Geology and scenery
Hampstead Heath
The scenery of Hampstead Heath reflects its underlying rocks which are sandstone and clay. Much of the heath has turned to woodland now that animals no longer graze there. The variety of habitats which include bogs, ponds and grassland means that the heath can be home to many birds and small mammals.
Springs
The high ground of heath is made of sandstone. When rain falls it soaks through this porous rock. It trickles down until it meets the layer of clay underneath. The water cannot get through the clay so it flows sideways and forms springs which are obvious in places when the weather has been wet, especially in winter. Water from the springs are the start of the Fleet River which is now covered over almost all along its length down to the Thames.
Clay
In the last thirty years of the nineteenth century, clay was dug on the heath to make bricks. The clay was fired in nearby kilns and then used to build houses in Hampstead.
Sand
Sand was dug from Sandy Heath (across Spaniards Road) in the 19th century when it was used to dry up the muddy streets of the city. In both World Wars of the 20th century, sand-bags were filled from the same sources.
Submitted by: Andrew Hunt, 02 May 2008
