any thanks to all Earth Heritage readers who completed our M questionnaire - your feedback is essential for the continued development ofthe magazine. Overwhelmingly, you seemed to like the mix of main articles, shorter items in Outcrops, and reviews, and about 90% felt the magazine on balance was 'about right'. Most liked the presentation, although a few found it 'too fussy and clever '. We have tried to address this already, with a more straightforward layout. Perhaps the most useful iI_'", responses were to do with suggestions for fitture topics; in particular there <': pages was a significant vote jar more overseas articles. In some cases, ofcourse, -c your suggestions conjlicted - more articles on fossils/jewer articles on 3-& !} fossils! - reflecting the diverse readership. The editorial board will have its e­ work cut out trying to do the balancing act! '-':'t~m-'-~, =2 ~,~" ~ " Earth Alert 2000 and how to follow it We hope this issue has something fOl' everybody. Mick Stanley 's look at " - - -_.. ;11 =2t! - page 7 geodiversity takes us to all corners ofBritain, and emphasises the intimate .s relationship between geology and the built environment. Scotland's most -8 o scenic beaches are weighed-up, while the hot springs ofNew Zealand -c (h Earth heritage alild archaeological provide an exotic contrast! We also take a look at the milestone event of conservation - page 8 Earth Alert 2000 and how to follow it. Then there is the usual eclectic mix of RIGS news and activities. English Nature describes exciting new projects to get Earth Science sites into shape, while a look at Wales' 1, OOOth SSSI shows in the balance Profile of the Quaternary Research that geomorphology is finally getting onto the map! A public inquiry into proposals England, and the geology of the rest is We hope you enjoy this mix. Ifany ofyou who suggested a topic to cover Association - page 10 affecting a key Earth heritage SSSI (Site of significantly different. would like to write it, then please do contact me' Special Scientific Interest) ran last month The inquiry over Birling Gap centres on (July) in Alfriston, East Sussex, the fact that some dwellings are threatened by Scottish Stewart Campbell, Proposals to build rock revetments at coastal erosion. Some residents strongly beach Managing Editor Birling Gap (above), part of the Seaford to support the case for a revetment at the foot of beauties Beachy Head SSSI, to try to prolong the life the cliffs which they hope will slow erosion ~ 'iiiCTiiRE;"""""'·""""·""""""·""""""'~ of some cliff-top dwellings, were due to be and prolong the lifetime of the dwellings. , 'coVER , considered by a planning inspector during an Two separate applications for coastal page 11 : The basalt columns of the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland are among the most fascinating : inquiry expected to last the best part of two protection usi~ rock revetments have been : parts of the UK's geodiversity. See pages 15-18. (Photo by Stewart Campbefl) , weeks. The SSSI is notified for its geology, put forward. One scheme extends for .•...... ••....•...... •...... geomorphology and biology, with Birling Gap approximately 180 - 220 m, the other for itself being a GCR (Geological Conservation about 30 m. The longer scheme was turned Earth Heritage is a twice-yearly journal produced for the Review) site because of its Quaternary down by the local planning authority, but it The 1,ooOth Welsh SSSI geological and landscape. conservation community by the Joint features and coastal geomorphology was minded to approve the second, smaller - page 14 . a .t Nature Conservation Committee. English E scheme. ~t\ age Nature. Scottish Natural Heritage and the Erosion of chalk cliffs at Birling Gap Countryside Council for Wales. The Royal creates a key site for periglacial English Nature argued at the public Society for Nature Conservation and the UKRIGS Geoconservation Association are principal enquiry that both schemes should be rejected Geodiversity and why we need it geomorphology and the study of chalk contributing partners. We would like to thank all those who have assisted with the preparation of landscape evolution. It is the best example of due to their impact on the geological and - page 15 the magazine. However. the opinions expressed by thc contributors are nol necessarily those of a complete cross-section through a dry valley geomorphological features. The concealment the above organisations. anywhere in Britain. The valley is well of the dry .valley and disruption to natural Key articles from this and previous issues of EQ/1!1 Heritage can be found on the Web at: exposed, allowing access to the deeply coastal processes are particular concerns, www.seabury.salmon.dial.pipex.com/earth.html weathered and contorted valley floor and the The National Trust, the Countryside overlying sequence of solifluction deposits. Agency and the Sussex Downs Conservation Contact details for tbe editorial board, to whom offers of articles should be directed. are: Face Lift grants Managing Editor As well as being nationally imp0l1ant for Board share similar concerns on what is a spectacular and unprotected stretch of STEWART CAMPBELL, Countryside Council for \Vales, Plas Penrhos. Ffordd Penrhos, research, it is also a wonderful educational achieve site Bangor. Gwynedd LL57 2LQ. Telephone 01248 385693, e-mail: [email protected] site, well used by students. The coastal coastline. enhancements Editors geomorphological features are provided by DAVID EVANS, English Nature, Northminster House, Peterborough PEI IUA. Telephone the cliff-beach-shore platform system - page 20 01733455207. e-mail: [email protected] developed on chalk. The beach is one of six Colin Prosser COLIN MACFADYEN, Scottish Natural Heritage, 2 Allderson Place, Edinburgh EH6 5NP. major south-west-facing beaches in southern English Nature Telephone 01314474784, ext 2516, e-mail: colin.macfadyen@snh,gov.uk NEIL ELLIS, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough PEI IJY Telephone 01733 562626, e-mail: [email protected] MICK STANLEY, Royal Society for )lature Conservation, The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Hot news from the Ice Age Road, Newark NG24 IWT Telephone 01636 670000. e-mail: [email protected] Seeds, leaves, pollen, bits of insects and the bones of small fish and mammals which thrived CYNTHIA BUREK UKRIGS Geoconservation Association. Environment Research Group, Striving for a balance in New in an extended heatwave during Britain s Ice Age and which were washed into the River Thames Chester