Editorial Contents

Dawn ofa new era I Main features I Chris Stevens, English Nature As of 1 April the Government's new The Strategy launched at Westtninster 3 Earth science conservation in Great arrangements for nature conservation Britain - a strategy, to give it its full came into effect, and statutory duties The RIGS initiative - full speed ahead title, was formally launched on 5 for England, Scotland and Wales are Mike Harley reports on the astonishing pace at which RIGS December 1990. ,The sening was the now discharged via three new national schemes are growing 5 Hoare Memorial Hall in Church agencies - English Nature, Nature RockWATCH - fossils, fun and lots more! House, Westminster - a slightly more Conservancy Council for Scotland and Wayne Talbot and Beverley Halstead ask what's in it for the kids? 10 geological setting than its name Countryside Council for Wales (for would suggest, with lots of Ancaster further details see page 9). The Geological Society and conservation and Purbeck limestone internally and Coos Wilson explains the role of the Conservation Committee 22 A future for our magazine a splendid flint-clad exterior. Ifthe 'Strategy' is new to you, you will find The new agencies have agreed to I Protecting our earth science resource I a summary of it in Earth science produce Earth science conservation as a conservation) 27 and 28. joint effort. This is encouraging news What is the earth science resource that we are so keen to protect? to all who believe that the magazine has These articles illustrate just three aspects of this rich heritage A full house! a useful role to play. Over the coming Over 200 guests attended including a Conserving Britain's river landfonns 10 year we will report on the plans and large number of site users, owners priorities of the new agencies as they Minding our mineralogical heritage 20 and managers besides representation Over 200 guests turned out for the Launch (Photo by James Chinaloy) become known. With this issue I retire from both the Lords and the Two Bridges Quarry: a classic site for understanding tors 24 A place in the university syllabus conservation community at present as editor and David Norman will take Commons, the press and NCC with the equally marked differences over as managing editor leading an Council, Country Committees and Chris Wilson, some five years ago. The importance editorial team involving the country I Romancing the stones - the search for fossils I staff. Professor of of the 'Strategy' lay in the high level agencies. NCC's Chairman, Sir William Earth Science The rock store at Writhlington of consensus that it reflected. Wilkinson, acted as Master of at the Open A thank you to our readers Ed Jarzembowski explains how Local Nature Reserve status is Regarding the future of the SSSI Ceremonies and Professor John Knill University, and Not long ago we sent you a protecting this remarkable plant and insect site 12 network, he noted that the GCR had chaired the event and delivered the Chairman of questionnaire about the magazine provided the fabric of knowledge for Tynet Burn - on the trail ofOrcadian fish closing address. Dr Eric Robinson, the the conservation of our nationally asking for your views and how you Stan Wood and David Norman on the detective work at Tynet Burn 15 Professor Coos Wilson and Chris Professor Chris Wilson, Conservation important sites - the jewels in the thought we should develop it. Your Stevens were the other speakers. , Open UniversiSl" Committee of Phosphates, fossils and fens (Photo bylames Chinaloy) crown - and that with RIGS came a response has been encouraging and the Geological David Norman and Nick Fraser with a tale of conservation and the A plea for wider thinking second crown in which the very completed forms are still arriving in. Society, described the proposal for Cambridge Greensand 30 many important but unprotected Many thanks for your help - we will In a fascinating an Open University course in earth .~ sites could be set. He touched upon report on your views in the next issue. exposition of science conservation that would tie in International news ... -, the need to apply statutory controls Subscriptions tirn,e again I I the importance with the themes of the 'Strategy'. ""t}·· with sensitivity on earth science sites of the The course would consist of a basic It's time to dig into your pockets and Popularising geology in Ireland - What's in a name? in a way that reflected their fragility historical, geology and geomorphology module pay your subscriptions for the next two - Plans for international meetings 18 or robustness: aesthetic and together with an earth science issues! For the third year running the Professor Knill appealed to social value of conservation module. The latter price remains unchanged and we hope geologists to join with the County I A DIY guide to conservation I sites, Eric would be taken largely from the that you will continue to support us in Trusts in running RIGS schemes and Robinson, of Strategy ,and its appendices, and he this year of major change, by Site interpretation 27 expressed the hope that future Dr Eric Robinson, the Geologists' appealed to the NCe's successor completing and returning the enclosed resourcing of earth science Geologists' Association. Association, (photo by"­ lames Chinaloy) bodies, and others, for funding to subscription form. I News items I pointed out carry the project forward. Dr Des O'Halloran that a narrow research justification 9 The new conservation agencies for sites did not alone satisfy society's Two conservation crowns Affiliation ofprincipal New leaflet for teachers: Death ofan ocean 23 expectations, and he welcomed the Professor John guests at the Launch Earth science corlServatum is the twice wider approaches to site value Knill, yearly journal of the Government adopted in the RIGS schemes. Eric Chairman of Local and national earth science conservation agencies, English Nature, emphasised how the approach in the the Natural societies (37 guests) Nature Conservancy Council for 'Strategy', particularly RIGS, fitted Environmental yield (Writhlington; Tynet Burn) Wildlife and other conservation Scotland and the Countryside Council Our cover photo, courtesy of Mr Wood's in with the Association's Research • the interweaving of geology and societies (17 guests) for Wales. We would like to thank all Fossils, shows specimens of the lobe­ conservation aims and with its Council, society through time as part of a rich \, Universities and polytechnics those who have assisted with the finned fish, Osteolepis, recovered from relationship with local geological Professor lohn Knill, expressed his historical tapestry, as shown by, for (40 guests) preparation ofthe magazine. However Tynet Burn. societies. He also pointed out how NERC. pleasure at the example, the importance of the coprolite (photo by lames Chinaloy) the opinions expressed by contributors The importance of protecting fossil RIGS could be used to protect quality of the Schools, colleges and field centres industry to the social fabric of are not necessarily those of the sites is the theme of three articles in this former SSSIs - those that had lost external contribution to the (15 guests) issue. They underline the fascination that Cambridgeshire in Victorian times. agencies. In future the magazine will be their statutory protection as a result 'Strategy' and its forward-looking l\tluseums (21 guests) fossils have upon the imagination, and These points underscore the relevance of produced by staff in England, Scotland of the reassessment of sites for the approach. He remarked that one of bring home a number of recurring truths conserving these sites, through SSSI or Industry, landowners and NCe's Geological Conservation its roles would be to provide the and Wales. For the moment all Local Nature Reserve status. Moreover it consultants (25 guests) about fossil sites; Review (GCR) - and described the cement to bind together the four correspondence should be directed [0 is not just specialist scientific interests Local authorities (13 guests) • their long-term relevance and success of the Geologists' NCC successor organisations, and Dr David Norman, English Nature, which are at stake but a wider natural, productivity (Tynet Burn) Association's Curry Fund in contrasted the high level of common Central government and direct Northminster House, Peterborough • their ability to surprise us by the social and historical heritage in which all encouraging practical conservation. purpose within the geological funded bodies (13 guests) PEl 1UA (telephone 0733 - 340345). wealth of unexpected material they can can share.

2 3 conservation, both from the NCC's participants in the 'Strategy'. international meeting in Britain. successors and other bodies, would My most important task, however, Some themes are but a gleam in the continue to grow. was to stress how the NCC, and its eye - the vision of widespread site successor agencies, were contributors information boards and the Key role for RIGS to, not owners of, the 'Strategy' - and documentation of many of our sites. Mike Harley, English Nature One of my own that in acting as a vehicle to produce Nevertheless, I am convinced that it 1990 will be remembered as the year tasks at the it, we were very deeply indebted to is all achievable, if we bring to bear when the RIGS initiative took off. launch was to the many hundreds of consultees who even part of the commitment and RIGS - Regionally Important describe the devoted so much time and effort in enthusiasm evident at the launch. It GeologicalJgeom9rphological Sites ­ themes in the putting the document together. I said is also reassuring that the Chairmen are the focus for a major 'Strategy', with "thank you" then on behalf of the of the four NCC successor agencies conservation project in which locally­ particular NCC - and it is a pleasure to repeat all supported the 'Strategy' and based voluntary groups select and emphasis on it here. agreed to recommend it as a basis for manage earth science sites that they the priority future action to the new agencies A voyage begun consider to be important in their RIGS once they were up and running. areas. For a fuller explanation of the initiative. Mike It's launched! Some of the themes are Copies of the 'Strategy' will be thinking behind RIGS see Earth Harley's article well underway - over 20 new RIGS sent in due course to all readers of science consel'vation) 28) pages (see page 5) gives more detail on groups are in place or in formation, Earth science conservation not already 3-5, or phone for a free copy of the RIGS while the table below and a joint group has been set up to having a copy. D RIGS leaflet. summarises the themes and potential report on the feasibility of holding an During the year enthusiasm for RIGS grew at an astounding rate, with a wide range of organisations Opportunities for participating in the Strategy and individuals becoming involved. These have included local people, national and local earth science societies, museums, wildlife trusts, local authority planners and TheIne 1 Maintaining the SSSI network TheIne 4 IInproving site docUlDentation and countryside staff, teachers and conservation ofsaInples • Update of site coverage (A, C, D, F, H) academics, and members of the Documentation of sites (A, B, C, D, E, H) extractive industries. Before 1990 Countering damage (A, C, F, G, H) • only 7 such county-based groups • Encouraging site recording (A, B, C, D, G, H) existed, bur since the launch of the Site documentation, management • RIGS initiative last year the number • Promoting good collecting practice and has mushroomed to 25 with a further and monitoring (A-G inclusive) • 11 schemes under active curation (A, B, C, D, G, H) Involving other interested groups (A, B, D) consideration. In some areas lists of • RIGS have already been submitted for inclusion in local authority planning policy documents. The TheIne 2 Expanding the RIGS network TheIne 5 Increasing public awareness map (see next page) shows the growth of RIGS schemes throughout Setting up local RIGS groups conserving Using the media (A, B, C, D, F, G) Great Britain, whilst reports from 7 • • county groups illustrate their diverse local RIGS and involving other local Site information boards (All groups) • character and interests, all grouped RIGS sites are selected at county level and can be an amenity for local people interest groups (B-H inclusive) Conservation in education (C, D, H) around the common objectives of the with a11 interest in earth science. (Photo by Leicestershire Museums Service) • RIGS banner. D • Supporting and funding RIGS network at national level (A, B, E, G, H) The National Scheme for geological site To promote the RIGS concept, we out how Trust members can TheIne 3 Developing new conservation techniques TheIne 6 Developing international links have published a special become involved in geological and documentation (A-F inclusive) (A, B, C, D, H) explanatory leaflet, RIGS, which is geomorphological conservation available free to all potential work, particularly through joining a The National Scheme for participants. The leaflet is packed RIGS group. Geological Site Documentation with suggestions as to how a RIGS If you are interested in getting (NSGSD), refered to in the group can work; what sort of involved with RIGS, write to me following pages, was established Explanation ofcodes used above criteria might be used in selecting here in English Nature at in 1977 to record and document A The successor bodies to the Nature Conservancy E County wildlife trusts and other local and sites and hmv to encourage others Peterborough and I or my sites of local earth science interest Council national conservation organisations to help. One entire page is devoted colleagues \vill send you the leaflets based around local recording to names and addresses of and provide you with further centres. B Earth science societies and their members F Landowners and site managers organisations who may be able to information - where possible, I will For further details contact C Universities, polytechnics, colleges, schools and G Mineral, waste disposal and civil engineering help you in your RIGS work. also give you the contact address of NSGSD, clo Hull City Museums field centres companies and consultants In order to to harness the your local RIGS scheme. I will also and Art Galleries, Maritime expertise of county Wildlife Trusts forward letters to NCC Scotland Buildings East, 83 Alfred Gelder D Museums, Geological Local Record Centres and H Local authorities and other statutory bodies a further leaflet, Earth science and the Countryside Council for Street, Hull HUl 2AA, telephone museum-based organisations consel~uation for Wildlife Trusts, sets Wales as appropriate. 0482-222735.

