Bristol Naturalists’ Society, Geology Section
Field Meeting to Watchet, West Somerset.
Saturday 25 June 2016
High tide is at 10.37 a.m. so it may be a little too high at the start
of the meeting but we will have a falling tide for the next six hours
which should enable those who wish, to get out on the foreshore later,
where there is a considerable amount of Lower Lias exposed.
For the first hour or so we will take to opportunity to look around the town and harbour and the local museum. We will then walk eastwards along the coast path to Helwell Bay. Here there are good exposures of the Mercia Mudstone and the Lower Lias. Collecting is permitted on the foreshore but not from the cliffs or the ammonite pavement.
Please let me know of your intention to come - email. Mobile number on the day - 07821671717.
We will meet at 11.00 a.m. in the car park by Watchet Station. GR: ST 072 433
This is a Pay and Display Car Park with a daily charge of £5. There is a
Public Convenience adjoining. Approaching Watchet on the B3190 turn
left on to the bridge over the railway and then right alongside the
station.
The lower foreshore can be quite muddy in places so people wishing to go
there are advised to bring rubber boots otherwise walking boots are
advised. Bring packed lunches, drinks and appropriate protection against
the elements, sun or rain.
Showing posts with label Bristol Naturalists' Society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bristol Naturalists' Society. Show all posts
Thursday, 23 June 2016
Wednesday, 3 February 2016
February - Forthcoming events
4th February - Bath Geological Society AGM and 'Cotham Marble'
Further details here
16th February - WRGS
24th February - Bristol NATS - Geology section
Thomas Hawkins and his Sea Dragons – a mad, bad fossil collector?
Stephen Locke 7:30pm, Wednesday 24 February
Stephen Locke will give a talk on the controversial 19th century fossil collector Thomas Hawkins. Thomas Hawkins (1810-1889) was the son of a Somerset Farmer/Cattle Dealer who lived at Glastonbury. He inherited a considerable sum of money with which he was able to indulge his passion for collecting fossil marine reptiles from his local area and Lyme Regis. He was undoubtedly a highly eccentric character and was considered by some of his contemporaries to be mad. He wrote several books on the subject of “Sea Dragons” in a style that has been described as lurid. Stephen’s talk will attempt a reassessment of the life and character of Thomas Hawkins who was a fascinating local naturalist. It will be of interest to a wide range of BNS members and previous knowledge of geology will not be required.
Further details here
16th February - WRGS
24th February - Bristol NATS - Geology section
Thomas Hawkins and his Sea Dragons – a mad, bad fossil collector?
Stephen Locke 7:30pm, Wednesday 24 February
Stephen Locke will give a talk on the controversial 19th century fossil collector Thomas Hawkins. Thomas Hawkins (1810-1889) was the son of a Somerset Farmer/Cattle Dealer who lived at Glastonbury. He inherited a considerable sum of money with which he was able to indulge his passion for collecting fossil marine reptiles from his local area and Lyme Regis. He was undoubtedly a highly eccentric character and was considered by some of his contemporaries to be mad. He wrote several books on the subject of “Sea Dragons” in a style that has been described as lurid. Stephen’s talk will attempt a reassessment of the life and character of Thomas Hawkins who was a fascinating local naturalist. It will be of interest to a wide range of BNS members and previous knowledge of geology will not be required.
