It was formerly part of the Stanmore and Harrow Weald Commons and Bentley Priory SSSI.

[1][2] It is a Geological Conservation Review site.

[3] It provides the most complete exposure of Pleistocene gravel beds above the Claygate Beds, the youngest layer of London Clay.

They were formerly thought to have been of marine origin but recent research has cast doubt on this view.

It is considered a key site for further studies.