and subsequent erosion have left two different types of landscape on the north and south sides of each ridge
Farthing Downs is on the gentle north facing D - - slope while the steep facing side is a typical S - - - - slope. Caterham Hill is a fine example to visit but not essential to completing this earthcache,
Obviously the direction of these 2 landscapes is opposite on the South Downs.
The lower lying area between the Downs is called The W - - - -.
Fill in the blanks and include these as a list in your e-mail
Farthing Downs and New Hill is a 95 hectare area of chalk grassland with areas of scrub and ancient woodland and hedgerows. It is owned and managed by the City of London and along with Happy Valley to the south is an SSSI supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna.
This area has also been a prominent area for human activity with archaeological finds dating back from neolithic, iron age and roman times and is a SAM - scheduled ancient monument. Thankyou to the Rangers for their help and permission to publish this earthcache.
There are information boards at waypoint 1 which are accessible to wheelchair users from the carpark along a reasonably firm path.
To reach the final location you will need to go through one of the gates and the path is grassy from here on. There is a wide gate next to the road and cattle grid if you are a wheelchair user but can't guarantee that the ground will be firm enough. It tends to be particlarly muddy around the final viewpoint aswell. If you have mobility difficulties and are unable to access the final location contact me via my profile.
As you travel towards GZ you may notice some faint ridges that run across the path at right angles- what do you think these are ?
The information boards have some ideas - please describe the man-made activity that changed the look of the landscape at the start of the WW2.
At the viewpoint you will find some more information -along with your other answers please e-mail me the saxon name of this site and the elevation.
While it is not compulsory it would be great to see a picture of you, your team, your gps or just the view on the day of your visit
WARNING: Please note that Ditches Lane has no speed limit at present and some cars travel very fast along the open stretch of road which can also remain icy after surrounding roads are clear in freezing weather.
There may be cattle in summer months grazing but they are very docile and accustomed to walkers.
JUST A REMINDER - to qualify for this earthcache e-mail the answers to all the highlighted/bold questions throughout the description to me through my profile page, DO NOT post answers in your log
You do not need to wait for a response to log - in the unlikely event that something is not right i'll e-mail you for a bit of clarification so if there is anything you are not sure about i can give you an extra hint. Remember to make your e-mail reply available by checking the appropriate box.
HOWEVER in the interest of maintaining the integrity of all earthcaches any logs without e-mails WILL be deleted
I hope you enjoy your visit to this beautiful area If you have time to explore there is a superb multi- DOGGIE HEAVEN and the lovely Chaldon church with accompanying micro nearby as well as some other caches.