Thursday, 5 March 2015
March 7th - Celebration of the Natural World
Bristol NATS -
Bradbury Hall, Henleaze
The speaker programme is now:
10.00 Open
10.30 Glories of the Flowerbank Bob Buck
11.00 Plants rule the world. Or do they? David Hill
11.30 Swifts Richard Bland and RSPB
12.00 My Wild City Bevis Watts AWT
1.30 AGM Roger Steer
2.00 Butterfly Conservation Hilary Raeburn
2.30 Plant illustration Annie Morris
3.00 Bristol Bughunters Mark Pajak
3.30 The Rocks remain Simon Carpenter
4.00 Film of the Downs wildlife Mandy Leivers
5.00 Close
Bradbury Hall, Henleaze
The speaker programme is now:
10.00 Open
10.30 Glories of the Flowerbank Bob Buck
11.00 Plants rule the world. Or do they? David Hill
11.30 Swifts Richard Bland and RSPB
12.00 My Wild City Bevis Watts AWT
1.30 AGM Roger Steer
2.00 Butterfly Conservation Hilary Raeburn
2.30 Plant illustration Annie Morris
3.00 Bristol Bughunters Mark Pajak
3.30 The Rocks remain Simon Carpenter
4.00 Film of the Downs wildlife Mandy Leivers
5.00 Close
Saturday, 7 February 2015
Wednesday, 5 November 2014
26th November - The Practice of Geology Fieldwork
The Practice of Geology Fieldwork
Dr. Mary Benton, University of Bristol Earth Sciences Department
Wednesday 26 November, 7.30 p.m.
Amongst other subjects, Dr. Mary Benton teaches the Introduction to Field Skills in Earth Sciences course, and it is on this aspect that she will speak to us. Please come along and hear this interesting talk, especially if geology is not your main interest. It should be a fascinating insight into this wonderful subject.
S H Reynolds Lecture Theatre, Wills Memorial Building, BS8 1RJEveryone welcome; bring a friend!
Further details
Dr. Mary Benton, University of Bristol Earth Sciences Department
Wednesday 26 November, 7.30 p.m.
Amongst other subjects, Dr. Mary Benton teaches the Introduction to Field Skills in Earth Sciences course, and it is on this aspect that she will speak to us. Please come along and hear this interesting talk, especially if geology is not your main interest. It should be a fascinating insight into this wonderful subject.
S H Reynolds Lecture Theatre, Wills Memorial Building, BS8 1RJEveryone welcome; bring a friend!
Further details
Friday, 12 September 2014
19th September - Two Somerset Quarries
CANCELLED
FRIDAY 19th September
Ashen Cross Quarry, near Somerton and Bowdens Lane Quarry, Langport
Simon Carpenter and Richard Ashley
This meeting visits two working quarries. In the morning we will visit Ashen Cross Quarry where the very lowest beds of the Blue Lias are worked. Following a pub lunch in Somerton we will visit Bowdens Lane Quarry where beds in the White and Blue Lias are worked.
Please note that this meeting is being held on a Friday, as access to these quarries cannot be obtained on the usual Saturday. Hard hats and high visibility jackets or vests are required and the party will be limited to 16 so bookings are essential. Collecting is permitted.
Meet at 10.30 am at Ashen Cross Quarry south of Somerton. Grid reference ST 495 275.
Contact Bristol NATS - Geology for details
FRIDAY 19th September
Ashen Cross Quarry, near Somerton and Bowdens Lane Quarry, Langport
Simon Carpenter and Richard Ashley
Please note that this meeting is being held on a Friday, as access to these quarries cannot be obtained on the usual Saturday. Hard hats and high visibility jackets or vests are required and the party will be limited to 16 so bookings are essential. Collecting is permitted.
Meet at 10.30 am at Ashen Cross Quarry south of Somerton. Grid reference ST 495 275.
Contact Bristol NATS - Geology for details
Friday, 21 March 2014
26th March - Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology of the Coast of the Bristol Region
Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology of the Coast of the Bristol Region
Dr David Case
7.30 pm
David is Associate Head (Civil Engineering) within the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of the West of England. He is also the
author of the, recently published, Geologists' Association Guide “The Coast of the Bristol Region: Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology”.
The meeting will be held in the S H Reynolds Lecture Theatre, Dept. of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol.
Bath GS and WEGA Members are invited to attend free of charge.
Dr David Case
7.30 pm
David is Associate Head (Civil Engineering) within the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of the West of England. He is also the
author of the, recently published, Geologists' Association Guide “The Coast of the Bristol Region: Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology”.
The meeting will be held in the S H Reynolds Lecture Theatre, Dept. of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol.
Bath GS and WEGA Members are invited to attend free of charge.
