Red algal-calcimicrobial-stromatoporoid bindstones.
Stachyodes as main reef builder
20% stromatoporoids, Rothpletzella (5%), Renalcis (5%), Wetheredella (2%) and Graticula-like red algae ( 1%) as encrusters. Stromatolites and Girvanella (1%) present. 

The conodont fauna,
obtained from the limestone lenses, includes
Icriodus woschmidti and indicates an early Gedinnian
age for the upper half of the formation
(Link & Druce, 1972). The underlying Cowridge
Siltstone is of Late Ludlovian to Pridolian age,
suggesting that the Elmside Formation ranges in
age from Late Pridolian to Early Gedinnian
(Pickett, 1982).