4 5 The rapid growth ofRIGS groups in Great Britain Leicestershire Museums Arts and museum curators, BGS and Record Service maintains a database industrial geologists, local authority of around 2,000 geological sites and representatives, local geological and

~ a is a member of the NSGSD. In mineralogical societies, and the 1987 Roy Clements (Leicester Leicestershire Conservation Trust. ~f:'o',"EYIS6""DS SH£TI.,AND t5LA1<;[j University) and John Martin The RIGS concept marks !J;tro ~.v (Leicestershire Museums) decided another stage for the group. ~ • "'V applications. examples of volcanic, desert, ,~.; The role of the Forum in marine, fluvial and glacial deposits. exchanging news and information Gill Weightman has proved most useful, at the very PRE 1990 least highlighting temporary Assistant Keeper (Geology & Sites) 15°o • / o Geologists busy at work on Lias ~O exposures in Holwell quarry. exposures. Members come from a Leicestershire Museums o 1990 (Photo by Leicestershire wide range of geological Museums Service) backgrounds and include academics,

BEING SETUP I DUMBAHj()~ o 2. CLYOEBANK :i E::AJISD£N & W~G}. VIE 4. I~V::RCLYDE Albans. This will be used to identify ~ RENntt..-W UNDER CONSIDERATION RIGS group set up in Hertfordshire f STRAnif::l:LV!r.; o RIGS sites (estimated at 20-30) and ;. CUMB£'RNAUt.D& KiLSY'TH 8 rALXUlK the information will be passed on to 8 CU.CKM"-NNMI .CI.''vE:S'!'L..OTIn..I;Jo/ Apart from a few small chalk pit informal meeting was arranged by the relevant planning authorities and [I. MONX1ll.NDS 12. MOTHEJl\\'D..L nature reserves, geological sites of the Museum of St Albans (a latent J3. CI1"forov.sccw landowners. 14. EAST\\'OO3 interest within the county have gone Records Centre for the NSGSD) :5. KIl.M.ARNOCr. & LOUDCN Consideration will also be given lE EAST J:JlI6RIiJ£ .1. HAMJLTON largely unrecognised, and this, with representatives from the to recent developments in the le klRl(CI\U'JY III Dm;n:RMU~'£ together with the lack of any policy HertfordshVe and Middlesex National Curriculum and the likely 1:0. y"I!ltC"rtnA.~ statements on such sites in the Wildlife Trust, the Hertfordshire demand from higher education County Structure or District Plans, Geological Society, County and establishments. It was decided that has highlighted the demise ofearth District Planners, Earth Sciences monitoring sites should be an sciences in Hertfordshire. Education Advisory Service, Earth important part of the group's work, /y Hertfordshire makes an Sciences Division of Hatfield with a view to sympathetic use and important contribution to the Polytechnic, local extractive management, and site interpretation region's demands for aggregate sand industries and the NCe. As a result for visiting groups. To assist in this and gravel and extraction through an informally constituted RIGS work, a directory of selected sites, opencast quarrying can cause Advisory Group for Hertfordshire giving a summary of their conservation problems. Although was established. educational potential for earth such extraction is essentially a First and foremost, the group sciences fieldwork, will also be temporary land use and the pits are will be responsible for compiling a produced. often only short-lived, restoration database of geological and can sometimes obliterate valuable geomorphological sites in the county David Curry exposures. under the auspices of a resurrected Keeper ofNatural Science In the light of the above, an NSGSD at the Museum of St Museum of St Albans

Warwickshire IVluseum, a record formed a Geology Group and I was submitted to the local planning centre for the NSGSD since 1979, asked to chair it. The Group authorities for adoption. has built up records on some 1,500 consists mainly of enthusiastic In view of the intense pressure to sites, mainly through literature amateurs with little geological infill sites, many of which are old searches and map surveys. Owing to knowledge although a mailshot is quarries, it may well be necessary to lack of staff, however, the current planned in the hope of increasing produce an interim list of RIGS status and condition of many of the breadth of membership. which may have to be modified on these sites has not been assessed. The major aim of the Group is to completion of the survey. ?~ .~:' ISl.csorSCILL'l' ©Crown Copynght In 1990 the Warwickshire find out the number of sites that still John Crossling Nature Conservation Trust exist and evaluate their relative Deputy Curator and Keeper of (WARNACT), conscious of the fact importance to local geology. A list of Geology that they did not deal with geology, RIGS will then be produced and Warwickshire Museum

6 7 the Yorkshire Geological Society, 'e Leeds Geological Association, Bradford and Leeds Museums, the Since 1974 the West Yorkshire • there was an upsurge in sympathy Open University and Wakefield's The Environmental Protection Act new body, Scottish Natural Heritage. £65 million compared to NCe's County Council have recognised the for conservation, and urban nature Minerals Planning Department met (1990) received Royal Assent in budget in its fmal year of existence of • Wales: The Countryside Council need to develop planning policies to conservation efforts became with NCC, the Leeds Nature November of last year. As a £44 million. for Wales, following the merger of protect sites of scientific interest. An particularly vigorous, and Conservation Officer and the consequence the statutory The approved staff complements NCe's Welsh component with the all-embracing policy disallowing • some local authorities prepared Ecological Advisory Service. The idea responsibilities and work of the for the new agencies are England Countryside Commission for Wales. development was included in the strategies in which nature of a RIGS group was greeted Nature Conservancy Council are, as (724), Scotland (385) and Wales County Structure Plan, covering conservation plays a key role e.g. the enthusiastically. from 1 April 1991, now discharged by Great Britain and international issues (220). This gives a GB staff total of SSSIs (including geological sites) and Leeds Nature Conservation Strategy, One of the first tasks will be to a number of new country-based will be looked after by the Joint 1,329, compared to NCe's former second-tier sites (confusingly termed which will hopefully be incorporated prepare a list of important geological agencies, as follows: Nature Conservation Committee staff total of 813 permanent staff. SSIs - sites of scientific interest). into the UDPs. sites in the County. However, much which will initially be based in Within conservation circles • England: The Nature These SSIs were identified by the The arrival of RIGS is therefore knowledge and expertise is to hand Peterborough. The ]NCC will be opinion differs as to the adequacy of Conservancy Council for England, West Yorkshire Ecological Advisory timely, creating an opportunity for and a 'shopping list' is already funded jointly by the country agencies this resourcing to meet the using the operational name of English Service, but only included biological earth science sites to receive better underway for development during and staffed by secondment from conservation challenge facing Great Nature, will be based at Northminster sites. In the 1980s a number of planning system protection, and to 1991. Timescales for the preparation them. Britain. What is beyond dispute is the House, Peterborough. developments took place: receive wider public appreciation of the UDPs will help set the pace for fact that it represents significantly Budgets and staff • the County Council was abolished through the formulation of local this important job. • Scotland: The Nature enhanced resourcing for nature in 1986 and since then the five conservation strategies. JeffLunn Conservancy Council for Scotland The budgets for the country agencies conservation on the part of the Districts in the County have been A RIGS group inaugural meeting will operate for one year and then are England (£32.4 million), Scotland Government. [] preparing Unitary Development Plans was convened in November 1990 in English Nature merge with the Countryside (£19 million) and Wales (£14 (UDPs) to replace the old Structure Leeds at which earth scientists from West Yorkshire Commission for Scotland to form a million). Put together these sums total and Local Plans,

IPlans for further RIGS groups I A team of 9 staff will comprise the earth science team at Five earth science posts have been allocated in the Peterborough, with plans to recruit further regionally­ structure of the new Countryside Council for Wales, Devonshire discussions Berkshire - an unlikely Lincolnshire links for based, earth scientists in the future. 7 of the 9 staff have and plans for implementing the earth science effort are transferred from the former NCC, and the Chief well advanced. The varied and complex geology of RIGS Klondike? RIGS Scientist will also be a geologist, Dr Keith Duff. Devon has been studied and The Reading Geological Society In Lincolnshire (including South Our plans for 1991/92 build on the 6 themes of The Head of the Landscape and Earth Science appreciated for many years. organises lectures and also carries Humberside) the RIGS initiative has Earth science conservation - a strategy, and include: Branch, Dr David White, will be supported by 4 staff as However, other than through the out fieldwork in many parts of the been warmly welcomed by geologists follows: a geomorphologist (Stewart Campbell, formerly SSSI network, the county lacks any • a major drive to produce management plans for ofNCC, is already in post); a coastal geomorphologist; UK, and we therefore do not see and others concerned with SSSIs comprehensive assessment of the ourselves as being specialists in conservation of sites for teaching and a landscape assessor and a stratigrapher • real support for RIGS groups including two support most important geological sites for Berkshire geology. study. The Lincolnshire and South packages, a newsletter and much more The role of the earth scientists will widen as a closer conservation. ' Some would say that, compared Humberside Trust for Nature The Devon Wildlife Trust hopes to • a major effort to encourage organisations who will relationship between the earth sciences and aspects of with many of the sites we visit, Conservation is taking the lead in land-use and landscape evaluation is developed. link up with individuals and Berkshire is not too exciting. forming a RIGS group; it will have use, own or manage our sites to adopt conservation organisations in Devon interested in However, RIGS discussions have access to the Trust's database of sites policies Contact point: Stewart Campbell, Earth Science, geological research and conservation caused us to review this assumption, of conservation importance and its Contact point: Chris Stevens, Earth Sciences, English Countryside Council for \XTales, Plas Penrhos, Ffordd to in order establish a RIGS group. and sure enough, we recollect connections with local planning ~ature, Northminster House, Peterborough PE 1 JUA Penrhos, Bangor LL57 2LQ (0248-370444) Although the Trust lacks the swallowholes in the chalk, the authorities. (0733-340345). geological expertise with which to Goring Gap, ironstones in church A few key geological sites have been identify and index a RIGS network, walls and many similar features, few lost to landfill and RIGS designation it could do much in the course of its of which are documented, but all of will strengthen the chances of retaining routine work to promote the which have fascinated us. others. A preliminary list of county protection, wise use and educational RIGS could be very good for us sites is already being drawn up for potential of sites recognised as being as a society in that it will inspire us consultation. With the cessation of Conservation of earth science sites is set to have a high of county importance. The to consider our own county in a ironstone quarrying, for example, The Earth science team supporting the Committee is establishment of a RIGS group is systematic way. special attention will focus on recently profile in Scotland. A total of 8 geologists and led by Des O'Halloran, \vho will co-ordinate ]NCC and geomorphologists is currently envisaged, working as seen as an opportunity to unite the Initial fears about paperwork and abandoned sites. A meeting will be country agency initiatives in areas of mutual interest­ 'specialist' with the 'practitioner' for bureaucracy have been allayed by the held in spring 1991 involving a outposted units within an academic environment. Two for example UK, international and strategic issues with the benefit of geological conservation realisation that we may pass these on number of interested parties including members ofNCC's former earth science team, John an earth science component. within the county. to others, leaving us free to Lincoln and Scunthorpe Museums, Gordon and Alan McKirdy, have now taken up post in A key role will be to forge greater multi-disciplinary Edinburgh. co-operation between earth science and biological Anyone interested in joining a concentrate on what we consider to the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, be the vital factor - the sites. the East Midlands Geological Society From April 1992 Scottish Natural Heritage \vill specialists in areas such as soils, hydrology and active­ RIGS group in Devon should process coastal sites where integrated action will contact me at the Devon Wildlife We have now decided to enter the and teachers in schools, colleges and combine the existing functions ofNCCS and CCS, and scheme, and we shall be offering adult education to get the RIGS will aim to achieve a wider understanding and strengthen our conservation effectiveness. Trust, 35 New Bridge Street, Exeter, GCR publication staff, dedicated to the task of Devon, EX4 3AH, telephone 0392­ territory for the prospectors to stake scheme launched. appreciation of Scotland's natural environment. out at Society meetings during 1991! publishing the GCR Series of volumes, will be part of 79244. David Robinson Contact points: Mr Alan McKirdy (geology) or Dr the ]NCC team. David Ward John Gordon (geomorphology), Nature Conservancy Peter Chamberlain Honorary Secretary Contact point: Dr Des O'Halloran, Joint Nature Council for Scotland, 2/5 Anderson Place, Edinburgh Reading Geological Society Lincolnshire and South Humberside Conservation Committee, lvlonkstone House, City Senior Conservation Officer EH6 5NP, (031-5549797) Road, Peterborough, PEl IJY, (0733-62626) Devon Wildlife Trust Trust for Nature Conservation