College. Parkgate Road, Chester CHI 4BJ. Telephone 01244 375444, Zealand e-mail: [email protected] over 300,000 years ago, have been unearthed. - page 24 Production The finds were made in Hackney, north London, by archaeologists from English Heritage Seabury Salmon, Seabury Salmon & Associates, Beechwood, Poyner Road, Ludlow, and scientists from the University of London s Geography Depa11ment. Shropshire SY8 IQT. Telephone 01584 877442. Fax 01584 875416. The number and range of finds from this period confirms that the Ice Age in Britain Reviews - page 2& e-mail: [email protected] contained phases when temperatures rose dramatically. Early analysis shows that over 250,000 Cjrculation years ago, for about 20,000 years, southern Britain was as warm as parts of Spain or Italy are Enquiries should be made to the relevant editor above today and the area around the Thames was lush with plant and animal life. 2 3 New Earth science • Earth heritage conservation is about management. Under the focus of sustainable discussed in body In N. Ireland? much more than site protection, and the management of our natural heritage, the parallel work­ Attendees agreed that urgent action was agenda in Scotland has moved forward. conference addressed not only the links of shops. Among key points was a necd for Area for its geological and ornithological A meeting scheduled to be held this needed to reverse the decline of geology Earth Science and the Natural Heritage: Earth sciences to ecosystems and landscapes, more integrated management based on a importance. Autumn should see the formation of an provision in schools and universities (Queen s Interactions and Integrated l'11anagement, a but also the worth of Earth sciences in better understanding of landscape sensitivity, A history of coal mining has caused independent body dedicated to promoting University is closing the only conventional conference organised by Scottish Natural resource and land management, local and working with, rather than against, natural ground levels to drop by a metre or more, Earth science in Northern Ireland and geology degree course in Northern Ireland; in Heritage at the Dynamic Earth Centre, authority planning, environmental education processes. but the effects were fonnerly masked by lobbying Government when appropriate. 200 I, the NI Examination Board IS Edinburgh, last November explored how and geotourism. The importance of greater awareness was spoil dumping on the shore. Since pit It follows a meeting in the Spring when withdrawing GCSE and A-level exams in far forward. An inspiring keynote address by Aubrey emphasised throughout the meeting. At one closure, beach levels have fallen 55 people from various backgrounds met in Rocks, landfonns and soils are integral to Manning examined the global interdepen­ level, it was felt demonstration projects could dramatically. Combined with the the Ulster Museum, Belfast, to air their views geology). A steering group comprising meeting our natural heritage. They have fonned our dencies between biological and Earth help planners, decision makers and their subsidence, this has put housing and the on public awareness of the Earth sciences in distinctive landscapes and scenery. They systems. Presentations on the geological advisors heighten their understanding of caves at great risk of flooding. The Northem Ireland. organisers, speakers and working group facilitators from the first meeting is to draw provide the basis for the diversity of our inheritance of Scotland emphasised the landscape sensitivity and the benefits of complexity of interests and unusual Its objectives were to network those awarenes~. up a constitution to be presented at the natural habitats and the species they support. important links with landscape, the scientific sustainable approaches. At another level, ground conditions provided great scope interested in education and public Autumn meeting. More details of this from Dr Physical processes on our mountains, rivers, value of Scotland s geodiversity and the examples from Scotland, Ireland and Canada for discussions on balancing cultural and of the Earth sciences; discuss the precarious coasts and soils produce habitat changes and impact of climate change and geomorpho­ demonstrated the value of raising public natural heritage conservation and state of Earth sciences at secondary and Nonnan Moles, Department of Geology, affect ecological processes. These physical logical processes during the Quatemary. awareness through geotourism and identifying sustainable coastal defence tertiary levels; give organisations a platfornl Queen s University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 processes also impinge on human activities The links between Earth science, educational materials. options. to explain themselves; and to consider setting INN, tel 028 9027 3404, fax 9032 1280, e-mail [email protected] through flooding, coastal erosion and soil biodiversity and the natural hcritage were A field excursion demonstrated The second half of the excursion up a co-ordinating body. erosion, with attendant economic and social examined in relation to montane landscapes, management issues discussed during the examined links between geological and costs. freshwater environments and the coast. conference. At East Wemyss, on the Fife industrial heritage in the Planned Village These wider links are particularly Presenters developed the theme of coast, delegates saw caves renowned for their of Charlestown. Attention focused on a Sharing best relevant in view of interest in sustainable use sustainable management in relation to Pictish engravings and a coastline designated disused limestone quarry, which has of natural resources, landscape interpre­ minerals use, soils, rivers and coasts, climate as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and potential as a RIGS and The Lime Trail, tation, geotourism and integrated change and energy. Issues raised were proposed as a European Special Protection which incorporates well-preserved lime practice kilns and other industrial infrastructure. Scottish Natural Heritage is organising The day ended with a demonstration of three events aimed at encouraging people to lime slaking by the Scottish Lime Centre. share best practice and techniques in Earth Warwickshire's The production of lime mortar, which is heritage conservation. enjoying a revival, particularly in Journeys Through Time: Interpreting a building conservation, emphasised the Landscape fashioned by Geology runs on Jurassic legacy strong links between the natural and October 18-19 in