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Lead and zinc mining in Bristol/Mendip area - 30th October
'The environmental affects of historic lead and zinc mining in the Bristol/Mendip area'
Charlie Bacon, University of Bristol, Department of Earth Sciences.
7.30 pm - Wednesday 30 October 2013
S H Reynolds Lecture Theatre, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1RJ. Charlie Bacon is currently undertaking research into heavy metal pollution and its environmental affects on the Mendips and Somerset Levels that arises from historic Lead and Zinc mining in the area. It is hoped to follow up this talk with a field meeting next summer. The talk will look at the geochemistry of mine-related contamination from the Mendip mines.
Everyone welcome
Bristol NATS - Geology
Charlie Bacon, University of Bristol, Department of Earth Sciences.
7.30 pm - Wednesday 30 October 2013
S H Reynolds Lecture Theatre, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1RJ. Charlie Bacon is currently undertaking research into heavy metal pollution and its environmental affects on the Mendips and Somerset Levels that arises from historic Lead and Zinc mining in the area. It is hoped to follow up this talk with a field meeting next summer. The talk will look at the geochemistry of mine-related contamination from the Mendip mines.
Everyone welcome
Bristol NATS - Geology
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
October 3rd - two lectures
'Volcanic risk communication: a heart-breaking subject - - still with almost no light at the end of the tunnel' by Professor Robert Thompson
Further details on the Bath GS website
7.30, BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath.
Everyone welcome - visitors £4 - free refreshments
'Kimmeridge Clay, Crinoids and Plesiosaurs' by Tim Ewin (ex Geology Section President, and now of the Natural History Museum)
Further details from Bristol NATS - geology
7:30, Guide Association Hall, Westmoreland Road, Redland.
Further details on the Bath GS website
7.30, BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath.
Everyone welcome - visitors £4 - free refreshments
'Kimmeridge Clay, Crinoids and Plesiosaurs' by Tim Ewin (ex Geology Section President, and now of the Natural History Museum)
Further details from Bristol NATS - geology
7:30, Guide Association Hall, Westmoreland Road, Redland.
Monday, 30 September 2013
Very Temporary Exposure in Clifton, Bristol
Bristol NATS Geology has just received notice of a very temporary exposure in Clifton, Bristol.
It is described as follows " . . . looks to be Westbury Beds, sitting on Norian red marls and then on Carb Limestone . . . a really exciting exposure that would be important for someone(s) to visit and log the sequence and collect fossils from the Westbury (if that what it is). looking at the geological map only the Mercia Mudstone Group is depicted at that locality . . . finding Westbury would be important---notwithstanding the fact that it overlies red marls on Carb Lst . . . maybe the shoreline of a Triassic island.
Anyone interested in investigating? Please get in touch directly on 07789 507460 or 0117 973 2028
Please note: This is urgent - Must be done in the next couple of days. The site is private, and a building site, so access is extremely limited.
It is described as follows " . . . looks to be Westbury Beds, sitting on Norian red marls and then on Carb Limestone . . . a really exciting exposure that would be important for someone(s) to visit and log the sequence and collect fossils from the Westbury (if that what it is). looking at the geological map only the Mercia Mudstone Group is depicted at that locality . . . finding Westbury would be important---notwithstanding the fact that it overlies red marls on Carb Lst . . . maybe the shoreline of a Triassic island.
Anyone interested in investigating? Please get in touch directly on 07789 507460 or 0117 973 2028
Please note: This is urgent - Must be done in the next couple of days. The site is private, and a building site, so access is extremely limited.
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
Trym Gorges field trip cancelled - 17th August
Please note that the field trip to Trym Gorges on 17th August, organised by Bristol NATS - geology section has unfortunately had to be cancelled. This was part of the West Country Geology field trips programme
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Avian Bipedalism
A member of Bristol NATS - geology has had a request to look over a paper on the development of avian bipedalism. Being a birdwatcher and a biology graduate, he has some knowledge, but wonders if there is someone better able to help from a geological perspective?
If you can help, please email.