8 9 Conservation in practice: the River Feshie

John Gordon, NCC Scotland, and One of the most striking features and drainage systems and their An active gravel-bed river Stewart Campbell, Countryside of the British landscape is the evolution. The River Feshie, which drains the Council for Wales diversity of geomorphology Safeguard of these sites, often northern watershed of the Grampian At the International Conference on represented in a relatively small under threat from developments that mountains, Scotland, is one of the the Conservation and Management geographical area, A key element of include mineral extraction, flood­ most important s,ites in Britain for of Rivers, organised by 'the NCC and this diversity includes fluvial protection works and afforestation, fluvial geomorphology. It is one of held at the University of York in landforms and processes which operates through the national the most active gravel-bed rivers in September 1990, the authors contribute much to the landscape of planning system and the Wildlife and Britain and is significant for: presented a poster paper which both our uplands and lowlands, A Countryside Act 1981. In the case of outlined the framework and rationale network of 81 nationally important active process sites, where the • the unique opportunity it for the conservation of sites for fluvial sites has been selected for scientific interest lies in the dynamics provides to study present-day geomorphology in Britain, This designation as SSSIs as part of the of the natural system, difficult and river processes and rates of presentation looked at the principal Geological Conservation Review; it pressing problems in practical channel and landform change in functions of earth science demonstrates important features of conservation often arise. Currently, a large, highly active, gravel-bed conservation, including site the fluvial geomorphology of Britain an example of such a problem is river; assessment and selection, site and includes river landforms, active being addressed by St Andrews documentation, site safeguard and process systems and examples, such University in a commissioned • the record it provides of such changes in the past in the form of conservation in practice. as the Aberglaslyn, of river sediment research project on the River Feshie. documentary, geomorphological and stratigraphic evidence; e: slyn • the unrivalled opportunity it affords to set present-day river The River Glaslyn (Aberglaslyn) headwaters. Flowing through Uyn an exceIlent example of a steep dynamics into the long-term in Gwynedd, North Wales, flows Gwynant and Uyn Dinas, the gradient reach, sandwiched between perspective of geomorphological through spectacular glaciated Glaslyn is joined at Beddgelert by lower gradient, less confined reaches changes during the last 13,000 topography in Snowdonia and is a the Afon Colwyn - which also where meandering and depositional years since the Ice Age. striking example of the foIlm,vs a major glacial excavation. features are prominent. The In scientific terms these aspects are geomorphological and aesthetic Although unconfined for much contrasts seen in the space of less closely linked and it is the richness of our river systems. The of its course, flowing in large than 1 km may reflect successive combination of all three which river is fed by water from lakes glacially-overdeepened valleys, stages in episodic rejuvenation of distinguishes the River Feshie. Four which occupy the largest glacial Aberglaslyn becomes confined in a the river and make Aberglaslyn one reaches of the river are included excavation of the Snowdon massif ­ gorge south of Beddgelert - The of Wales's most significant sites for within the proposed SSSI and much Cwm Dyli (the Snowdon Pass of Aberglaslyn. This section of fluvial geomorphology. of the interest lies in the dynamic Horseshoe), and from adjacent the Aberglaslyn therefore provides nature of the river and the contemporary channel changes. Effective conservation of such features presents quite different requirements from sites where the The gravel fan of the River Feshie building out into the River Spey at the interest is solely static. As a result potential conflicts with other land confluence of the two rivers. (Photo by Stewart Campbell) uses and with the need for flood protection measures are pressing particularly since grant aid is geomorphological maps of the concerns which need to be tackled. available. Measures proposed include four reaches of the river notified bulldozing floodbanks from the river­ as SSSI - to identify the most The flood protection problem bed gravels, realigning channels, important and sensitive areas; Major floods on the River Feshie deepening channels and diverting .. • an assessment of the impact of during the last two winters have flow from particular pressure points. particular threats to different caused significant damage in the Such measures, however, would not pans of the site; lower reaches of the glen. Extensive only conflict severely with the areas of agricultural land have been geomorphological interest of the site, • management recommendations flooded and bank erosion has eaten but past experience of such works for the site, and into agricultural land, a gliding indicates that their effectiveness is • possible alternative flood­ airstrip and the public road on the likely to be limited, given the power protection measures compatible east side of the glen. A critical of the Feshie in flood. Continued with effective conservation of the element of the problem concerns the maintenance would be inevitable Above the gorge the Aberglaslyn geomorphological interest of the gravel fan formed by the River and, in effect, the river would cease shows many features typical of Passing downstream, the character site. lowland rivers in Wales and of the river changes as its gradient Feshie at its confluence with the to operate as a natural system. River Spey. It appears that build up The results of this work will also be meanders over a 500-m wide increases and it enters its gorge Immediately upstream of Pant Finding an answer floodplain showing evidence of section. Here the channel is Aberglaslyn, the gorge starts to of the fan causes the Spey of wider value in dealing with similar meander scrolls, abandoned confined by bedrock, with banks open out and the river becomes floodwaters to back up, exacerbating A commissioned research project has problems on other active fluvial sites, channels, riffle-pool sequences and up to 4 m high in places, and the less confined once again, resuming flooding up-valley. With heightened now been started to look at these and should mark a significant step many depositional structures river faIls over a series of rock bars its lower-gradient, meandering awareness of this flood hazard, there problems and produce: forward in our conservation is now considerable pressure from management expertise. including point and counterpoint causing a sequence of rapids. course. • detailed documentation and D bars. (Photo by Stewart Campbell) (Photo by Stewart CampbeIl) (Photo by Sw"vart Campbell) landowners to alleviate the problem,

10 11 in the British Coal Measures, despite intensive mining over the last couple of hundred years. Writhlington has not only increased our knowledge of Ed ]arzembowski arthropod faunal diversity some 300 million years ago, but also provided Booth Museum ofNatural us with an extensive Roof Shale History, Brighton assemblage for the first time. The abundant and well-preserved plant Writhlington, to the south-west of compression fossils will continue to Bath in Avon, is the site of one of the stimulate an interest in the world's last working coal mines in the earliest tropical forest ecosystems. D Radstock Basin of the Bristol­ Somerset Coalfield. The colliery spoil heap is internationally famous for its plant fossils and reclamation Further Reading work in 1984 revealed that there was also a previously unrecognised fauna Jarzembowski, E.A. 1989. of arthropods to be found there. Writhlington Geological Nature With the help of enthusiastic Reserve. Proceedings of the Geologists' volunteers from over 30 Association, 100: 219-234. organisations, numerous fossils have The rock store after turnover by been recovered, including the the NCe. Fresh rock is exposed by largest-ever collection of British excavating a series of ridges and Carboniferous insects. These finds furrows in different directions in are explained in a centennial successive years. publication produced by the Geol­ (Photo by Ed Jarzembowski) ogists' Association (see page 13). Writhlington on a busy Open Day. Writhlington Geological Nature (Photo by Ed Jarzembowski) Reserve was created in 1987 as a rock store which has allowed Royal Society and the conservation Not a bunch of leaves but the 15 mm collecting to continue after expertise of the West London long folded wings of an adult cockroach, reclamation work ceased. The Wildlife Group. Such was the found by Tony Nevard, West Sussex Reserve was made possible through popularity of the site that fresh rock Geological Society. the co-operation of the landowners, was rapidly buried under loose (Photo by Geologists' Association) contractors and local authority with chippings! However, the site has the financial support of the remained viable to date thanks to a Geologists' Association Curry Fund, periodic 'turning-over' funded by the Palaeontological Association, the English Nature. A mylacrid cockroach found by A horseshoe crab, Euproops, 3 cm long, The Reserve is a temporary one Jon Todd, Aberystwyth University. found by Sue Ballard, Open University and 1991 may be the last year in Left forewing 10 mm wide. Geological Society. which collecting is possible. .(Photo by Ed Jarzembowski) (Photo by Ed Jarzembowski) However, there 'are still new discoveries to be made. Recent finds Visiting Writhlington! include a number of hitherto undescribed insect species and the The Writhlington Reserve is not first evidence of true spiders in the an open site but can accomodate Palaeozoic. The latter is being visits by adults, accompanied studied by Dr Paul Selden of children and organised parties. Manchester University, whilst the Open days are planned by the Austen 'herbarium' is being Geologists' Association on the examined by Drs Barry Thomas and following dates this year. Chris Cleal at the National Museum Sunday 11 August (special day of Wales. Preliminary examinations for Young Geologists, although of the plants have already revealed adults are welcome) many new examples of the rare Saturday 5 October (with clubmoss Selaginellites. Such Palaeontological Association) herbaceous clubmosses are If you wish to visit Writhlington important because they are now on these dates or at other times, considered to have played an for further details and useful important role in the formation of educational handouts please send coal. a large stamped, self-addressed envelope to the Warden: Mr Peter In the past, terrestrial arthropods Austen, 3 Bromley Road, Wing of new protorthopteran insect, 3 cm long, found by Jackie Gill, Harrow such as insects and 'spiders' were Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 3ES. and Hillingdon Geological Society. (Photo by Harold Taylor) only known from isolated examples (telephone 0323-899237).

