Rockwatch programme

Rockwatch Programme, Summer 2018

Here is the Rockwatch Programme for this summer. Several of them are in our area and these have been entered in the calendars - HERE and HERE.

Rockwatch Fieldtrips coming up.  All of them can be booked through the website:  www.rockwatch.org.uk

Etches Collection Museum and Kimmeridge field trip, Dorset BH20 5PE
Saturday 16 June

Private tour and workshop at this new immersive museum of locally found fossils plus a beach visit giving you an opportunity to find your own fossils!  Go back to a time before humans existed, before our planet was formed as we know it today and a time when parts of Dorset were under the sea.  Visit the Exhibition Gallery and experience a laboratory of the senses as you are taken on an immersive journey through life underwater in the tropical seas of Kimmeridge 150 million years ago, surrounded by wonderful, if not weird creatures, some of which have long vanished from the face of our Earth.  Book through the website

‘Changing times, changing environments’ - Explore the Yorkshire Coast with Paul Hildreth, Mick Oates and Susan Brown on Sunday 24 June.  10.30 -4.30 

A visit two geological sites - Burniston Wyke on the coast in the morning and Betton Farm, an inland site and of younger age rocks, in the afternoon.  The Jurassic rocks at Burniston represent an environment of forested delta flats and meandering river channels where giant reptiles roamed and we hope to find evidence of these.  We’ll also show you how to calculate the size of the animals.  At Betton Farm Quarry we’ll see younger Jurassic rocks and look for evidence of their depositional environment, different from those at Burniston Wyke.  At Betton we’ll see evidence of warm tropical seas and coral reefs with their fossil assemblages.  Book through the website.  Age 7+

South Wales Annual Weekend in Pembrokeshire Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 July

This year we will be exploring the stunning Pembrokeshire coast.  We will be investigating the spectacular geology, scenery and building stones of the St David’s Peninsula which includes sedimentary and igneous rocks (Precambrian – Ordovician) and Quaternary landforms and deposits which give an important insight into ‘climate change’.  There will be walks along the local coastal footpath as far as Porthliskey and a look at the north coast of the peninsula.  Suitable for 10 year olds and above as there is a fair amount of walking to do!   Book through the website

Rockwatch fieldtrip to the Island of Eigg (NOW FULLY BOOKED BUT YOU CAN GO ON THE WAITING LIST)23rd – 27th July (10.15 ferry from Mallaig so you must be there for night of 22nd)

A fabulous opportunity to explore Eigg with its interesting sedimentary and volcanic rocks.  Beneath the volcanic rocks are older sedimentary rocks from the Jurassic Period with plenty of fossils including shells and plant remains.  Plesiosaur bones were discovered, by a famous geologist called Hugh Miller in 1844, and if you go to the right place it is still possible to find bits of plesiosaur today.  This trip involves 4 nights on Eigg, where we have taken over Glebe Barn hostel and 1 night near the ferry which you must book yourself.  The trip is flexible and informal, so time to explore all of the island, spend time on beautiful sandy beaches and climb An Sgùrr.  Further info about Eigg is available at www.isleofeigg.org.  The cost of the trip is yet to be confirmed but email if you are interested to hello@rockwatch.org.uk  Places limited.  Over 7s only

16th Annual Rockwatch Residential Fieldtrip – to the Jurassic World Heritage coast of Dorset and East Devon Monday 30 July – Friday 3 August 

Join the team with Susan, Aerona, Alan, Sam, Simon, Richard and Mike for a week exploring quarries on the Isles of Purbeck and Portland.  Hear about the smugglers’ tales along these cliffs and see where they hid their booty!  Explore beaches and cliff tops, find fossils and dinosaur footprints and maybe do some rock carving and find a few caves to explore along the way.  You’ll be investigating the geology of Weymouth and going over to Portland where you can see extraordinary sweep of Chesil Beach – and possibly finding some dinosaur footprints!  

Your accommodation during the week will be the Leeson House Field Study Centre in Langton Maltravers outside Swanage which is comfortable, spacious and with grounds to have a run around.  The cost of the trip includes all your food during the stay and transport during the whole visit.  If you arrive by train you will be met at the station – luxury!

Adults (aged from 18 up): £320.00

First child (up to 17 years inclusive): £225.00

Second child: £145.00

If you would like to go on this residential fieldtrip either email the Rockwatch office:  hello@rockwatch.org.uk  and ask for a booking form or book a place on line. 

www.rockwatc.org.uk (I think they mean www.rockwatch.org.uk)

Ware Museum, The Priory, High St, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9AL
Tuesday 14 August 11.00 – 3.00 - www.waremuseum.org.uk   01920 487848

Rockwatch will be joining a ‘drop in’ activities day at this delightful local museum.  Come along and make a Jurassic diorama, handle fossils, paint plaster fossils – bring your own rocks and fossils to be identified  and have a go at other geo-crafts!  Free event for Rockwatch members. £2.50 per individual for non members. No booking required.  

Explore the Runswick Bay on the Yorkshire CoastTuesday 28  August   11.00 – 4.00

Rockwatch is joining Will Watts and the Hidden Horizons team for a fossil hunting trip along Runswick Bay.  You should be able to find a wide range of fossils from the Jurassic, around 160 million years ago. Suitable for all the family as the access is very easy.  Booking essential  through www.hiddenhorizons.eventbrite.co.uk  Use the promotional code ‘Rockwatch’ on 28 August trip to unlock the special price of £2.50 ticket.  All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.