If you can help, please email.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
27th February - Geological Town of Lyme Regis
Bristol NATs - Geology section invite you to -
THE GEOLOGICAL TOWN OF LYME REGIS
Stephen Locke OBE
Stephen Locke was a member of the Junior and Geological Sections of BNS during the late 1950s early '60s and has held various posts in the Museum Service in the South West of England. Latterly he was head of the Hampshire County Council Museum Service and was responsible for bringing to fruition the project for a new museum in Basingstoke. Now retired, he is a Trustee of the Lyme Regis Museum and is much involved in the local geology scene.
He will give a general talk about the importance of Lyme Regis to the history of geology:
- The dynamic coast - brief stratigraphical introduction/geological context \u2013 the importance of landslips (Black Ven & the Undercliffs) creating exposures and supplying fossils
- Pioneer geologists associated with Lyme (Buckland, Conybeare, De La Beche etc)
- Collectors & collecting (Mary Anning, Elizabeth Philpot, modern collectors, Fossil Code)
- Some of the key fossils first described from Lyme specimens (Ichthyosaur, Plesiosaur, Pterosaur, Scelidosaurus).
- Designation as World Heritage Site
Talks take place in the S H Reynolds lecture Theatre, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1RJ. For those unfamiliar with this venue: Enter the Wills Building via main entrance and walk ahead between the two staircases. Turn right when you reach some display cases. The lecture room is on your left.
THE GEOLOGICAL TOWN OF LYME REGIS
Stephen Locke OBE
Stephen Locke was a member of the Junior and Geological Sections of BNS during the late 1950s early '60s and has held various posts in the Museum Service in the South West of England. Latterly he was head of the Hampshire County Council Museum Service and was responsible for bringing to fruition the project for a new museum in Basingstoke. Now retired, he is a Trustee of the Lyme Regis Museum and is much involved in the local geology scene.
He will give a general talk about the importance of Lyme Regis to the history of geology:
- The dynamic coast - brief stratigraphical introduction/geological context \u2013 the importance of landslips (Black Ven & the Undercliffs) creating exposures and supplying fossils
- Pioneer geologists associated with Lyme (Buckland, Conybeare, De La Beche etc)
- Collectors & collecting (Mary Anning, Elizabeth Philpot, modern collectors, Fossil Code)
- Some of the key fossils first described from Lyme specimens (Ichthyosaur, Plesiosaur, Pterosaur, Scelidosaurus).
- Designation as World Heritage Site
Talks take place in the S H Reynolds lecture Theatre, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1RJ. For those unfamiliar with this venue: Enter the Wills Building via main entrance and walk ahead between the two staircases. Turn right when you reach some display cases. The lecture room is on your left.
Thursday, 18 October 2012
West Country Geology field programme 2013
A meeting was held at Box during August where it was agreed by representatives of BNS Geology Section, Bath Geological Society and West of England Geologists’ Association that, as a one-year trial, the three societies will organise a joint programme of field meetings for 2013. This should be of benefit to members of all the societies, as we can all draw on a wider base of expertise, avoid clashes and repetitions, and ensure good attendance. I am sure that this will be a positive improvement for all involved.
Please add any comments, thoughts and suggestions to this post.
Please add any comments, thoughts and suggestions to this post.
24th October - The Forgotten Engineer
'The Forgotten Engineer'
19:30 Wednesday 24 October
Speaker: Trevor Thompson
This an illustrated talk on Charles Richardson (1814-1896) former President of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society Engineering Section. His many engineering feats, some of which are known to us all, could not have been achieved without the required knowledge and understanding of geology.
Talks take place in the S H Reynolds lecture theatre, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1RJ.
Further details - Bristol Naturalists' Society - geology
19:30 Wednesday 24 October
Speaker: Trevor Thompson
This an illustrated talk on Charles Richardson (1814-1896) former President of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society Engineering Section. His many engineering feats, some of which are known to us all, could not have been achieved without the required knowledge and understanding of geology.
Talks take place in the S H Reynolds lecture theatre, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1RJ.
Further details - Bristol Naturalists' Society - geology
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
18th August - Beachley Point and Tidenham Chase
Saturday 18 August
An all-day geological ramble around Beachley Point and Tidenham Chase with Dave Owen, formerly of Gloucestershire Geology Trust.