12 13 Stan Wood, Edinburgh, and Wayne Talbot, RSNC and David Nonnan, English Nature Beverly Halstead, Geologists' Association. The Moray Firth area has historically yielded a good number of Geology is fun! O"~II"(~II famous Middle Devonian fossil fish Geology is fascinating and fun. Its sites, which represent windows into the southern margin of the Great full of controversy, dinosaurs, fossils, and even sex! Everything anyone Orcadian Basin - a vast Devonian under the age of 18 should fmd educationalists everywhere. RockWATCH initiatives lake which stretched northward as interesting. In fact with such a far as the Orkneys. Along its former RockWATCH The two backgrounds and fascinating subject there should be northern margin lie such notable approaches have now been welded Q Q queues of budding Geologist's RockWATCH will be built around sites as Achanarras and Cruaday, but together and will set a new trend for Q Q Association Presidents forming in the so-called 'WATCH Approach', unfortunately many of the southern earth science and young people. New every part of the UIZ. which has four main aims. sites no longer exist. Tynet Bum initiatives by the RockWATCH team This is not the case, simply SSSI is one of the few remaining {;;J Q • All project materials need to be already include: sites and has, in the past, yielded because these budding enthusiasts factual, informal and fun. If the --­ Proven outcrop of fish bed Q Q • a series of geological expeditions some unique fossils and need a little encouragement. With materials and events don't grab ~ l for young children; exceptionally fine exhibition Previously mferred outcrop of fish bed metres ' 5,0 IQ this in mind the Geologists' the imagination no-one will be :~':~::::.::::~::/::" specimens. We report here on new 19th century quarries. back filled © Crown Copyright Association (GA) and WATCH, the interested. • user-friendly geological guides; work which is helping resolve some wildlife and environment club for • a set of geological activities for • The aim is to increase puzzling aspects of the site. Location map of Tynet Bum young people, have got together. understanding of the natural and WATCH Days; The result is RockWATCH, which manmade environment. Put in a • activities for geological societies; The history ofTynet Burn will be the new club for the '90s to Nodule Bed. more alkaline, deeper water simple way - where does the • the GA young people's Safety be launched this year. As you read The fish bed at Tynet Bum was The Lower Nodule Bed has environments. There have, however, metal for your Coke can start its Code for Geological Field Work. this article, work is already underway discovered in 1838, and specimens yielded only fish fragments, notably been conflicting reports concerning life? In this way two systems can This is a simple list which merely sent to Louis Agassiz featured in a Coccosteus. This bed, presently the number of fish beds that the to deliver geology to people's doors be shown to be linked. with the successful WATCH integrates the existing activities of pioneering series of research papers exposed on the east bank, is not Upper Nodule Bed contains, ranging formula. • Through participation, WATCH and the GA, and building in the 1840s. During these early days exceptional as fish fragments occur from one to three! RockWATCH will foster an on this a whole new concept will be intensive collecting occurred at the infrequently throughout the Stan Wood's excavations What is WATCH? awareness and feeling for the launched in autumn 1991. It has all Moray sites - part of the great sequence:.!.. The WATCH approach, as delivered world we live in. the elements of a successful interest in collecting fossil fish, The Upper Nodule Bed, high on An assessment by Maggie Rowlands, through the WATCH Club, offers • It will later encourage a caring WATCH-type initiative. There will fuelled by popular accounts, such as the river cliffs, has been worked-out as part of the GCR, indicated a clear real opportunities to investigate the attitude and active participation be a diversity of environmental that of Hugh Miller (1841), which at outcrop. In the past it yielded need to re-excavate the site. This local environment. This can mean in conservation. projects based upon geological caught the imagination of the large quantities of beautifully challenge was taken up by Stan anything from tating part in a This can all be summed up as themes. This will be supplemented Victorian public. preserved fish. These were usually Wood and the work is yielding European Survey of Acid deposition learning about and discovering the with a full membership package The fauna of Tynet Bum and found in carbonate nodules, which exciting new information. to looking for frog spawn. This is the environment which in turn leads to which will include magazines, other fish sites was reviewed by themselves tended to be fish-shaped. handbooks, do-it-yourself fossils, and Ramsey Traquair (1895). More The nodules suggest that the • Preliminary scrapes along the public face of WATCH - mass greater environmental awareness. northern side of the Bum soon dinosaurs in the high street. The list recently Peacock et al. (1968) sediments were deposited in shallow participation projects which provide With this background, discussions established that a degraded slope is endless as we ~ick-off this exciting described a section near Tynet Mill water; they are absent at sites in genuine scientific data, all of them began with the GA, with a little above the river cliff is the beginning. and identified a Lower and Upper Caithness or Orkney which represent formulated with advice from experts. catalytic help from the NCC, about abandoned site of the Duke of To back this up there is a increasing awareness and If you feel you could make a Richmond's 19th century quarry network of services. Around the participation in the earth sciences. useful input to RockWATCH, or are (Thomson 1896). Areas of spoil, country volunteers run WATCH The GA has catered for everyone keen to keep track of the project as it forming the backfill of the old groups which meet regularly and interested in fossils, minerals and develops, please contact Wayne quarry, turned out to be cover the whole range of possible geology for over 140 years and in Talbot, Watch Trust, The Green, extensive, covering a distance of environmental activity. Some will be that time has supported lots of Witham Park, Lincoln LN5 7JR some 100 m. recycling, while others will be amateur enthusiasts. Recently, (telephone 0522-544400). o geologising. This network, with a however the Association felt it was • Trial scrapes made on the west national holiday programme, not doing enough to attract young bank, near the north-western end regional activities and the new people into the fascinating realms of Beverly Halstead (1933-1991) of the SSSI, also pinpointed the location of the fish bed horizon, WATCH Education Service, will be the earth sciences. Many readers will share the sense feeding geology to informal and more 19th century quarry of loss felt by those who knew and workings and now provide a worked with Beverly Halstead at permanent outcrop. the news of his untimely death in • April. Sometimes controversial, • A temporary excavation was also JinlR · S · N C but always thought provoking, made in sloping pasture west of Bev was a stimulating contributer the main old quarry site, and the The Wildlife Tr us t s to the geological scene over the results from this locality form the av~ last 20 years. This article reflects main basis for Stan's new ideas. PARTNER S HIP the enthusiasm he brought to the New material comes to light projects he became involved with. Temporary storage of overburden removed during the excavation at Tynet Bum. (Photo courtesy ofMr Wood's Fossils) The temporary excavation, in ROYAL SOCIETY FOR NATURE CONSERVATION The Editor particular, has revealed a new section

15 14 etc.). However, the equivalent of South North Wood's middle unit was not a.'­ cs ...... Qc> Q ca oa .. ~ .. co reported to have any particular ~ ..-. .. 7't& I '(,' 't / I,',l:t?,ri I associated fauna. It is clear that the ~~ o " ;:::;:;:;:;:@i: i::::::;:::: g: <:> 1.1 •• Q 0 00 0 ,_~., 0 0 0 historical accounts and Stan Wood's ~ '" D ", ~., ;£~» 'R ~"" '., lOo }{ work still do not match in detail. :le 000 . o 0000' Llmestone Middle Fish Beds However, 13 species (including one 0 ...... 0 possibly new to science) have been <:> o ., <:> o o (7 identified to date, and the study is Pink Shale ~ o ., ., far from complete. It does look as Lowe"'"h Bed, .... though eventually it will be possible ',.~':.' _ Shale I

," ',. ~ "". to recognise the units from which the ':~~" ":;-.-,-~;:--. :":..:' Fish Beds <-": 19th century collections were made, based on the new work. This will be .... LImestone wIth barren nodules I~- D Upper ;1 Pink banded shales wlth laminated f1Sh nodules a major breakthrough in our understanding of the site. ~ Dlagenetlc barren llmestones Middle ~ § LImestone with fish remams Samples of the new material are o metres 5 to be deposited in University "";":'1 Thm gntty shales P1nk banded shales wllh fish nodules Lower Museum, Oxford; Ulster Museum, [D:;f?1 Sandstone Shale WIth ftsh scales and occasJOnal nodules. usually barren B Belfast; The Natural History Plan view of depressions in sandstone surface after removal of top fish bed Museum, London; and the Art and younger sediment Schematic cross-section of fish-bed members Gallery and Museum, Glasgow. Further fieldwork and research on this material will greatly clarify our containing the fish beds. It is floored number of fish-bearing horizons may nodules with a predominance of understanding of what is clearly an by a maroon coloured sandstone reflect the fact that some are acanthodians ('spiny sharks'). internationally important site. D (circa 1 m thick) whose surface has intermittently present within these The upper and lower units been scoured into a series of depressions. depressions, which in plan view are occasionally provide rare occurrences References distributed randomly. Above the fish • In the deeper depressions, the of fish in the shales themselves. All lower unit consists of shale units present lovely fossils in Malcolmson, J. 1859. On the bed is a 3 m-thick sequence of shales relations of the different pasts with barren nodules, capped by 30 (containing fish scales) succeeded attractive combinations of white, by a banded pink shale with 'fish­ purple, pink and maroon, normally of the Old Red Sandstone in cm of ripple-marked sandstone. which organic remains have Above this a sequence of red sandy shaped' nodules, which yield a in a pale green or cream matrix. fauna dominated by been discovered in the beds culminates in the red sandstone Problems and future research counties of Moray, Nairn, escarpment rising above the old crossopterygians ('lobe-finned fishes') . Earlier reports relating to the Upper Banff and Inverness. Quat. J. quarry. geol. Soc. London, 15, The fish bed is patchily Nodule Bed indicated abundant • The middle unit is a more widely acanthodians (Cheiracanthus, 336-351. distributed within and above the distributed limestone, which Diplacanthus, Mesacanthus) along Peacock, lD., Berridge, N.G., depressions, but can be subdivided carries a more varied fauna. Harris, A.L., & F. May. 1968. with rarer crossopterygians into three units, termed 'lower', The Geology of the Elgin (Gyroptychius and others) in what 'middle' and 'upper'. These seem to • The upper unit (another pink District. lvfemoir of the Geol. banded shale with nodules) tends would appear to be Stan Wood's correspond with the three units of Survey of Scotland. "shales with ichthyolites" of the to be more widely distributed and upper unit; and beneath this a unit Thomson, G. 1896. The Enzie­ Upper Nodule Bed of Malcolmson unrelated to the depressions. containing predominantly a field for the geologist. (1859). The confusion over the Fishes are contained in deep oval crossopterygians (Osteolepis, Dipterus Transactions of the Northern Association of Literary and Scientific Societies, 2, 54-59. Miller, H. 1841. The Old Red Sandstone. London. Traquair, R.H. 1895. The extinct vertebrate animals of the Moray Firth area. In lA. Han,ie-Brown and T.E. Buckley. Vertebrate fauna of the iVIoray Basin. Edinburgh

The authors would like to thank the land owners, me Crown Estate Commissioners, for their support in this work. Geologists intending to visit the site should comact the Nature Conservancy Council for Scotland, 163 Mid Street, Keith, Banffshire, AB5 In contrast to the labouring 3BL, telephone 05422-6161 in advance of techniques of the 19th century, the their visit to obtain permission. modern fieldworker is able to excavate very rapidly with the aid Stan Wood examining a nodule at the Two specimens of the lobe-finned fish Osteolepis, from the Lower Unit at I of heavy plant. temporary excavation, Tynet Burn. Tynet Burn. (Photo courtesy of Mr Wood's Fossils) (Photo by Glyn Satterley) (Photo by Glyn Satterley)

