Comley Quarry

About the reserve

Small but awesome, Comley Quarry has little in the way of wildlife but is a holy place for geologists. Britain’s earliest trilobites were discovered here in the 1880s – an astounding glimpse into the past some 550 million years ago.

Comley is known internationally as a reference section against which Cambrian rocks of similar age across the world are compared. Fossil hunting is not permitted here, but look into this tiny amphitheatre and reflect on the ancientness of the world and all the vanished creatures that once lived in it.  

The most important ecological aspect of the site is the occurrence of Dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius), whose presence has been determined by food signs.

Directions: Approach Comley from the A49, turning off either at Leebotwood or north of Church Stretton towards Cardington. Parking is awkward but possible. Alternatively, take a footpath up Caer Caradoc and include Comley Quarry in a loop of your walk.