the Cairngonns. The cultural heritage. programme is for those engaged in delivering Amidst its diverse geology, Warwickshire Copies of the abstracts are available face-to-face interpretative programmes, and boasts a broad strip of Lower Lias (early on the SNH web site, www.snb.org.uk will look at how to develop Earth science Jurassic) rocks running through its southem The proceedings of the conference are interpretation for popular trails. Organised by part. The stratigraphic sequence of being prepared for publication. SNH in association with British Geological sedimentary rock-types and fossils is well Survey & Ranger Services, it costs £70. established and compares closely with the John Gordon A Coastal Defence Seminar on October classic coastal successions of West Dorset and ColinMacFadyen 25 at Battleby is aimed at those involved in exposures of Lower North Somerset. George Lees the practical environmentally sensitive Jurassic rocks at In the last century, fine-grained Lower Scottish Natural Heritage management of erosion in beach and dune Southam by-pass, Lias limestones were quarried by hand for the Warwickshire Natural History and Centre, also located at systems around Scotland s coastline. Warwickshire. Sections flagstones, gravestones, walling and in the Archaeological Society. Most of the fossils the County Museum. Organised by SNH in association with HR such as these are an manufacture of cement. Many spectacular are in extremely good condition, the Researchers New GCR publishing strategy Wallingford, the cost is £50. fossils were found, particularly in the preservation of marine reptiles, in particular, wishing to use these important source of The first fruits of a new publishing strategy for the Geological Conservation Review are River Restoration on November 30 at Stratford-upon-Avon district. rivalling anything from the Dorset coast. This resources or obtain geological and now available. Volumes 15-18 of the GCR are the first to be published directly by the Joint Battleby will employ practical case studies to These ranged from insects, crustaceans valuable resource is kept in a closely more details of local palaeontological data. Nature Conservation Committee s GCR Unit, as opposed to in partnership with a publisher. introduce local authorities, conservation and land plants, to near-complete ichthyosaurs monitored storage environment to enable its site conservation Inset: Ichthyosaur skull Volumes 19-42 are being readied for publication during the next couple of years. bodies, fisheries boards, engineers and land and plesiosaurs. long-tenn survival. schemes should at Warwickshire GCR volumes provide a public record of the features of scientific importance at places owners to the principles of restoring the Sadly, the pits have largely disappeared, The Museum also holds a growing contact me on 01926 Museum, collected in notified, or being considered, as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. physical features and functions of damaged although representative sections are protected number of rock and fossil specimens from the 412481. The geology the last century from the Earth scientists should welcome the move to independent publishing, since prices are rivers. Organised by SNH in association with as SSSl and RlGS. Lower Lias clays and existing cement pits, helping to complete the gallery includes Lower Lias of Binton. significantly lower while the quality of content and production remains high. the River Restoration Centre & SEPA, the limestones are still extracted for cement in picture. Close contacts are kept with local displays of local (Photos courtesy of Volume 15, British Tertiary Stratigraphy, costs £60. Volume 16, Fossil Fishes of Great cost is £50. large, mechanised pits. collectors and members of the Warwickshire Jurassic fossils, inc­ Warwick Museum) Britain, costs £78. Volume 17, Caledonian Igneous Rocks ofGreat Britain, costs £78. Volume Each event cames a 50% pnce The days of intact reptile skeletons are Geological Conservation Group to maintain luding a spectacular 18, British Cambrian to Ordovician Strafigraphy, costs £70 and volume 19, British Silurian concession for senior citizens and students. largely a thing of the past, but interesting records. plesiosaur skeleton from Wilmcote Quarry Stratigraphy, costs £76. More details of any of the events are fossils still turn up from time to time. Temporary exposures of Lower Jurassic SSSI, near Stratford-upon-Avon. Entrance to They are available from NHBS Mailorder Bookstore, 2-3 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 available via the Sharing Good Practice Warwickshire Museum holds extensive rocks are created quite frequently in new the museum is free. 5XN, tel 01803 865913, e-mail cuserv@:nhbs.co.uk, web: ww~\.nhbS.com More infonnation Administrator, Awareness & Involvement collections of fossils from the quarries of the house developments and along new roads. on the series is available from the GCR Unit, JNCC, Monkstone House, City Road, Unit, SNH, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth PHI 19th Century, providing a unique record of the· Records of these are maintained at Jon Radley Peterborough PEI IJY or on the web at www.jncc.gov.uk/earthheritage in the Earth Heritage 3EW, tel: 01738444177. 4 Inm,,', ,n"'w=,nK Thrn, w", b,'lt np b, Warwickshire s Geological Locality Record Keeper ofGeolog}\ Warwickshire Museum module. 5 •

Sites Review The recommendations of the Local Sites Review Group went to Ministers in April and their considerations have been closely linked to the passage of the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill in Parliament. Members of Work is well under way on an exciting The £680,000 development at Knockan is 5 Parliament debated at Standing Committee new visitor facility in north-west Scotland due to open in spring 200 I and will include: and at Report stage with vigorous support, focusing on Earth heritage (first reported in • a new outdoor interpretation and and an Adjournment debate was secured by Issue 10). orientation point in the fonn of a circular -ted Geraint Davies MP in the Commons on 12 Replacing an older interpretative stone enclosure, through which the trail June. The Bill is, at the time of writing, in the infrastructure, the Knockan Crag project will run, plus a hilltop target point, from Lords. seeks to heighten public awareness, and which visitors can enjoy the views; Mick Stanley Ministers have a finn commitment to take appreciation of the landscape around Assynt • upgrading of the existing trail and RSNC forward