16 17 For truly successful conservation of natural sites, scientists need to acknowledge that conservation is for everyone, including the local Donal Daly Donal Daly, Geological Survey of misconceptions including: community, and is not just for Geological Survey of Ireland Ireland • the perception that ASls are for scientists. Moreover, if conservation by consent is to be achieved, they must Geologists regularly bemoan the 'Area of Scientific Interest' (ASI) is the scientists alone - for an difficulty of popularising geology. academically-oriented elite; place far greater emphasis on term used in Ireland for any site judged consultation, education and Events at Clara, County Offaly, in the • the feeling that the general public worthy of protection for its nature communication. A small step towards Republic of Ireland, suggest that ('ordinary' people) are excluded; conservation importance, and is the achieving these points is to change the there is hope, provided the right and approximate equivalent of the UK's terminology used. The term 'Natural approach is adopted. Site of Special Scientific Interest During the Clara Heather Festival • the prejudice that those scientists Heritage Area' or 'Nature (SS SI) . ASls include diverse areas - for who champion conservation are in August 1990, the Clara Conservation Area', particularly the example boglands, landscape features, anti-development and anti-local Development Association and the former, have the following benefits: fossil and mineral sites, and habitats for interests. Dutch-Irish Peatland Geohydrology wild flora and fauna. I have come to • no exclusivity is implied; and Ecology Study Group organised These views are often justifiable and guided walks on two days. The walks, the conclusion that this term has are due, in my opinion, to lack of • they are more comprehensible to which were preceded by short disadvantages, and that it should be consultation and co-operation with non-scientists; and replaced by either 'Natural Heritage local people; lack of respect and introductory talks, took place on the • the word 'heritage' is popular and Area' or 'Nature Conservation Area', understanding of the local views and esker hills that surround Clara - the appealing to many people, often preferably the former. The reason why culture; a belief held by some Eiscir Riada - and on Clara Bog. encouraging a sense of local pride. They were led by a total of IS leaders I prefer these alternatives is quite conservation scientists that ASIs are for ranging from geologists, simple - the general public can more them alone (some ecologists seem to Changing the terminology we use may hydrogeologists and ecologists to readily identify with them. believe that they should be allowed to seem but a small matter, but I believe it members of the local community ­ The conservation of natural walk on protected bogs but local could be a major step forward in the Clara-Ballycumber Eiscir Riada features, particularly peatlands, is beset people shouldn't!); and, finally, to the achieving successful long-term Group and the Irish Countrywomens' by attitudes, mistaken perceptions and terminology used. conservation. 0 Association. Prior to the walks there The biological diversity and beauty of Clara Bog contrast with the cultivated was extensive local publicity. Leaflets landscape of the esker in the distance. (Photo by Donal Daly) were prepared and a special Festival Train from Dublin to Clara was negotiated for an 'all-in' fare of The Eiscir Riada and Clara Bog £18.50, which included the rail opportuni~'to contribute"to discussion. A final report will be On a satellite view of the Irish of international importance - a ticket, lunch, tea/coffee, literature and I I presented during the closing meeting Midlands two of the most striking purple brown wilderness stretching France takes the lead! discussions on the following topics: the walks and talks. and a vote will be taken on a The events were very successful; landscape features are the chains of over an area of 650 hectares (1,600 • national and international The first international symposium on declaration on 'Earth memory over the two days a total of about 500 eskers which wind like rivers from acres). It is a Nature Reserve, most legislation; the conservation of our geological rights'. The proceedings of the people took part; of these 80 came by west to east, and the expanse of of which is owned by the Irish heritage is to be held between 11-15 symposium will also be published. train. One of the satisfying features brown bogs. These features, which Wildlife Service. Clara Bog is a • ways and means of conservation; June 1991 at Digne in the south of Two-and-a-half days of field trips to was the involvement and attendance are often closely inter-connected, raised bog, fed by rainfall and France. • national initiatives, and a range of ge-{)logical reserves and of local people - about 50% came provide much of the natural beauty acidic in character. It provides a The meeting is being organised by protected sites are planned. from the Clara area. The local of the midlands; a beauty and habitat for unusual plants including • the role of education and the the European Working Group on For further details please contact newspapers were approached and environment which is as yet carnivorous species such as media. Earth Science Conservation Guy Martini or Luc Bulot, Reserve were happy to give wide coverage of relatively undiscovered and sundews and bladderworts. Clara (EWGESC) and the Conference Communications and posters will be Geologique de Haute Provence, the events, including editorial unappreciated. Bog is also unique in having the last remaining 'soaks' in Ireland. A soak Permanente des Reserves Naturelles presented during the opening Centre de Geologie, Quartier St comments. Eiscir Riada is a waterlogged depression, (CPNR), and will offer an session, followed by a round-table Benoit, 04000 Digne, France. 0 What general lessons can be learned The Eiscir Riada is probably the probably fed by a spring, which by geologists? best-known Irish esker and, as it supports a flora which thrives on O'Halloran (Convenor, ]NCC), and is desirable and feasible and if so • It is vital to involve and co-operate separates the flanking bog basins, the higher nutrient levels locally [ UK to follow in 1993? I Chris Stevens (for the interim what topics it should address. The with local community groups. was used since ancient times as a present there. reporting to the three country Group will make an initial report in major routeway linking Dublin on It is important to realise that the Earth science conservation in Great conservation agencies). June 1991 for circulation and • Good advance publicity - posters, flora of Clara Bog will survive only the east coast to Galway on the Britain - a strategy (1990) identified In line with the philosophy of the discussion. contacts with the media - is Atlantic coast. It is formed by as long as the landform which the holding of an international 'Strategy', the ]NCC role will be The French Symposium at Digne essential. chains of discrete esker systems, supports it continues as a 'live' largely catalytic and the Working conference on earth science in June will gauge the degree of characterised by associated features hydrological system. In Group will aim to canvass the views • The events should appeal to the conservation in Britain as a key support for such international such as boulder clay hills, out\vash geomorphological terms bogs are of all those with an interest in earth 'sense of pride' and 'sense of initiative which deserved attention. meetings and this experience will be gravel fans and kettle holes. The 'active-process' sites par excellence. science conservation in Great Britain. place' of local people. As a first step a Working Group fed back into the later planning by eskers also have distinctive The Irish-Dutch Peatlands Study Specialist and other interest groups the Working Group. The prospect of • The walks and leaflets dealt not calcareous and rendzina soils which Group project, currently under to evaluate the proposal has been will be contacted and kept informed just with geology and hydrology support rich grassland floras, way, is studying how the bog convened to explore the possibility as the planning proceeds. Contacts following up the momentum but also with botany, ecology and although increased use of inorganic functions: where the water comes with 1993 in mind. Membership of with the European Working Group generated at Digne is one that local history, and the fertilizers is threatening the natural from, how it moves through the bog the Group includes Professor John on Earth Science Conservation deserves to be looked at in detail. interrelationships between these diversity of species. and where it ends up. Geology, Knill (]NCC), Mick Stanley (EWGESC) will make sure that the Ifyou would like to be kept factors were explained. This hydrology and ecology all (Geological Society's Conservation abreast of developments please Clara Bog European viewpoint is taken into widened the appeal of the events, contribute vital insights in putting Committee), Sheilah Dellow account. contact Dr Des O'Halloran, ]NCC, enabling the geology to be seen in Clara Bog is a natural heritage area this picture together. (Geologists' Association The Working Group is Monkstone House, City Road, its wider natural history context. 0 Environment Committee), Des considering if holding such a meeting Peterborough PEl IJY. 0 18 19 the Buccleuch Estates. Many fine specimens of veszelyite were recovered, some showing alteration. In addition specimens of hemimorphite, malachite, chrysocolla One exciting product of the Geological and aurichalcite were recovered. Conservation Review (GCR) was the These specimens will be registered development of t\VO networks of sites and retained in the National to represent the best mineralogical Museum's collection. Surplus localities in Britain. material will be made available to the The mineralogy network largely British Micromount Society for represents occurrences of rare or further examination. The study has unusual mineral species while the shown that there is insufficient metallogenetic network embraces material in the dump to merit SSSI sites that are important in studying the protection in the field. origin of ore deposits and their mineral Hopeful vein - Leadhills assemblages. In an, over 160 GCR sites have been chosen, and some are The dumps on the Hopeful vein have The excavation at the Old Waygate Shaft, Wanlockhead, where veszelyite was of interest for both mineralogical and yielded minerals not found elsewhere recovered. (Photo by Brian Jackson) metallogenetic reasons. in the orefield. The dumps, which Many of these sites are fascinating are within the SSSI, are very old and well, but these too proved to be associations. Both activities result in to visit not simply for their mineralogy for the most part overgrown, Rare almost barren, consisting mainly of the removal of material but are but also by virtue of their industrial chromium and chlorine minerals country rock. nevertheless advantageous as they archaeological, social historical and were described by Temple in 1954 Although disappointing, the uncover new mineralogical finds, and it was thought that there was a botanical interest. They range from knowledge gained from the exercise often of considerable scientific value. outcrops to mine spoil heaps and good chance of finding previously is valuable. The shafts and related Specimen-by-specimen removal underground workings and present a unrecorded new minerals. dumps on the Hopeful and Clay gives little cause for concern. What is unique range of conservation problems Reconnaissance confirmed that String veins are now known to more worrying is wholesale removal and opportunities. This article by lead secondary minerals were present contain little mineralised material, of dump material for construction Brian Jackson looks at the needs of one on all of the dumps, and permission suggesting that the shafts were sunk purposes. Dumps therefore need to The spoil heaps of Whyte's Clough, Wanlockhead. to proceed with a rescue was granted such category - mine dumps. (Photo by Des O'Halloran) for ventilation purposes rather than be protected until mineralogists have by Hopeton Estates, the work taking for the removal of vein material. had an opportunity to excavate them three days during 1990. Further excavations in this small area and collect representative material Mineralisation, when encountered, therefore should probably.be concen­ that will then be made available to, was simple, consisting of barite, trated on d'iimps around mine levels. amongst others, research workers calcite and occasionally galena. Some and local museums. The importance ofcollecting fine aragonite was also unearthed. The site evaluation that flows Surprisingly, the dumps contained a Museums do not, of course, hold from rescue collecting also assists the Brian Jackson and Leadhills is the type locality for shaft was sunk to a depth of 31 m large amount of soil throughout. the minerals lanarkite, leadhillite, where it intersected with the exclusive rights to collect from old various conservation agencies in National Muse!1ms of Scotland Historical records indicated that susannite, and caledonite, discovered Straightsteps high level. The mouth mine dumps. Spoil heaps still remain understanding the mineralogical the Hopeful vein had also been the major source of specimens for the resource that they are charged to About 80 minerals, new to science, here between 1832-45. Since the of the level is presumably close to the worked from the nearby Lady Anne Wanlock Burn where an area of amateur mineral collector and serve protect. The NMS hopes to continue are found and described every year. mid-1980s re-examination of Shaft. The dumps adjacent to the Old spoil heaps, particularly those material collected from the old slumping may indicate the entrance. as study areas for students and this work in the future with NCC shaft were therefore excavated as researchers examining mineralogical associated with old mines dumps have revealed four other new In September 1989 permission to Scotland. 0 internationally famous for producing mineral species; scotlandite, proceed with re'scue collecting, using rare minerals, are one source of new macphersonite, chenite and a JCB, was granted by Buccleuch species. It is important therefore that mattheddleite. Estates. Special meeting on mineralogical conservation mineralogists have the opportunity to The NCC, after consultation with Planned, methodical trenching examine these dumps before they the NMS, has identified areas within was carried out to expose any University ofManchester 1992 individuals and organisations who from all user groups are invited. For or manage mine sites, to disappear. Protection can sometimes the Leadhills Orefield for SSSI variation in the material comprising Sites of mineralogical interest, be they use, own further details please contact one of be achieved by designating the designation based upon known the dump, both at depth and outcrops, underground mine workings share their interests and concerns and the following: examine ways of working together. dumps as Sites of Special Scientific mineral assemblages. However other laterally. Most of the material or surface spoil heaps, attract a wide Or Richard Bevins, Dept. of Geology, Interest (SSSI). However, unless dumps within these areas still need to exposed was iron-stained country range of interest from a diversity of Mine sites are a fragile, often National Museum of Wales, some on-the-ground evaluation has be assessed. With the assistance of rock, and mineralised material was users including mineralogists, undervalued element of our landscape Cathays Park, Cardiff, CFl 3NP. and are coming under increasing been undertaken, SSSI status may be the NCC the NMS has already confined to a small area. This archaeologists, historians, botanists, (0222-397951) unwittingly applied to a mound of undertaken two rescue collecting suggests that the shaft was sunk into mineral collectors, mining companies, threat from a number of directions. Mr Brian Young, British Geological worthless mine debris. One method operations in the orefield. country rock and only later when it planners, tourist entrepreneurs and, of They can only be conserved if the Survey, Windsor Court, Windsor of evaluating a locality and approached the Straightsteps high diverse user groups co-operate with Terrace, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Excavating a mine dump at course, the general public. simultaneously conserving material level was mineralisation encountered. planners in developing integrated NE2 4HE. (091-2817088) Wanlockhead This Special Meeting is being held for future study is by rescue Given that the old level entrance is under the auspices of the Geological land-use strategies. Or Bob Symes, Dept. of Mineralogy, The 3-day Meeting will consist of collection, and the National Veszelyite, [(Cu,Zn)3(P04)(OH)3 nearby it is unlikely that ore was Society Conservation Committee and Natural History Museum, lectures with discussion and poster Museums of Scotland (NMS) carry 2H2 0], was first found in the raised to the surface via this shaft. the }NCC, in recognition of the need Cromwell Road, London out this type of work in Scotland. Leadhills orefield in 1988 on a small Further excavation was thereafter to conserve mine sites as features of sessions (I-day) and field trips SW7 5BD. (071-9388867) dump on the Straightsteps vein, confined to the proven mineral­ (2-days, including visits to Alderley Or Des O'Halloran, Joint Nature The Leadhills orefield considerable national, regional or Wanlockhead, which had not been bearing area. local importance, and as a resource Edge, The Lakes or Derbyshire) and Conservation Committee, The occurrence of secondary included within the SSSI. The whole task took three days for future research, study and will address both mineralogical and Monkstone House, City Road, minerals of lead, zinc and copper are The dump surrounds the 18th including reinstatement of the dump recreational collecting. land-use topics. Peterborough PEl IJY. of particular interest to mineralogists, Century Old Waygate Shaft. This air and reseeding to the satisfaction of The aim is to bring together Attendance and contributions (0733-62626) 0

