Sand caves in Reigate

The Folkestone Beds of the Lower Greensand formation were (and still are) worked for silver sand. This material is sufficiently devoid of impurities to be suitable for glass-making. It is thought that some workings date back to the 17th century when industrial scale glass production was introduced to England. Many early excavations for sand were dug underground. All modern workings are large opencast sites. Reigate has more underground sand mines than any other place in Surrey. Three sites are open on the second Saturday of each month from May to September by Wealden Cave and Mine Society. The caves are run as a visitor attraction, under licence from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. See Reigate Caves.



Reigate sand mine, photo: Jason Street