We start at 10.00 hrs directly underneath the old Severn Bridge at Beachley, map reference SO 552 906.
Beachley Point is the confluence of Rivers Wye and Severn (which have their sources on either side of the same mountain in Wales, Plynlimon). The Lower Carboniferous Rock is overlain by Triassic mudstones, sandstones and conglomerates in an angular unconformity, as well as brought together by a fault. This will take about two hours.
In the afternoon we will drive to the village of Tutshill, walk around the southern end of Tidenham Chase, looking at the Wye Gorge, the Drybrook Limestone exposures at Wintour's Leap, then heading east, to see the entrance to the old railway tunnel (which emerges again at the base of Tintern Quarry, then into Dayhouse Quarry, where the Lower Dolomite is exposed (now home to the National Diving and Activity Centre).
Sandwiches, or for those who would prefer, the Live & Let Live at Tutshill can provide pub lunch. It is advisable to warn them of numbers in advance (contact details below). We can leave cars in their car park for the afternoon walk. This will be about 2.5 to 3 hrs, depending on speed of walking.
If the weather is warm, please bring plenty to drink and sun protection.
Live & Let Live Inn, Coleford Road, Tutshill, Chepstow, Gwent, NP16 7BN 08714 329005
(If anyone could offer a lift to a member coming from St. Philips, Central Bristol, could they please contact me as soon as possible?)
An all-day geological ramble around Beachley Point and Tidenham Chase with Dave Owen, formerly of Gloucestershire Geology Trust.
We start at 10.00 hrs directly underneath the old Severn Bridge at Beachley, map reference SO 552 906.
Beachley Point is the confluence of Rivers Wye and Severn (which have their sources on either side of the same mountain in Wales, Plynlimon). The Lower Carboniferous Rock is overlain by Triassic mudstones, sandstones and conglomerates in an angular unconformity, as well as brought together by a fault. This will take about two hours.
In the afternoon we will drive to the village of Tutshill, walk around the southern end of Tidenham Chase, looking at the Wye Gorge, the Drybrook Limestone exposures at Wintour's Leap, then heading east, to see the entrance to the old railway tunnel (which emerges again at the base of Tintern Quarry, then into Dayhouse Quarry, where the Lower Dolomite is exposed (now home to the National Diving and Activity Centre).
Sandwiches, or for those who would prefer, the Live & Let Live at Tutshill can provide pub lunch. It is advisable to warn them of numbers in advance (contact details below). We can leave cars in their car park for the afternoon walk. This will be about 2.5 to 3 hrs, depending on speed of walking.
If the weather is warm, please bring plenty to drink and sun protection.
Live & Let Live Inn, Coleford Road, Tutshill, Chepstow, Gwent, NP16 7BN 08714 329005
(If anyone could offer a lift to a member coming from St. Philips, Central Bristol, could they please contact me as soon as possible?)
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Stowey Quarry - 30th June
STOWEY QUARRY, near BISHOP SUTTON (ST597 586)
Leader: Simon Carpenter
2.00pm, Saturday 30 June
Stowey Quarry offers one of the best inland exposures of Upper Triassic and Lower Jurassic rocks in the Bristol district. The quarrying of rock has ceased and the site is now managed as a landfill site. Simon has spent considerable time at this site collecting fossils and will be bringing some of these along for others to see. Simon will be on hand to explain the geology but sees the trip primarily as an opportunity to collect the many invertebrate and vertebrate fossils that abound at the site. Hard hats, stout footwear and eye protection are essential for this quarry visit.
Directions: coming from Bristol on the A37 south of Pensford right turn (third exit) at the Chelwood roundabout onto the A368 for Bishop Sutton and Weston-super-Mare. Follow A368 for approximately two miles then turn left for Stowey. Continue past the Church, up the hill and then turn right at the next junction towards White Cross. The entrance to the
quarry is a short distance on your right. Parking is on the road verge near the quarry entrance. Car sharing would be helpful. Simon's mobile number on the day is 07849622823. For other queries please contact Section Secretary - Richard Ashley 01934 838850.