20 21 and postgraduate courses, and some of the key points included are as The Conservation Committee - the team for the 19905 ~ follows. r- At its last meeting of 1990, the Society's Council agreed the revised • The recognition that most conservation, we are world leaders, Membership of the Conservation Committee listed below. The changes Chris Wilson undergraduates obtain an thanks largely to the work ofNCC Specialist Groups and made reflect the need to adapt to the new government structures for nature awareness of conservation Chainnan, Geological Society staff. The Committee therefore Joint Associations conservation in the UK, and to ensure that a wide range of interests are through a general concern for the represented without the Committee becoming too large. The broad area of Conservation Conunittee lobbied for an increase in the NCe's Geomorphological Research natural environment and from the complement of earth science staff. each individual's interests is indicated in italics, but should not be taken to The origins ofthe Group (with the Institute of various publi;;hed geological This would enable the new agencies mean that this is the only area of expertise ofthe person concerned. British Geographers) codes of field practice. Many Conservation Committee to carry on the work of safeguarding geological staff may feel this a Professor Chris \X!ilson Chainnan the Geological Conservation Review British Sedimentological Research Over ten years ago, when I was one sufficient introduction to Dr Eric Robinson SecretQlJ' (GCR) network of earth science Group of the Society's Honorary geological conservation, but the Mr Chris Stevens Meetings SecretQlJ' SSSIs, develop existing research Secretaries, I became involved in a Coal Geology Group subject goes much further and Mrs Ruth Allington Induso)' programmes and publish the results Public Inquiry over proposed Engineering Group students should be made aware of Dr John Cope Wales of the GCR. There also remains an footpath closures around Lulworth the important work of the Mrs Sheilah Dellow Geologists' Association overwhelming need to retain a Geological Curators' Group Cove. If implemented, the footpath Government's conservation Dr Lynne Frostick G S Council centralised core of geologists closures would have denied access to Geological Information Group agencies and particularly the Mrs Diana Hawkes iWuseums maintaining a United Kingdom parts of a locality that have Hydrogeological Group GCR national network of Dr Janet Hook Geomorphology perception of practical conservation. exceptional educational and research geological SSSIs. Dr Malcolm Howells G S Council value. With the able help of others, To this must be added a further Joint Association for Geophysics Professor John Mather G S Council including John Knill and Ian West, function which at present is hardly (with the Royal Astronomical • Teaching staff should be .Mr David Robinson Royal Society for jVature Conservation evidence was presented at the visible, namely the representation of Society) encouraged to make use of the Dr Ian Rolfe Scotland Inquiry, and in due course, the the British point of view in European Marine Studies Group second tier sites provided through Mr Mick Stanley NSGSDllmemational Community and UNESCO the National Scheme for proposals were turned down. This Metamorphic Studies Group The Society's Council has also agreed to the establishment, on a formal foray into a local dispute led the discussions of EEC and World Geological Site Documentation (with the Mineralogical Society) basis, ofthree Working Groups of the main Committee: Society to consider the extent to Heritage plans. Active participation (NSGSD) and RIGS initiatives. which it should become actively would require the commitment of a Mineral Deposits Studies Group • International • Home affairs • Industry • Museums team ofNCC officers seconded from (with the Institute of Mining & • The introduction of two or three involved in earth science special lectures integrated within Former members of the Committee have been invited to join the other duties. Naturally, the Society Metallurgy) conservation and to the foundation the undergraduate syllabus. Some appropriate \X!orking Group, as have other individuals. and its Conservation Committee of its Conservation Committee in Petroleum Geology Group institutions, such as Kingston welcome the establishment of the If you would like to raise issues with members write to them clo The 1981. Tectonic Studies Group Polytechnic's School of Earth Conservation Committee, The Geological Society of London, Burlingron The Society exists to further Joint Nature Conservation Volcanic Studies Group Sciences already do this with House, Piccadilly, London WlV OJu. Committee to address these issues 1~ geological science through the invited speakers from the NCe. . encouragement of research, and hope that geological activities in Joint Association for Petroleum communication via meetings and the three country agencies will also Exploration Courses (with • While in the field, opportunity be properly resourced. Imperial College of Science and should be taken to visit GCR sites out largely through day or half-day Science Conservation (EWGESC) publications, and education at all trips and teachers will need to be and sent a representative to its levels. Initially, its Conservation Technology and the Petroleum with undergraduate field parties Promoting geological Exploration Society of Great to explain the criteria adopted for made aware of where they can find meeting in Norway in 1990. As Committee was primarily concerned suitable sites to carry out field mentioned above this is an area with geological sites, but followng conservation Britain) their selection and their importance within the national studies. where much needs to be done to representations by the Geological Promotion of conservation issues by Joint Association of Geoscientists foster co-ope.ration on European and picture. The GCR volumes, as International links Curators Group the remit was the Society involves both internal for International Development World Heritage issues. The expanded to include collections and (with the Association of they are published, will provide and external activities. such information, although On the international scene, the Committee welcomes the work of the curation. Geoscientists for International Committee keeps in touch with the EWGESC in developing an agenda The role ofthe specialist groups Development) individual arrangements for A national view on access will still have to be made. Europe,:,n Working Group for Earth for action. 0 For most members, conservation Joint Association for Quaternary conservation issues does not loom large in their everyday Research (with The Quaternary • Of course, geological training is The role of the Committee is to activities, and so the Committee Research Association) not totally site-oriented, so the importance of gaining experience promote and monitor conservation encourages joint meetings with its 15 Papers from the more in the conservation of rock, activities in the UK and elsewhere. specialist groups to discuss specific important meetings of the mineral and fossil collections With over 6,000 members, most of conservation issues. Recent meetings Specialist Groups are often In 1989, the NCC published The The response to The age of ice must also be stressed, particularly whom are professional geologists have involved engineers and published in the Society's Special age ofice, the first in a series of (which has now been reprinted at the postgraduate level. working in academia and industry, palaeontologists, and further ones are Publications series or in one of its booklets entitled The making of having sold out!) proves the and its coverage of all the disciplines currently being planned on journals. Supporting RIGS and the modern Britain. The full series of 15 popular appeal of the series. of geology, the Society is uniquely Quaternary and mineralogical topics. titles aims to explain a wide range Each Group/Joint Association SGSD Each booklet will be in AS qualified to represent a national view The Society has recently has its own Committee and of earth science topics in a The Committee has always format, about 20 pages in length, on earth science conservation supported the production of a code Officers and arranges its own stimulating and accessible manner. recognised the need to document and fully illustrated. We hope that matters. for coring leaflet, Take care when you programme of meetings, courses, alternatives to 'classic' localities, and The series aims to explain several new titles will be produced Last year's debate about the core, produced by the Geologists' workshops and field excursions on so supports the work of the NSGSD geology to ovmers and occupiers of annually, but right now \ve are Government's proposals to Association in an effort to reduce the a country-wide basis. Any group and the new RIGS groups. The SSSIs, and to appeal to teachers delighted to announce the reorganise the NCC was a case in desecration of sites by portable of FellO\vs with a common database accumulated by such participating in the National publication of a second title Death point. The UK is endowed with a coring machines wielded by interest in any aspect of geology schemes will now assume even Curriculum, many of whom will of an ocean - the rocks of the lower wonderful variety of geological geophysicists and petrophysicists. which is not already covered by greater importance as schools not have a strong geological Palaeozoic which is available from phenomena, many of which, because an existing Group/Joint Conservation in higher education implement the National Curriculum, background. In short it offers a Publications, English Nature, the early development of our science Association may propose the which contains a significant earth comprehensive source of material Northminster House, Peterborough owed much to British research, are of The Committee has made the case to establishment of a new science component. Most school for use in the classroom by pupils PEl 1UA (cost 9Sp post-free, international importance. And today, higher education for the inclusion of Group/Joint Association. in the field of geological conservation issues in undergraduate geological fieldwork will be carried from lower secondary age omvards. quote catalogue number E3.13.2).

