Millington Pastures are of both geological and biological interest covering an exceptionally fine system of deeply incised dry valleys in the chalk karst of the Yorkshire Wolds. As described in the SSSI citation, dry valleys are a major feature of the chalk karst, and this system is the finest in England being deeply cut, branching, undisturbed and complete in a small area. Head deposits and slope morphologies are well preserved and there is a complex of springs at the valley foot. Much of the valley system is occupied by unimproved chalk grassland exhibiting a range of community types on the varying slopes and aspects. The dale is an area much used by walkers and others and its designation as open country has significantly improved an already valuable recreational asset by opening up new dales to which there is no access at present.
Resources available for this area are as follows: