Talks, field trips and events organised by west country geological organisations are publicised on this blog. Discussion about geological topics is encouraged. Anything of general geological interest is included.
Friday 14 December 2007
January 12th - date for your new diary
Meet at 10.30 a.m. at the information board at the start of the footpath into the village leading from the National Trust car park at Avebury, SU099697. The walk will take about 1.5 hours.
Sunday 2 December 2007
Outcrop - Newsletter of Avon RIGS Group
Talking of museums - - Outcrop has a list of museums with geology displays in the former County of Avon. These have been added to the right-hand side of the blog. Please let me have a list, via 'comments' of all the others in our area and I will add them.
To receive your FREE copy of Outcrop, please contact the Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre (BRERC) - email.
Monday 26 November 2007
Geology and Landscape of Taunton Deane
The book is published by Taunton Deane Borough Council and costs £8.95. It can be obtained from local bookshops or ordered from Geo Supplies Ltd. 49 Station Road, Chapeltown, Sheffield, S35 2XE or email.
Thursday 15 November 2007
Bath before the Romans
One of the members of the Bath Geological Society took a nine days tour back in time and a one day trip into the future. Click here to view the postcards sent back to the Society by our intrepid explorer G.O. Logist.
This site was produced by members of Bath Geological Society to show the conditions that would have been found in Bath in the last 340 million years. Over this time Bath has moved from a position near the equator to its present position at latitude 51 degrees 22 minutes north.
Thursday 8 November 2007
R.H. Worth Prize for Hugh Prudden
The report written by The Geological Society states "If this were Japan, someone would have made Hugh Prudden a national living treasure. Hugh, who already holds the Halstead Award of the Geologists' Association, is a tireless campaigner for the recognition of geology in local studies and is widely respected for his encyclopaedic knowledge of the geology and geomorphology of his home county of Somerset. He is an enthusiastic campaigner, founder member and chief organiser, of countless organisations, including the Somerset Geology Group, and is closely involved with the GA, the Open University, the Devonshire Association and the Ussher Society.
Moreover, Hugh has carried out what we might call, borrowing terms from the archaeologists, 'emergency' or rescue' geology in temporary exposures of Mesozoic rocks in Somerset and adjacent areas - including delightful locations like road works and gas and water pipeline trenches."
Well done Hugh!
Saturday 27 October 2007
Trilobites
Trilobites are rare in the rocks of the West Country but many people like them, so I have added a link to this website, 'A Guide to the Orders of Trilobites'. It was recommended to me by a trilobite enthusiast.
Wednesday 24 October 2007
There is now a G.A. Guide 'The Geology of Watchet and its Neighbourhood, Somerset'. It is written by Professor Eric Robinson, formerly of University College, London, who now lives in Watchet.
It is an extremely comprehensive guide by a true expert and is good value at £6.00. It can be ordered from the Geologists' Association website.
Tuesday 23 October 2007
Festival of Geology - first weekend in November
There will be something for everyone - geological displays by all the local societies, trade stands (good chance to buy early Christmas presents), books and, of course, Rockwatch with all its activities for children.
There are more details on the G.A website.
Sunday 14 October 2007
Geology Books in North Wiltshire
Geoff says that if anyone contacts him as a result of reading this blog, he will give a 10% discount on purchases!
Saturday 29 September 2007
Fossils and funny bones for the under 8s
"Fossil Finders: Discover the magic of prehistoric worlds through playful and imaginative games and activities in this hands-on workshop. Children will make their own fossils, move like a dinosaur and find out about the creatures that once roamed the Earth."
The cost is £1.75 per pupil for an hour long visit and 30 pupils and 15 adults can be accommodated at one time.
Dates - 15 - 19th October, 12 November - 7th December, 21st January - 8th February, 3 - 14th March, 12 - 23rd May.
Friday 28 September 2007
Geology of Bath video
Thursday 20 September 2007
Soudley Valley Geology Trail
There is also a very good booklet (£1.95) about the trail, available from the nearby Forest of Dean Heritage Centre.
Saturday 15 September 2007
International Year of Planet Earth
Also for the International Year of Planet Earth and making a difference to the education of children across the world is Earthlearningidea. We are publishing 5 Earth-related activities up to December and then one a week for the whole of 2008. These activities require minimal resources and equipment.
Monday 20 August 2007
Field Weekend - a few places left - -
Would you like to join Bath Geological Society on a weekend visit to various sites in Dorset and Somerset to be led by Bob Chandler? Robert Chandler is the 2006 recipient of the Mary Anning Medal of the Palaeontological Association and Consultant to Natural England on the Dorset Inferior Oolite. His title for the weekend is 'Inferior Oolite of Dorset and Somerset, its Ammonite Biostratigraphy and its mode of deposition'.
A number of sites will be visited from Ham Hill, near Yeovil to Burton Bradstock near Bridport - lots of opportunities to collect fossils.
A 15-page information pack is available to accompany the trip.
The cost is £20 to cover organisational expenses. Participants should organise their own accommodation, if required. Participants may be able to share cars.
Please contact the Bath Geological Society email if you are interested - but hurry! Places are limited.
Thursday 16 August 2007
Too many people?
Wednesday 8 August 2007
Earth Heritage Magazine
Earth Heritage is free and is produced by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Natural England, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Council for Wales. The voluntary geoconservation sector is a major contributor.
If you wish to be on the mailing list for the Magazine, 'phone 01584 877442 or email.
Thursday 2 August 2007
Fossil Treasures on the Railway Path - August 27th
For children there will be an additional attraction - free fossil samples for them to take away.
Simon Carpenter, the event organiser, says "If you‘re on the Railway Path on that day, make sure you stop at our event. It promises to be a fun and entertaining day with something of interest for all ages. There will be displays of rocks, fossils and minerals as well as copies of several new interpretation boards that have recently been installed at geological sites in South Gloucestershire. A new free colour booklet describing the geology of South Gloucestershire will also be available on the day, see post of 27th June on this blog. The Bristol Naturalists' Society, the West of England Geologists' Association, the Avon RIGS Group and Bath Geological Society will all be represented at the event. So don't miss out — make a date in your diary now!"
The free event will run from 10am to 4pm on Monday 27 August 2007 on the Bristol and Bath Railway Path near Saltford. The event (Grid Ref: ST 686679) is located approximately 200 yards north west of the Bird in Hand Public House at Saltford (on the stretch of the Railway Path between Saltford and Bitton). Access to the Railway Path and the event can be made via the Bird in Hand PH car park or from Avon Lane, Saltford.
Tuesday 31 July 2007
Christian Malford Squid Bed, Wiltshire
One of the most famous fossil localities in Britain, the Christian Malford Squid Bed in Wiltshire yields beautifully preserved squid complete with soft body parts. This will be the focus of a detailed investigation by a group of Earth Scientists, including Dr. Keith Duff from Natural England. The project has been awarded some funding by the Geologists' Association Curry Fund.
Saturday 21 July 2007
East Mendip Study Centre
After a visit to the Centre it is then easy to visit Tedbury Camp and the de la Beche site at Vallis Vale, both near Great Elm. These make up one of UKRIGS Educational sites.
Friday 20 July 2007
ECOS Frome
Please see what you think of the ECOS website. It has progressed a bit more now. It is crazy that these amazing monoliths do not seem to have any recognition or publicity anywhere. They are a wonderful resource especially for earth science teachers but, sadly, they badly need cleaning. Compare how they look today with the photos on the website which were taken some years ago.
This Spanish granite is the only one which has not weathered badly and you can still see the quartz, feldspar and mica crystals easily. There is also quite a lot of iron pyrites, (fools' gold).
Thursday 19 July 2007
Clay and Chalk Pits, Westbury, Wiltshire - 28th July
On Saturday 28th July, Simon Carpenter will be leading a field trip to the Clay and Chalk Pits at Westbury, Wiltshire.