22 23 Stewart Campbell, Countryside Council for Wales Introduction Two Bridges Quarry on Dartmoor is one of the most significant geomorphological sites in south-west England. Ever since D L Linton's classic 1950s study, The problem of rors, it has been a focus of attention, and its continued use is reflected in the many theories which have emerged on granite landscape evolution. Visitor pressure at the quarry, however, is increasingly taking its toll. Faces are becoming degraded and eroded, thereby reducing their research and teaching value. This article shows how Two Bridges has been critical to the development of The section at Two Bridges, showing large intact granite masses, the ideas on granite weathering and tor unexhumed tors and adjacent deeply weathered granite. The latter is now formation in Britain, and looks at the badly degraded. (Photo by Stewart Campbell) practical conservation options on such a vulnerable site. coherent granite masses but still corestones remaining where the shows thin quartz-tourmaline veins. joints were widely spaced and The field evidence The original granite structure thus chemical alteration was therefore Two Bridges Quarry (SX 609751) appears to be undisturbed and least effective. Subsequent stripping lies near Princetown on Dartmoor, primary rock-forming minerals are of the regolith from more deeply close to the much-studied tors and readily identifiable. Near the top of weathered areas, probably by periglacial features at Merrivale. The the exposure, growan is mixed with Pleistocene periglacial processes, left floor of the quarry is now used as a angular granite clasts (periglacial isolated areas of intact granite and car park but the former working face head) and, in places, is bedded corestones upstanding as tors. still provides a valuable section downslope. Since Linton's classic two-stage through granite and associated model, the processes behind tor A cornerstone for the weathering products. Relatively solid formation have been widely geomorpho1ogy of Dartmoor and intact masses of coarse-grained, investigated. In general, it has been grey granite and fine-grained aplite Linton (1955) considered the growan agreed that periglacial processes are exposed at both ends of the face. at Two Bridges to reflect subaerial (such as frost-action and solifluction) The granite is vertically jointed at 1-2 chemical weathering of granite in a are clearly represented at Two m intervals, and displays horizontal warm and humid climate, probably Bridges by head and bedded growan jointing (or 'pseudo-bedding') at in the late Tertiary. He argued that deposits. However, the initial stage of circa 0.5 m intervals. Growan percolating groundwater caused growan formation in granites has (decomposed granite) up to 6 m in widespread development of a thick been attributed to various processes thickness occurs between these regolith with intact granite and other than the 'widespread chemical

o metres 10 20 I I ,

6~ I

4 Ul Cl> H ID E 2

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ t:}A~rj~;ij~~~~~~i~;i~k~:~~~~~~_~\~_~}?i?~ ~ ~ ~ o p. '" x x x x - x--x - x )( x x x x x x x X x x x x t~:o F.}t;\~':1 Vegetation and talus j 'Head'of gramte clasts Growan (in situ weathered granite) D..•. , . 0 0 set In growan matnx ';""!:':::, !?~:~:I 1 Granite (unexhumed tors) I Soil •••• 'Bedded' (reworked) growan [=:=:1 •

A cross-section through granite and associated weathering products, Two Bridges Quarry, Dartmoor.

24 25 weathering' theory of Linton. These are reviewed in Durrance and A. Theoretical arrangement of initial joint sets in granite Laming (1982) and include: a • Pneumatolysis or hydrothermal a ]onathan Wray, English Nature superb potential as a teaching site. These will vary from site to site. activity (alteration by hot gases The site may be suffering damage There can be more than one type of "Rocks are boring!" Sadly that is the and fluids from deep within the audience for a given site and their view of many people about earth from too many visitors and the Earth). This is a similar process to needs will differ. The content and science. Much effort is put into earth interpretation will act as a kaolinisation, which is considered management tool to direct visitors approach you adopt for, say, a party science conservation by both official to be responsible for the of geology undergraduates will be and voluntary bodies and it will be away from the more sensitive areas to formation of 'china-clay' in many very different to that for the non­ wasted if the public at large cannot other parts of the site. Interpretation of the granites of SW England may even, dare one say it, be a means specialist casual visitor. appreciate its value. (Palmer and Neilson, 1962; The number of visitors is also B. Tertiary weathering In today's world of advertising, of generating revenue! Durrance and Laming, vital. There is no point in providing media 'hype' and short attention Do not interperate a site just op. cit.). 'because it is a good idea!'. It is often interpretation if nobody comes to the spans, it is vital that conservationists site, irrespective of its conservation • Selective chemical weathering in a get their message across. This is done this way, with the best of intentions, but all too soon value. Assuming sufficient visitors, warm, humid climate but particularly so for earth science enthusiasm wanes, resources are restricted to zones within or conservation which does not have the diverted, staff move away, the adjacent to major ancient river high profile of biological interpretation ceases to be effective valleys (Eden and Green, 1971; conservation. One way of increasing Leaflets - some do's and both it and, more importantly, Green and Gerrard, 1977). awareness of conservation sites is the site fall into disrepute. All and dont's environmental interpretation. I ~ • A combination of pneumatolysis, because there was no sound rationale outline below the basic principles Leaflets are a comparatively chemical weathering and physical Weathered granite (growan) behind the interpretation. disintegration (Brunsden, 1964, behind successful interpretation and cheap method of interpretation. 1968). will try to help the unwary avoid the What has your site to offer? They provide information both on Unweathered granite and corestones most obvious pitfalls! Every site is, in interpretive terms, and off-site for a range of The relative roles of these processes, Environmental interpretation has unique. The various themes and audiences. However, to be particularly chemical weathering and been defined as "the art of explaining stories that can be told will vary with effective their content and hydrothermal/pneumatolytic C After Pleistocene stripping of Tertiary weathering products or revealing the character of an area each site and the audience that you presentation must be thought alteration, have still not been through the interrelationships are trying to reach. Sites may have an through. It is very easy to produce satisfactorily established (Dearman b_------__ between rocks, soils, plants and ------obvious theme to interpret, say, bad leaflets! and Baynes, 1978). There can be no b animals, and man to....visitors in the geomorphology or stratigraphy, but • DO plan your story before you doubt, however, that the evidence at field, with preparation and follow-up, there will be other stories that can start writing. Two Bridges will remain central to usually in thematic or story form, to also be told', such as the i~pact of resolving these arguments. For this increase visitor awareness of the • DO remember your target man. reason the conservation of the site for significance of the site visited and the audience and write to the When you are planning your future research is vital. desire to conserve it." (Aldridge appropriate level. interpretation draw up a list of these 1975). It is concerned with changing • DO try and keep your copy Conservation and erosion themes, however obscure they may at a - a Ground surface the attitudes of visitors by explaining simple, avoiding jargon first appear to be. Visit the site to get Two Bridges has..J.ong been the significance of the site and how it wherever possible. b - b Former ground surface the feel of it. Look at it through the designated an SSSI but there is has developed into its present form. eyes of your potential audiences and • DO NOT write long runs of currently concern over the state of Maximum depth of weathering Essentially, it is communicating a indulge in a little lateral thinking! text; break it up into short the exposure. The growan becomes given message to a targeted audience Once you have assembled your ideas paragraphs and include easily eroded by large numbers of Linton's (1955) classic two-stage model of tor formation.. in an entertaining way to obtain a you can select the main themes that illustrations where you can. visitors, particularly when desired result. It is planned will be most effective. By listing all • DO select any illustrations as unnecessary hammering and communication - and the planning importance, the impact of which sites and use the Burrator the possibilities, you may well find you write the text; the story excavation occurs. Regrettably, the boils down to answering six basic may be monitored prior to further Dartmoor landform trail (Keene themes that you may have initially develops better that way. faces have been further damaged by questions: why?, what?, which?, action; and Harley 1987) overlooked. trials bikes. where?, when?, how? • DO give your text to someone Do not just consider your own English Nature, the local • fencing off the base of the English Nature's role in all of this is Ifyou ask, and can answer else, preferably not associated site in isolation. Is there any similar landowners and the Dartmoor exposure from the quarry floor, to ensure that the sections at this site honestly, these questions your with your site, to read and interpretation already provided National Park hope to resolve these thereby denying access to motor remain accessible for research and interpretation will be sound and comment on. Be open to nearby? If so will it clash with what problems without unduly restricting cycles; workable because its planning will modifying the text. teaching and there is no wish to deter you are planning? Could you scientific and educational use of the have taken into account such things • fencing off the whole site; bona fide visitors. Your views coordinate your plans with your • DO talk to the experts and site. A number of conservation as physical constraints imposed by listen to their advice. It is well regarding the issues raised, practical 'neighbours' for mutual benefit? initiatives are being considered, • educating users against undue or scientific, would be welcomed. the site and limitations of funds or worth having your leaflet including: trampling, hammering and Please write to me at the address on staff resources. Which audience are you professionally designed. Give excavation; • erecting an information board page 9 and I will forward your views aiming at? the designer a full brief about Why interpret a site? the site, the stories you wish to outlining the site's interest and • encouraging people to visit other to English Nature staff. 0 The primary aim of environmental The principal reason for interpreting tell and your intended interpretation is to encourage visitors any site must be to assist in its audience - assume he or she to conserve your site. To do this you Dearman, W.R. & Ba~nes, F.J. 1978. A field study Dartmoor, England. Geogr. Alllllr. 53A, 92-99. conservation. If by interpreting a site has no previous knowledge References must get the right message across to of the basic comrols of weathering patterns in Green, c.P. & Gerrard, A.J. 1977. Dartmoor. In: you expose it to damage then don't about the site or earth science. the Dartmoor granite. Proc. Ussher Soc., 4, Motterhead, D.N. (ed.) South-Wesl EIlglalld. the right audience. Ifthe audience Brunsden, D. 1964. The origin of the decomposed do it! However, there will also be Similarly, talk to a suitable granite on Dartmoor. In: Simmons, I.G. (ed.) 192-203. INQUA X Congress. Guidebook for excursions does not, or is not able to, grasp the specific reasons why your site printer. A good printer will be Dartmoor essays. Devonshire Association, Durrance, E.M. & Laming. D.J.C. (eds) 1982. The A8 and C8. Geo Abstracts, Norwich. 29-33. conservation message, then you are 97-116. geology of DeV0I1. University of Exeter Press, Keene, P. & Harley, M.J. 1987. Burraror Dam/wOl' warrants interpretation. It could be a happy to advise on the best wasting your time and money! Brunsden. D. 1968. Dartmoor. Brilish lalldscapes Exeter, 346pp. landfonll trail. NCC, Peterborough, 22pp. unique example of a particular type of paper, print run, costs What are your likely audiences through maps, 12: Geographical Association, Eden, M.I. & Green, c.P. 1971. Some aspects of Limon, D.L. 1955. The problem of tors. Geogr.]., geological feature; it could have and so forth. 55 pp. granite weathering and tor formation on 121,470-487. arid what will their numbers be?