work on Local Sites and the Review and Coigach, through new access and provision of on-route interpretation he magnificent Victorian Group will be re-convened. Additionally, The innovative interpretation. (including sculptural elements). A second, aquarium on Brighton sea Local Government Bill, also passing through Knockan Crag, between Ullapool and shorter and easier trail; Dinosaur exhibits fascinate children (above front, now called Sealife Parliament, imposes a duty on Local Lochinver, is one of the UK s top Earth • improved access, with extended car and left), and a general view of Earth Alert Centre, was the striking Authorities to produce sustainable science sites. It is recognised worldwide as parking and an all-abilities pathway, (below). setting for the evening launch of Earth community strategies to promote the the place where a basic principle of geology ­ running to the main interpretation point; Alert 2000 at the end of May. environmental, economic and social health of that older rocks can be driven over younger a new area trail linking satellite sites that (Photos by Stewart Campbe/l/ their areas. Statutory guidance on the Brighton and Hove Geological Society rocks - was discovered. Yielding a spectacular are impOliant for their landscape interest. Countryside Council for Wales) preparation of the strategies will emphasise exposure of the Moine Thrust, the .At each location there will be signage, had strategically stationed refreshment the importance of Local Sites within implications of the geology of Knockan Cliff parking and fixed interpretation. areas throughout the aquarium; there was a Biodiversity Action Planning. sparked controversy when first proposed in Partners in the project are the Heritage welcome by the Mayor of Brighton, and This is a significant step forward for the 1860s. Lottery Fund, Highlands and Islands congratulatory speeches from Professor Geoconservation, but the hard work is still to Visitor surveys consistently indicate that Objective 1 programme, Ross & Cromaliy Dick Moody and Professor Allan Rogers come, ensuring that Ealih science remains most visitors are attracted by the dramatic Enterprise, Caithness & Sutherland Enterprise MP. finnly at the heart of Local Sites work. scenery, but they have little notion of the real and Scottish Natural Heritage. Partnership and unity will secure the future story behind the image. Knockan offers the Raising awareness for Geodiversity, but groups need to be part chance to interpret this scenery in new ways John Waiters of the Biodiversity Action Planning process. and reveal its hidden significance. Scottish Natural Heritage Day one proper of this festival of geology, masterminded by Dick Moody and embraced by the visionaries of the Earth science community, dawned dry and sunny, but cool. Inside the Brighton Centre it was wanning up, ready for the festival. For far By the time you read this, the Peterborough Geology Audit will have the appropriate skills. Being a fonnal part of the form the basis of Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) for planning process may mean a move away from casual, ad too long geologists have been introverted Peterborough City Council. As such, it will be the first time that hoc research to a long-tenn, fonnal, scientific research and inward looking, and the new RIGS (Regionally Important Geological/geomorphological Sites) programme. This would have the support of the RIGS millennium is witnessing a renaissance in Surely it is time that an annual event like replicated 600 fossils, 3,000 balloons were have been adopted so comprehensively as part of the planning Group, Peterborough City Council and the quarry raising awareness of the pivotal role Earth the reunion was re-named to reflect not filled with helium, 800 fossil rubbing sheets process. This is a major achievement, but it has taken two years to operators. science plays in everyday life. Saturday only the tremendous efforts put in by local were used, the Kent Geologists' Group get this far and with little on the ground to show for the endeavour. Harry Langford started with Baroness Young of Old Scone, GA groups and others III staging p"roduced 340 picked micropaleo sections Peterborough Environment City Trust has produced a document Peterborough RIGS Chainnan of English Nature, delivering a imaginative stalls, but also to solicit interest with children - it was very busy! Many called Upon this Rock: the Peterborough Geology Audit*, which is * Copies of Upon this Rock' the rousing and inspired opening address ­ from the public. Perhaps Geofest 2001 contented family groups, some spending attractive, well-designed and thoughtfully illustrated. It provides a Peterborough Geology Audit cost £10 from quite a feat for someone with little could be the strap line for next year, when several hours in the room, involved Peterborough Environn1ent City Trust, background to geological conservation, RIGS and geological audits. knowledge of geology until two years ago. the reunion is in Liverpool. themselves in 25 different activities and left Fletton, Peterborough PE2 8DT, tel 01733 Simplified summaries of the geology, archaeology, soils and landscape The public side started busily in the with carrier bags bulging with models or 760883, e-mail pcct@ peterborough.go\.uk of the area precede sections on the methods used to establish the audit, ground floor Mineral and Fossil Fair. But it posters or both. Rockwatch alone recruited threats to sites and methods of site selection. The core of the document was quiet elsewhere, with a trickle of 35 new members, swelling numbers to an lists the RIGS, further Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites visitors into the main exhibition hall and the Things began to improve around 11 all-time high of 3,248. Well over 4,000 and summarises the geology of each site. The book also deals with slightly-off-the-beaten-track Hall A. This 0' clock and remained busy until fourish. people visited the Brighton Centre during maintaining and promoting RIGS and implementing the Peterborough held the Discovery Room with Rockwatch, This pattern persisted for the three days, the festival. Geology Audit - within the local planning and statutory frameworks ­ Dinosaur Society, Open University, the except in the Discovery Room which was The main exhibition hall was home to and monitoring its success. Each site audited scored points on: Natural History Museum, Ravensboume busy from 10 until the close at 5.30! But 37 stands showing the wealth and extent of scientific importance; educational value; access, facilities and safety; Geological Society and the Russell Society. that is not so surprising, as most of the Earth science. They included a simulated historical associations; aesthetics; and conservation. Peterborough The even-further-off-the-beaten-track Hall activities were interactive. 400 Jurassic detonation of a quarry face by Foster RIGS Group adopted a policy based on what was practicable and B and oddly-named GA reunion was filled model dioramas were made, many achievable, which reduced the final RIGS list to six sites. Yeoman that enabled young and old to with a wealth of stalls staffed by the local Who does the research and recording on these sites is another rechargeable batteries used on the remote­ groups of the Geologists' Association. ~ page 19 6 mo"". If it i, P'tecbom",h RIGS Gm"p, "m, volunte", moy not controlled trilobites, 25kg of plaster of paris o

I ~ Natalie Bennett Purlleet Chalk Pits SSSI (photo by Further reading English Nature Danielle Schreve), and detail of the uaternary geology and through the temperate Purfleet Silts and Purlleet site (inset), (photo by Natalie Palaeolithic Archaeology a archaeology share an Sands, capped by the Corbets Tey Upper BennettlEnglish Nature) geological overlap. A. LaWSOIl, Earth Q important relationship Gravel. Heritage 4, July 1995 pp 3-5 which can be' developed The site is considered to be archaeolog­ Purfleet interglacial deposits: and strengthened through joint working ically unique in Europe for its lithic Whilst it is not the first time that sites the exposures, the archaeological interest through, similar challenges. Write to Bluelands and Greenlands Quarries. and combining resources. content. Suggestions that the site contains have been investigated in this way, it is an requires that the sections be back-filled and Jonathan Larwood at English Nature, D. Bridglalld et al. The Quaternary of There is a huge variety of sites of both worked flints belonging to the Clactonian, example of good practice. The team has restored to a compatible end use. In this Northminster, House, Peterborough PEI the Lo~ver Reaches of the Thames, a geological and archaeological importance. Acheulean and Levallois industries are since worked on other projects, including case, it is agriculture, as previously agreed lUA. field guide. 1995. pp 167-184. the site investigation for the A 13 road Quaternary Research Association. These include fluvial and shoreline supported by geological cOITelations with between the landowner and the planning The importance of working 111 sequences exposed by quarrying and other sites in the palaeo-Thames basin. improvement, also in Essex. Here, authority. partnership on sites of this kind is clear. Middle Pleistocene sediments and deposits laid down within, or washed into, When an access route was to be excavations revealed rarely seen sections This provided English Nature and Geological ani! archaeological disciplines archaeology at ARC Eartham Qucm}', cave systems. constructed across the SSSI (as permitted through Thames terrace deposits associated English Heritage with a challenge. Whilst have much ufcontribute to each other and Boxgrove, West Sussex. M. Roberts. The Quaternary sequences often contain under a previous planning consent), the with the famous Aveley Elephants, recognising that the most vulnerable the exclusion of one at the expense of the Quaternary of Kent and Sussex, a field palaeo-environmental information that developer, English Nature and Essex Field unearthed dUling the 1960s. interests at the site must dictate the future other detracts from the overall scientific guide. 1998. pp 187-2/3. Quaternary helps to detennine how the material was Archaeological Unit joined forces to ensure management, it was difficult to accept that value of sites. Reaching a mutually Research Association. laid down and to establish the prevailing that the sequence was fully recorded and there would be no sections available for acceptable solution is not always easy. It The Quaternary Research environmental and climatic conditions of protected where possible. study. The problem is compounded because can require a great deal of thought and Association can be reached through the time. Equally importantly, these Initially, there were concerns about the Successful long-term management of the site's archaeological interest is so lateral thinking from all concerned.• w'K' ..... qra.org.u~ (see page 10) sites with geological and archaeological geological sequences also provide evidence amount of extraction that would be needed widespread, making it difficult to avoid Combined survey work being undertaken on the interests involves a great deal of goodwill of human activity and occupation - the from a key part of the sequence to build the disturbing or damaging some of it with a A 13 road improvement scheme. and co-operation. archaeological evidence which furthers road. The scheme involved a deep cut and a geological exposure. English Nature and (Photo by Natalie BennettlEnglish Nature) knowledge of the relationship between wide embankment splay. The extraction At Eartham Pit, Boxgrove, West English Heritage are now investigating the early Man and the changing environment would have compromised detailed Sussex, the Earth heritage features demand most suitable places for an exposure. This and landscape during the Ice Age. geological and archaeological recording that as many exposures as possible within research utilises the expertise of all and would have involved losing a the SSSI area are kept open for study. involved, and particularly the archaeol­ Two considerations considerable portion of the Purfleet Silts However, this conflicts with conserving the ogists' knowledge of the venical and lateral and Sands. A second scheme was archaeological interest, requiring that variation in the sediments. English Nature makes two consider­ negotiated, involving a shallower cut and exposures are covered to prevent archaeo­ ations when significant geological and less material extraction. The more modest logical specimens and field sections archaeological deposits are found on the embankment made much less impact on the becoming degraded. same site. The first involves the opportunity remaining geological exposures. Boxgrove is key to understanding the It is hoped that later this year, detailed for combined study and the second looks at Once the design was agreed, a team geological and archaeological evolution of planning of the new section can begin, the potentially different long-term involving archaeologists, geologists and Great