Leader: Simon Carpenter
2.00pm, Saturday 30 June
Stowey Quarry offers one of the best inland exposures of Upper Triassic and Lower Jurassic rocks in the Bristol district. The quarrying of rock has ceased and the site is now managed as a landfill site. Simon has spent considerable time at this site collecting fossils and will be bringing some of these along for others to see. Simon will be on hand to explain the geology but sees the trip primarily as an opportunity to collect the many invertebrate and vertebrate fossils that abound at the site. Hard hats, stout footwear and eye protection are essential for this quarry visit.
Directions: coming from Bristol on the A37 south of Pensford right turn (third exit) at the Chelwood roundabout onto the A368 for Bishop Sutton and Weston-super-Mare. Follow A368 for approximately two miles then turn left for Stowey. Continue past the Church, up the hill and then turn right at the next junction towards White Cross. The entrance to the
quarry is a short distance on your right. Parking is on the road verge near the quarry entrance. Car sharing would be helpful. Simon's mobile number on the day is 07849622823. For other queries please contact Section Secretary - Richard Ashley 01934 838850.
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Dates - Bristol NATs geology section
Tuesday May 8th - 150th Anniversary Dinner
Help Celebrate our 150th year.!
There are a few place remaining, and bookings must close on 21 April, latest. Don't put it off any longer. Be part of this historic event. at an historic venue, with good food and an exciting speaker. For those who missed the Lord Mayor on 14 April, there will be another opportunity to see him at the dinner! Tickets are £25/head.
Contact the Treasurer - Steve Fay, email or 01179214280
Saturday 26th May, 10.30 a.m.
LOOKING AT LIASSIC ROCKS IN THE VICINITY OF EAST QUANTOXHEAD AND KILVE
Leader: Richard Ashley
Meet at 10.30 am in the car park near East Quantoxhead Church ST137 436. Coming from Bridgwater on the A39 go through the village of Kilve. The turning for East Quantoxhead, Frog Street, is approximately ¾ miles on your right at Town’s End. If this turning is missed the next right turn does just as well.
Further details - on website or email
Help Celebrate our 150th year.!
There are a few place remaining, and bookings must close on 21 April, latest. Don't put it off any longer. Be part of this historic event. at an historic venue, with good food and an exciting speaker. For those who missed the Lord Mayor on 14 April, there will be another opportunity to see him at the dinner! Tickets are £25/head.
Contact the Treasurer - Steve Fay, email or 01179214280
Saturday 26th May, 10.30 a.m.
LOOKING AT LIASSIC ROCKS IN THE VICINITY OF EAST QUANTOXHEAD AND KILVE
Leader: Richard Ashley
Meet at 10.30 am in the car park near East Quantoxhead Church ST137 436. Coming from Bridgwater on the A39 go through the village of Kilve. The turning for East Quantoxhead, Frog Street, is approximately ¾ miles on your right at Town’s End. If this turning is missed the next right turn does just as well.
Further details - on website or email
Thursday, 15 March 2012
21st March - Time Travel in the Gravel
Bristol NATs invite you to -
Time travel in the Gravel - and Jurassic delights of the Cotswold Water Park
Dr Neville Hollingworth, STFC
Wednesday 21 March 7:30
Dr Hollingworth is a scientist with the Science and Technology Funding Council. He is a well known field geologist, involved in the finding and identification of many local fossils, especially those connected with the gravels of Cotswold Water Park.
The talk takes place in S H Reynolds lecture theatre, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1RJ.
Everyone welcome.
Time travel in the Gravel - and Jurassic delights of the Cotswold Water Park
Dr Neville Hollingworth, STFC
Wednesday 21 March 7:30
Dr Hollingworth is a scientist with the Science and Technology Funding Council. He is a well known field geologist, involved in the finding and identification of many local fossils, especially those connected with the gravels of Cotswold Water Park.
The talk takes place in S H Reynolds lecture theatre, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1RJ.
Everyone welcome.
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