26 27 then their actual numbers will have a interpretive media are leaflets and and on-site panels. Trails must be • • bearing on the type of interpretive on-site displays (signs and able to take a large number of visitors ,ucmgs s-so: e s .d dont's media you use. For example, if you interpretive panels). These have the without giving rise to damage; by have a large number of non-specialist disadvantage of presenting their very nature they encourage visitors it may be more economical to information in a predetermined form visitors to use them. Can your site The purpose of a sign is to provide provide an interpretive panel on-site, and of being 'one-way' forms of cope? Are you able to provide information close to the feature giving basic information, than to give communication, the user not having facilities for the wheelchair visitor? being explained. To do this it must each visitor a leaflet. the opportunity to ask questions. 'High-tech' interpretation such as be understood, otherwise there is no It is well worthwhile to try and However, they can be very tape-cassettes and solar-powered point in it being there! Here are estimate the actual or projected economical in terms of cost per user. listening posts are expensive to some basic tips. visitor numbers; you may need to Leaflets can provide information provide and maintain. Think hard organise a survey for this. about a site before, during and after a before installing these: you need large Writing text visit but think about how you will numbers of fee-paying visitors to Where and when? • DO keep the maximum number distribute them. On-site dispensers recoup your investment. of words on a sign to 150. The Firstly, remember that not all are all very well but need refilling The same is true for visitor reader will lose interest in longer interpretation takes place on-site. regularly and can be prone to centres. To many people these are texts so be concise. Visitors may wish to have some vandalism, especially if they have a the ultimate form of interpretation ­ • DO assume the reader is not a information aboll! the site before or container for money. If the leaflets almost an end in themselves. Much specialist and has no prior after their visit. Indeed, are to be distributed off-site, from time and money must go into knowledge of the site. interpretation may be required for whom will they be available and planning, building and fitting-out a people who cannot visit the site at all. when? centre, and then it must be staffed • DO NOT use jargon or write Ideally, information should be On-site displays have the and funded, not just in the short­ complex texts. available on-site when the visitors are advantage of providing information term but in the long-term as well. • DO ask someone not familiar there. For a variety of reasons - legal, to anyone visiting the site. They can That is a considerable commitment. with the site to read your text, operational or aesthetic - this may range from a simple sign identifying In reality, I suspect that few together with any draft maps, to Interpretation at a public viewpoint. The interpretive panel closest to the not be possible. In that case the the site and providing a contact geological sites would warrant see if they can understand your foreground describes the geomorphology of the vista. The panels in the wall interpretation may have to be address for more information to a interpretation on that scale. message. beyond describe the panorama. (Photo by Keith Duff) provided nearby, possibly in the form purpose-built interpretive panel. So there we are. I have tried to of an information point. Panels often cost more to produce provide a very brief introduction into Maps Think about seasonality. Unlike than leaflets but can be cheaper in environmental interpretation and • DO keep maps simple - many one separately within the sign. • DO NOT site signs where they biological sites, geological ones are, the long run. If you get a large give some idea of the questions to ask people find flat plan maps hard • DO NOT crowd signs with text. cannot be read. The natural eye­ by and large, not affected by the time number of non-specialist visitors in while you are planning. Remember, to understand. The open space on a sign is just line is slightly downwards. of year - but your visitors often are. the summer and few in the winter there is no single 'right' answer to as important as the words. Children and wheelchair visitors Casual visitor attendance may peak why not prjl41ide a removable, and so interpreting a site. It depends upon • DO include an easily recognised will need signs at a lower level feature to which visitors can during the summer, but educational possibly Cheaper, display that can be many factors but if you concentrate • DO NOT use blocks of capital than adults. relate. Put on a scale and a north letters. The eye will not easily usage may be greater in the autumn. stored safely during the winter? on getting the basics right, your point. read them. Ifyou are considering outdoor More ambitious forms of interpretation will work whatever the displays do they need to be out all interpretation include geological available resources. Good luck and • DO make the map big enough. Average Siting ofsigns reading year? You may need a simple non­ trails. Here the information is usually have fun! D Layout ofsigIl8 dIstance specialist leaflet in the summer and provided by a combination of leaflets • DO keep signs to a minimum. 4 O.Srn ~ • DO keep signs simple and clear. Look at your site as a whole and an educational worksheet at other times. Break complex information into plan your signs accordingly. Further reading series No 2. (How to plan your simple messages and convey each How to go about it interpretation.) Countryside Commission for This is the hurdle that the Aldous, A. 1990. Signs for the Scotland. Bauleby Display Centre inexperienced, or over-enthusiastic, passing stranger. Interpretation infol71lation sheets Vol. 1. (Details may leap at without giving any real Joumal, 46. (A down-to-earth of countryside 'furniture'.) thought to the basic interpretive view from a countryside visitor.) Henchman, M.W. 1981. Site rationale. As a result the medium Aldridge, D. 1975. Principles of interpretation on nature reserves. may become more important than countryside interpretation and Documentation sen'es No 7. the message. There is a range of interpretive planning. Guide to European Information Centre for Adult eye level interpretive options available, and Countryside Intelpretation Part 1. Nature Conservation, Strasbourg. wheelchair seated some are considerably more H,\1.S0. (Principles of IO-Urn Henchman, M.W. 1985. Whither '­ expensive than others. However, if interpretation, and media that you intelpretation? A 'view from the you have given serious thought to the could use.) lVature Conservancy Council. basic questions then the most Allwood, J. 1981. Information signs for Nature Conservancy Council. appropriate will readily present the CowllI}'side. Countryside Pennyfather, K. 1975. Interpretive themselves to you. Commission. (The basic media and facilities. Guide to The most flexible medium is the principles of signs; techniques and Countryside Intelpretation Pt 2. Ground level human guide. He or she can pitch materials you can use.) HMSO. (Illustrates interpretive their message to the level of the Binks, G., Dyke, J. & Dagnall, P. Can your visitors physically read media and techniques.) audience, deliver the information at 1988. Visitors welcome. HMSO. your sign with ease? Don't forget Wray, J.T. 1988. How to produce a an appropriate rate and answer any (Concentrates on archaeological nature reser've leaflet. Nature that children and wheelchair questions as they are raised. They do sites but describes the principles Conservancy Council. visitors will need signs at a lower not, necessarily, need any back-up of interpretation clearly and gives Wray, J.T. 1990. Guidelines for level than for adults. interpretation. Guides, however, are practical tips on techniques.) Adapted from Infonnation signs for cOUl1llyside signing by the NCC. A close-up of the geomorphology panel. The story is broken up into three not always the most practical Countryside Commission. 1977. Nature Conservancy Council. themes using graphic 'boxes'. Note the maximum use of illustrations. the countryside, Countryside solution. Interpretive planning. AdvisOlY (Photo by Keith Duff) Commission. The two most common

28 29 Conserving the unconservable? Such a site, once excavated, could Soham not be kept open permanently owing Line marking the to the problem of flooding. The ~ outcrop of the chalk , Conservation and the intention then is to insert permanent " 0 Reach Band of East markers in the form of steel Former outcrop of the !,." Call1bridge Greensand coprolite mining Cambridge Greensand West ,----'------., shuttering along the exposed face; David Nonnan (English Nature) this face can then be easily located and Nick Fraser (Curator, Virginia ? ? and re-excavated periodically as it is 'l'T"'" ? ? Museum ofNatural History, USA). 1'"1';-""7 required for rese,arch, study and i,r:-T7'!. further excavation. This is proposed The Cambridge Greensand is a 1.<" unique British geological horizon as a cheap and relatively effective dating from the middle part of the way of providing access to an otherwise unconservable site. Cretaceous Period (approximately ITlliJ Lower Greensand - Cambridge Greensand D Middle Chalk 100 m.y. ago), perhaps best-known as the source of the world's first o ]urassic sediments D Gault Clay o Lower Chalk chemical fertilizer. Phosphate, Reference o 20 derived from nodules, was much N I r Section through Cambridgeshire showing the position of the Cambridge The Cambridgeshire r mined in the last century. Although Grove, R. 1976. • o 10 Greensand in the regional stratigraphy. there is one SSSI (Barringron) which coprolite mining rush. Oleander includes biostratigraphic aspects of Press, Cambridge. the Cambridge Greensand, there is out by the coprolite industry. The opportunity to excavate down to the The former regional line of outcrop of the Cambridge Greensand. none to represent the rich and two most likely sites are now level of the Cambridge Greensand diverse macrofauna also associated regarded as Cambridge Botanical and negotiations are currently being with this horizon. A recent survey of Gardens and Stow-cum-Quy Fen. held with the Trustees of the Fen so potential Cambridge Greensand Although the Botanical Gardens that this can occur. As can be seen in I A horizon rich in history I sites, funded by the NCC, has just suggest a high probability of success, the aerial photograph an existing cut been completed by Dr Nick Fraser, this would have to be an marks the abandonment of The Cambridge Greensand formerly and it is hoped that at least one such opportunistic event contingent upon 'coprolite' digging in 1893 and the outcropped along a line running from site might now be added to the GCR major alterations being undertaken area beyond this is thought to Barton in Bedfordshire, through coverage. to the gardens. contain untouched Greensand Cambridgeshire as far as Soham. It Stow-cum-Quy Fen provides an deposits. A lacuna in modern research was first recognised in 1816 by Hailstone in Cambridge at the base Current work suggests that the of the Chalk Marl, but it was not Cambridge Greensand still presents until the 1850s that the commercial a number of persistent problems of and scientific value of the horizon interpretation. The source of began to be appreciated. The phosphate enrichment is itself in nodules, the shape of which resemble .2; question and may reflect a number faecal material, are found in ~~ of processes: abundance within the Greensand and .....Q"'. are rich in phosphates: when ground­ - !'-..": • high levels of organic input (rotting tissues, excrement etc.) up they provide the raw material for • fulbourn from the abundance of animals fertilizer. Professor J S Henslow, addressing a meeting of the British Areas where living in this shallow coprolite was Association in 1845, named the Harlton'.,.... epicontinental sea; ... ~aSlm'ifiel~Jr'< Hauxton".• ~t She! worked, phosphatic nodules 'coprolites' OrwelJ ~ ~ ford 1850-1919 • organic-rich run-off from nearby .ill Aarslo • Lt Shelford (literally: dung-stones or fossilized Navigations rivers into the shallow sea droppings) although in fact most are ~ -++++++ Railways environment; or phosphatized pebbles. Shortly after .S""" , ;,n;",,"· ". Roads used Wendl~ \ Meldreth. r ·~s• foxton Sawston this the 'coprolite industry' began in _ 6­ for coprolite • upwelling of phosphate-rich deep t PS,;;,,,, carriage ocean waters into the shallow earnest, triggering land speculation and opencast mining on an Cambridge warmer water. Abington. 'I:ass''lgbourn I! in 1870 unprecedented scale, and ensuring . ,.0:.s D The age of the deposits is also that between the 1860s and 1890s The pattern of coprolite extraction in 19th Century Cambridgeshire disputed, estimates ranging from mining for phosphates in (adapted from Grove 1976). Upper Albian to Lower Cenomanian Cambridgeshire became a major depending upon the fossil markers source of employment (Grove 1976). used for comparative dating. The Teams of labourers systematically were abandoned without backfilling; Museum (Geology) in Cambridge. Lower Cenomanian age suggested by stripped the land by removing narrow these can still be seen today as Since the 1890s little work has foraminiferans seems to be the most strips of topsoil, digging down to the narrow, waterfilled 'cuts' with been done to recover Cambridge likely for the deposition of the beds, 'coprolites', backfilling and then adjacent spoil heaps, such as that at Greensand fossils. During both and other remains, such as terrestrial returning the land to its former Stow-cum-Quy Fen. World Wars plans were made to plants and large vertebrates, are most agricultural state. In this way In addition to the phosphatized again mine the resource but were likely either derived from (or 'coprolites' were removed to a depth nodules fossils were also recovered by never pursued due to the relative collected directly from) the Upper of 8 m in some areas. workmen who sold them to visiting inaccessibility of the deposits, most Albian Gault Clay. By the early 1890s alternative scientists and collectors; many such of which are now at depths of 6 m or Of around 40 potential sites for An aerial view of Stow-cum-Quy Fen, Cambridgeshire. sources of phosphates provided a fossils have since found their way more beneath the surface. 0 Cambridge Greensand macrofossils, (Photo courtesy of University of Cambridge.) cheaper alternative and a few sites into the collections of the Sedgwick most have proved to be fully worked 31 30