Britain and Nonhern Europe. Pan of accommodating landowner, developer, management requirements for the interests. biostratigraphers launched a detailed site the site is designated as a geological SSSI geological and archaeological concerns. Quaternary sites in Essex, Sussex and investigation. Face recording and detailed for its fossil shoreline, seen here as aburied Whilst this is not an ideal solution, as the Kent have long been the focus of combined sampling were undertaken at every stage of cliff associated with a complex of originally described and recorded geological and archaeological research, development. A detailed stie report is being interbedded intertidal and terrestrial geological sections will not be available for particularly along the course of the ancient prepared. sediments. The site has yielded invaluable study, a new and pern1anent geological Thames and its tributaries. Purfleet Chalk The success of this project arose from archaeological materials, including hand­ section is the most practical outcome for all Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest the common goal shared by the geologists axes, butchered animal remains and human concerned. (SSSI), Essex, is designated for terrace and archaeologists, who worked together to bone. English Heritage has funded over a English Nature recognises that the issue deposits overlying the chalk bedrock. The maximise the geological, archaeological decade of work and the research has been at Boxgrove is particularly complex, but deposits are extremely variable, ranging and environmental information recorded written up in numerous journals and books. would welcome hearing from others who from cold-stage Corbets Tey Lower Gravel, from the site. While English Nature wants access to have been confronted with, and worked 9 he Quaternary geological era, approximately the last two million years, has been a time of exceptional environmental change. In Britain, conditions have changed repeatedly and sometimes very rapidly. During glacial episodes ice has spread into lowland England, reaching the northern suburbs of London, and the sea level has fallen 100 m below that of today. In some of the interglacial episodes the climate has been warmer than today, with southern European species flourishing in Britain, and during the last interglacial. hippopotamus basked in English rivers. Environmental change continues, perhaps intensified by human interactions with the environment. The threat of global warming and rising sea level is now a significant element in the long-term planning of environmental management. The Quaternary Research Association is the principal focus of research expertise in the UK in this increasingly important area of policy and planning concern. It provides opportunities for discussion within the Quaternary research community and is the official UK correspondent with INQUA, the international Quaternary research association. QRA has close links with the Geological Society of London through the o re e Joint Association for Quaternary Research. Above, the 'Singing Sands' of the Bay of Laig, on Eigg. QRA members have been widely involved (Photo by Lome Gill/Scottish Natural Heritage) in compiling the recently published Geological Society Special Report No. 23. f a poll were taken to establish at St Andrews sit on a spit of land which Delegates at the annual conference of A Revised Corr:~lation of Quaternary the most beautiful beach in only formed in the last 5-6,000 years. The Scottish Natural Heritage in November Deposits in the British Isles. 1\ Scotland, which one do you whiteness of the sand at Traigh Lingaigh in were also able to yote by ballot box. Quaternary Research Association think might win? You may be North Uist was attributed to its high shell Encouragingly, the competition surprised at the answer. content, a factor central to the richness of generated huge interest - in Angus, Scottish Geology Week is a biennial the adjacent machair habitats. And at anyway' Elsewhere the response was rather The QRA, now with a membership of increased attention recently as part of a Geological 'Conservation Review, and event that seeks to promote interest in the Camusdarilch in Morar (the beach featured more restrained. Accordingly, the wiilller around 1,000 (and growing), originated as more general concern for Britain's natural selecting GCR sites. It is regularly invited Earth sciences and, in particular, Scotland s in the film Local Hero) it was observed that by a landslide was Lunan Bay (in Angus') the Quaternary Field Study Group in 1964, heritage. The Quaternary record is by the national conservation agencies to unique heritage of rocks, fossils, soils and the Island of Rum, which provides such a with 36% of the vote, local support proving becoming the Quaternary Research particularly vunerable. It consists mainly of comment on conservation issues with a landforms. As part of last year s event, a spectacular backdrop to the beach, was crucial to the beach s success. RUilllers-up Association in 1968. At the heart of QRA weakly consolidated sediments that are Quaternary interest. QRA members often competition on the Scottish Natural once pali of a volcano. :vere Kiloran Bay on Colonsay (11 %) and activity has always been the examination of inherently difficult to conserve. In addition, provide the agencies with information and Heritage Web site invited visitors to vote Scarista beach on Harris (11 %). field evidence for Quaternary many coastal sites have been lost due to advice about the scientific and educational for the beach they considered to be the most Press releases It is hoped to re-stage the competition in environmental change. Field meetings are coast protection works, and many inland significance of Quaternary sites. The QRA beautiful in the country. The competition s the future. Now the Web page has been the essential framework of the QRA annual sites - small quarries and pits - closed has a proactive policy towards primary purpose was to draw attention to In addition to nominating their own designed, incorporating alternative sites programme. The field guides prepared for during recent years. conservation, and is exploring practical the quite spectacular beauty of Scotland s personal choice of beach, participants were and images will be simple. Then there s the these meetings (over 20 currently in print) .. conservation techniques and opportunities coastline and the fundamental contribution asked to select in order of preference their coffee-table book to produce of the other represent a major contribution to the to develop interpretative and educational which rocks, landforms and geomorpho­ top three from this featured list. In the 640 beaches in Scotland. All that s needed understanding of the Quaternary of the initiatives in important Quaternary logical processes make to this. event, most entrants simply selected one of is someone to go and take the photos. Any British Isles and neighbouring areas. QRA The QRA was among the sponsors of localities.