Banwell Caves (grid reference ST383588) are a 1.7-hectare geological and biological Site of Special Scientific Interest near the village of Banwell, North Somerset, England notified in 1963.
The site comprises two caves, called 'Banwell Bone Cave' and 'Banwell Stalactite Cave', which lie within the grounds of a large house, at the western end of Banwell Hill. The caves contain barite deposits, which are found in greater abundance and variety here than at any other site in the Mendip Hills, and are used as a hibernation site by Greater Horseshoe Bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum).
The site also has several grottos and follies, including the Pebble summerhouse, Druid's Temple, an Osteoicon (or bone repository) and Banwell Tower which was completed in 1840.
Read more about Banwell Caves: History, Bone Cave, Stalactite Cave, Banwell Tower
Famous quotes containing the word caves:
“Full many a gem of purest ray serene,
The dark unfathom’d caves of ocean bear:
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.”
—Thomas Gray (1716–1771)