This field trip will provide a fascinating opportunity to visit the fossil-rich Kimmeridge Clay. Many spectacular marine reptile fossils have been found here over the last 20 years. Simon Carpenter has recently discovered the remains of a new species of marine crocodile and will be bringing a selection of fossils from his own collection along on the day. The morning will be spent in the clay pit. After lunch, we will move to Beggars Knoll Quarry which exposes Lower, Middle and Upper Chalk. Fossils are plentiful at both clay and chalk quarries, so don't forget your collecting bags and hammers.
If you are planning to stay all day, please bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. Sturdy boots are advisable and hard hats are essential at the chalk quarry. Both quarries are sun traps, so make sure you have your sun screen with you.
Meet: 10.30am Lafarge Cement Works, Westbury, Wiltshire (ST 880527).
There is a long approach road to the Cement Works. Please look out for signs for the Visitors' Car Park.
Please contact Simon Carpenter on 01373 474086 in advance of the meeting so that he can keep a check on numbers.
Specimen Cabinet free to a good home
If anyone would like this, with or without its rocks, please contact the Chairman, Bath Geological Society.
The metre rule shows its size.
Tuesday 17 July 2007
Geology and Industrial Archaeology
We are meeting at the ECOS monoliths (website under construction) outside the Merlin Theatre in Frome at 10.30 a.m. After a brief investigation of these amazing rocks, we shall continue to Tedbury Camp and explore the 150 million year-old sea floor before following the Mells River to the site of the Fussells Ironworks. If time allows, we shall also walk along the river to see the famous de la Beche unconformity where there is a time gap of approximately 150 million years between the Carboniferous limestone deposited when Britain was just south of the equator, and the Middle Jurassic limestone, deposited when we were in Mediterranean latitudes.
Everyone is welcome on this trip - - email the secretary at Bath Geological Society
Sunday 1 July 2007
Silbury Hill, Wiltshire
The book is £6.99, published by Elar Publishing. It can be obtained from The Corsham Book Shop, 16 High Street, Corsham, 01249 715988.
Thursday 28 June 2007
Fossil Hunt at Writhlington, Radstock
The displays in Radstock Museum reflect the history of the local community. It is well worth a visit; have a look at the website.
Climate Change
This blog was intended to be about geology in the west country but I was sent this video clip and want to share it with everyone. What do you think?
Wednesday 27 June 2007
A Journey across 400 million years
Three 'must see' sites are mentioned, with grid references, Aust Cliff, Huckford Quarry Local Nature Reserve and Wick Golden Valley Local Nature Reserve. There are 6 new information boards in the area and 5 other sites of interest are mentioned.
The story goes from the oldest limestones and lavas through mountains and coral seas to tropical forests to deserts and back to the sea again. The text is well illustrated featuring diagrams, maps, fossils, photos of what you will see and impressions of what the area looked like in the past. The booklet concludes with a generalised geology map. It is free and can be obtained from the Avon RIGS group.
Thursday 14 June 2007
Wootton Bassett Mud Springs
Everyone is welcome on Saturday; visitors are asked to pay £3.00.
Thursday 7 June 2007
Thornbury Geology Group
Meetings are held at 7.30p.m. in the Chantry, Castle Street, Thornbury on the third Thursday of each month. Although no formal lectures are arranged, members are encouraged to share their interest in geology with others at the meetings. Field meetings are held during the spring and summer months. You can contact the organiser by email.
Monday 4 June 2007
All Sites of Geological Interest in Avon
Saturday 2 June 2007
Earth Learning Idea - Quake Shake
This is the first sample activity to be published by Earth Learning Idea.
It is a simple investigation into why some buildings collapse when an earthquake strikes and why some do not. Like all ELI activities, it requires minimal cost and equipment and will lead to lots of discussion.
Earth Learning Idea will publish Earth-related teaching ideas for teachers and teacher trainers across the globe. One activity will be published every week next year, The International Year of Planet Earth.
Please have a look at our website - Links - Earth-related activities and let us know what you think either by email (info@earthlearningidea.com) or by clicking the 'comment' link below.
