MINNIS

ASSI
Minnis ASSI

A SPECIAL PLACE...
sites of biological and earth science importance have been surveyed by northern ireland environment agency to assess their scientific interest. the best sites are now being declared as areas of special scientific interest

(assis). in doing so we aim to

safeguard these important sites for the benefit of present and future generations.

Minnis has been declared as an ASSI because of its important earth science features. Minnis contains perhaps the best example of an active mudflow in Northern Ireland and the site has yielded an extremely diverse range of fossils. The mudflow exists because of the geology in the area. Palaeogene age basalt and Cretaceous age limestone form low cliffs at the site. These harder rocks overlie softer Cretaceous sandstone and Jurassic age mudstone and limestone. The mudstone can absorb a lot of water and over time the rock turns back into loose mud and flows down the slope. Occasionally, the road is closed by one of these mudflows. For that reason, loose mud at the bottom of the slope is regularly tipped onto the shore, where the action of waves and water wash the mud away, leaving behind fossils.

(an Ichthyosaur - known as the `Minnis Monster ).

Bones from the Minnis Monster Mike Simms NMNI Some fossil shell fragments collected on the shore at Minnis.

The fossils found at Minnis range in age from the Lower Jurassic to Upper Cretaceous, a timescale of over 100 million years. Among the fossils found at the site are the shells of snails, bivalves, ammonites and belemnites (ancient shellfish related to squid), along with corals, fish, sea urchins and even bones from an ancient sea reptile

Correct management is essential for special places like Minnis. For example, it is important that the natural processes that cause the mudflows and reveal the fossils are allowed to continue. Northern Ireland Environment Agency is keen to work closely with landowners to maintain and enhance Minnis ASSI.