Geology of the Greensand Commons
The lower greensand formed in very shallow seas as the land was sinking. Particles of sand washed from the land were cemented together by lime in seawater. These formed bands of hard rock, compared to soft sandstone and mud of Weald to the south, and chalk of the North Downs.
Areas remaining on the plateau were left having very stony, slightly acidic, impoverished soils. Consequently, they were easy to clear of trees and vegetation, but very hard to farm.
Areas remaining on the plateau were left having very stony, slightly acidic, impoverished soils. Consequently, they were easy to clear of trees and vegetation, but very hard to farm.