• While entrants could nominate any these candidates as their favourite, few volunteers? also publishes a newsletter, technical the Crewe conference in 1992 - Conserving beach, 12 candidate sites in particular were nominating a further personal choice. A full list of beaches and brief guides and a monograph series our Landscape: evolving landforms and For further information contact the suggested in order to highlight geology and To widen awareness of the competition, descriptions appear overleaf, together with Quaternary Proceedings, and in 1986 Ice-age heritage. QRA members were Secretary. Dr Colin Whileman, School of geomorphological processes III the press releases and photographs were pictures. Sheila Beattie, who runs the established the Journal of Quaternary contributors to the Malvern International the Environment, University of Brighton, formation of the coastal landscape. distributed to relevant national and local Scottish Natural Heritage Web site, and Conference on Geological and Landscape Science, which it continues to sponsor. Cockroft Building, Lewes Road, Each of the featured beaches was newspapers and postal votes invited. Lorne Gill and Tracey Justice of SNH Interest in the record of Quaternary Conservation in 1993. QRA is largely Brighton, BN2 4GJ. e-mail: accompanied by a photograph and a short Publications, were invaluable in helping responsible, under the direction of the Joint environmental change has raised concern c.a. [email protected] QRA description drawing attention to some with the competition by providing and for effective conservation of the field Nature Conservation Committee, for George Lees home page: www.qra.org.uk/index.htm aspect of the site s Earth heritage. Thus it distributing photographs.• evidence, an issue that has attracted preparing the Quaternary volumes of the was noted, for example, that the West Sands Scottish Natural Heritage See overleaf 10 11 e.ac·hes o e 1 Scarista, Harris Two miles of wonderful desel1ed beach in the south-west corner of Harris. Like many beaches in the Western Isles the sand here is made mostly of shell fragments. 8. ~ 2 Sands of Forvie, Aberdeenshire '1:: ~ Unlike almost all other dunes in Scotland. which are clothed in marram grass, those "@ 7 Lunan Bay, Angus at Forvie are bare. Consequently the dunes are mobile and great waves of sand -'l ~ A great sweep of beach and dunes stretching for over t\\/o miles along gradually drift across the land from the shores of the Ythan Estuary. It is Scotland's .c: E the Angus coastline. broken only by the Lunan Water and occasional own miniature desel1! 8 blowouts through the dune ridge. !!1 3 St Ninian's Tombolo, Shetland S Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan Two beaches in one, St Ninian's Tombola is a sand bar linking Shetland's largest ~ One of many breathtaking beaches around the Ardnamurchan peninsula. island with the now uninhabited St Ninian's Isle. It is the largest unstabilised These bays sit on the flanks of an ancient volcano area which was active feature of this kind in the United Kingdom. Following storms in 1993 which sank f around 60 million years ago. Remnants of its volcanic rocks form the reefs the Braa oil tanker, it disappeared for a month only to reform again naturally. and skelTies which add relief and contrast to the sweep of white Shell sand. 4 Cambusdarach and the Sands of Morar, Highland i.g o 9 Strathy Bay, Sutherland Immortalised in the film Local Hero. Cambusdarach is one of several small ~ This stunning beach. on Scotland's northern coastline. is well protected from secluded beaches which make up the Silver Sands of Morar, on the road to Mallaig. 11: the prevailing westerly winds by the headland of Strathy Point. As a result The ancient volcanic rocks of Rum provide a spectacular backdrop. & l!! wave erosion of tbe dune front is relatively rare, resulting in the regular growth 5 Kiloran Bay, Colonsay } of 'embryo' dunes over the top of the beach. The natural amphitheatre of Kiloran Bay sits within an area of softer rocks on the ~ 10 Traigh Lingaigh, North Uist Colonsay coastline. These have been eroded more ~ Traigh Lingaigh is one of a score of equally stunning beaches stretching for 10 rapidly than the surrounding older and harder rocks .c: ~ miles between the islands of Berneray and Vallay, off the west coast of North Uist. to form the shallow sea loch in which this The white colour of the sand is due to shell fragments. Above high-tide level. the magnificent beach has accum'ulated. j sand forms an especially rich soil - the machair - which in late spring is ablaze with 6 Corran Seilebost and Luskentyre, Harris E colour of different flower blooms. This spectacular coastal panorama hits drivers .s 11 West Sands, St Andrews, Fife travelling south from the felTy tern1inaJ at Tarbert, ~ AnOlher Scottish beach to feature on the wide screen, this time in the opening to The spit and dunes shift form continuously as they .9o Chariots of Fire. The West Sands line the eastern flank of a land spit which has respond to weather and sea-level variations. ~ grown over the last 5-6.000 years. With the dunes behind, they protect the world's most famous golf course. On the preceding page: Bay of Laig, Eigg Also known as the 'Singing Sands' of Eigg, the sand on the beach here actually squeaks when walked upon! This is thought to be due to the unusual character of the sand grains, most of which are exceptionally well rounded and similar in size. SSls b t Mick Stanley RSNC

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aymond Roberts Earth Science Officer, CCW ~