Sunday 13 May 2007
Volcanoes and Coral Reefs in South Gloucestershire
Later we moved into a warm, shallow sea where I collected about 20 little horn corals, Pycnactis (as illustrated), only about 3 cm long.
Of course, I was on the Bath Geological Society's field trip, mentioned in my post of 6th May. It was an excellent trip, very well researched and organised. It was led by an expert on the geology of the area, a member of both the Bath Geological Society and of the Avon RIGS Group. The leader's car boot was full of beautiful specimens he had collected previously from the sites. He had specimens of all the creatures shown in the cartoon - the tabulate 'chain' coral, Halysites, trilobites, crinoids and brachiopods. The sea was teeming with life but there was virtually nothing on land; no trees, no flowers, no grass and certainly no animals. At least the rocks would have been well exposed.
Thursday 10 May 2007
Geology of the Hot Springs, Bath
Click here to view it.
There are lots of interesting articles in this Journal so it's worth scrolling through the website.
Tuesday 8 May 2007
Dinosaurs of Gloucestershire
Have you seen the new posters produced by the Gloucestershire Geology Trust? (in the Publications section)
There are 7 in total, all A2 size.
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Sunday 6 May 2007
New RIGS sites in South Gloucestershire
A second recently identified RIGS site is near the castle and Parish Church where a low cliff displays the Triassic Dolomitic Conglomerate as a series of clastic flows fining from south to north. Some of the clasts are boulders 1 metre across. You can imagine the power of the flash flood that moved these. It's called 'Thornbury Rock' not to be confused with the sugary stick. It is about 230 million years old and was deposited when 'Britain' was again in desert latitudes at about 23 degrees North.
A third RIGS is in the Tortworth Inlier and is of the Silurian Wenlock Limestone. It's in a ditch 2m x 1m but it does have very good fossils, including stromatolites (algal mats). This limestone is about 425 million years old and was formed in a warm sea when 'Britain' was at about 30 degrees South. This site is on private land and will be visited by members of the Bath Geological Society on their field trip on 12th May.
Monday 23 April 2007
Thursday 19 April 2007
Cost of 'Stones of Hestercombe' book
Wednesday 18 April 2007
The Stones of Hestercombe
The book is beautifully written, exceptionally well illustrated and covers a great deal of history as well as detailed geology.
It is thoroughly recommended and can be obtained from:-
The Hestercombe Gardens Trust
Cheddon Fitzpaine
Taunton TA2 8LG
Wednesday 11 April 2007
Cotswold Hills Geopark
The Cotswolds is an excellent place to learn about carbonate sediments, fossils, the history of geology, geomorphology and Quaternary landforms. It is the most impressive and notable outcrop of British Middle Jurassic carbonate rocks in the country.
Tuesday 3 April 2007
Geology for Children
Events and field trips are run throughout the year in various parts of the country and members also receive a magazine three times a year.
Join now!
More Geological Organisations
Saturday 31 March 2007
RIGS - Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites
The nationwide organisation UK RIGS (www.ukrigs.org.uk) has set up twelve sites of exceptional educational value. We are very fortunate in the West Country in that one of those sites is in Somerset - Tedbury Camp and Vallis Vale - www.ukrigs.org.uk/html/esos.php
I am leading a field trip to Tedbury Camp and Vallis Vale for the Bath Geological Society on Saturday 21st July. Please contact the secretary if you are interested in joining us - www.bathgeolsoc.org.uk
Friday 30 March 2007
Earth Science in Secondary Education
There are also two new workshops for KS4 covering all the Earth Science in the new specifications.
These are not on the website yet but I have already demonstrated them to loud approval from the participants. They are:-
- The Earth and Plate Tectonics; the whole story
- Life, Atmosphere and everything
Thursday 29 March 2007
Geological Organisations in the West Country
Eventually, I hope we can publish a list of all sites of geological interest in our area so if you know of any that have public access, please let us know. Most of the groups already have their own lists which we can all share. Perhaps we can join together for field trips too?