ales' highest waterfall, Pistyll Rhaeadr, has 'J become the country's 1,000" Site of Special Scientific Interest, and was notified for its Wfluvial geomorphology. The waterfall, on the southern slopes of the Berwyn Mountains. falls 75 m (240 feet) over an erosion-resistant cap­ rock of volcanic ash, and has cut a spectacular natural arch and several plunge pools into the rock. Pistyll Rhaeadr is regarded as one of the 'Seven Wonders of eodiversity is the variety of Geoconservation (Earth Wales'. However, the site's importance lies not only in the geological environments, heritage conservation) should waterfall and related features, but also in the contrasting phenomena and active ensure that examples of geomorphology upstream and downstream of the falls. processes that make geodiversity in the British Upstream. the' river, known as Afon Disgynfa, is an upland. landscapes, rocks, minerals, fossils, soils Isles and beyond are boulder-lined channel originating in peat. and follows a steep and other superficial deposits which conserved for present and straight course as it runs off the Berwyns - a typical mountain provide the framework for life on Earth. future generations to enjoy. torrent. Downstream of the falls the river changes its name and Geodiversity is also the link between But what is ,geodiversity its character. Here. Afon Rhaeadr meanders across the flat, people. landscapes and their culture through on the grounct"" A journey glacially over-deepened valley floor and demonstrates more the interaction of biodiversity with soils, through Britain will explain lateral activity and depositional features such as point bars and minerals, rocks, fossils, active processes and the concept and demonstrate composite banks. the built environment. An appreciation of the range of geodiversity in Part of the site. which lies upstream of the waterfall, lies geodiversity and the Earth's finite resources these islands. within the Berwyll SSSI which is important for its upland is e~,ential if we are to achieve sustainable The flatness of a fen land vegetation and bird population. Because of its geomorpho­ ---­Spurn Head (above) and herring-bone fashioned walls (below). development. landscape, punctuated by logical importance, the new Pistyll Rhaeadr SSSI overlaps part ~ (Both photos by Mick 5tanley) You, the reader, may disagree with the black- soil fields, squat church of the Berwyn SSSI. need to coin yet another term - geodiversity, towers in big skies, the occasional wind of herring-bone fashioned cobble walls, The primary conservation ail!1s for Pistyll Rhaeadr are 10 but it is high time that the Earth science turbine and remnants of the chimneys of the culled from the beaches and coming from the maintain the natural river processes and associated landforms. community stood up for itself and promoted a Fletton brick-industry is one view of Eastern tills which are Holderness, but which Close liaison and co-operation between CCW, the landownetS concept that encompasses an holistic view England. Another is the crumbling cliffs of originate from Scandinavia or Scotland or the and interested parties such as the Environment Agency will and places Earth science at the centre of Holderness, Europe's fastest-eroded Lake District. Holderness has the magnificent ensure that any proposed development will be carefully assessed debate and consciousness of the decision coastline, and the shifting sands and gravels spire of Patrington Church 'the Queen of and any work will allow for the scientific and aesthetic: makers and shapers. that have created the ephemeral feature of H,olderness', built of the relatively local Cave importance of the SSSI. Biodiversity relies on Spurn Point at the mouth of the Humber, now Oohte from South Cave and Holderness has To commemorate the SS SI notification. CCW Chairm8J1." in its fifth position in Hornsea Mere, the visible remnant of one of John Lloyd Jones, unveiled a plaque, and the. recorded memory. the many kettle holes left after the ice sheet geomorphological importance of Pistyll Rhal Common melted. was explained by CCW Vice-chairman, Profe Ground, a Dorset­ D.Q. Bowen, Professor of Quaternary Geology based charity, coined Recycle our waste Cardiff University. the term "local Pistyll Rhaeadr has allowed a grl di sti nc ti veness" ID Equally flat, but for a different reason, are understanding of river processes and is impol the 1980s. They the peat moors or 'wastes' of Thorne and for the future study and understanding of flu could equally have Hatfield, slowly being lost to gardeners' geomorphology in Wales. The waterfall and used geodiversity to desires for raised f10werbeds or a richer soil. surroundings also attract thousands of visi describe the use of What is wrong with composting kitchen each year and provide a great oppOltunily local materials to leftovers, grass cuttings and other dead interpret fluvial processes to the public.• give character and floristic remains? flavour to our At last, Government has been galvanised The spectacular Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall (main picture) buildings. into a more environmentally friendly policy the upstream section (top inset) and the Afon Rhaeadr Holderness has the to make Local Authorities recycle 50% of valley downstream (left). The plaque unveiling (above) bY ~ local distinctiveness household waste by 2010. John L10yd Jones. (Photos by Stewart CampbelllCountryside Council for Wales) 15 rock surfaces, truncated spurs, moraines and erratics are the backdrop of Snowdonia, from where the best slates in the world are quarried. From the end of the 18th Century until the middle of the last, the purple-grey slates were transported far and wide on newly built railways to roof Britain. Local materials that were once supreme now made way for exotics to clad buildings and create new ones. Triassic sandstones in Carboniferous country, Cornish granites in Midland Perhaps it will eventually also outlaw the visitors who probably towns, Scottish setts in Yorkshire and ~ sale of peat-based compost; merely never think why the Lancashire mill towns, and architects restricting extraction does nothing to castles are there or what willing to experiment and learn with the maintain that element of geodiversity. they are built from. mix of stone and iron and steel. Telford Farther up the country are the towering Architectural historians spanning the Menai Strait with engineering chalk cliffs at Bempton, near Bridlington. may reveal that a building marvels, leaving a lasting legacy here and They are home to England's only gannet is of stone but rarely at Llangollen where the half tube is filled colony and the country's largest marine bird whether it is igneous, with water to take the canal on the site. metamorphic or Pontcysllte high over the Dee. The expanse of the Yorkshire Dales (above) and the sedimentary. limestone pavement and dry-stone walls of the The Isle of Bute, a Geo reserve for the public? Great Orme (below, photos by Stewan Campbell). mixture of igneous and Water, the universal solvent, carves a sedimentary rocks, has Volcanoes again at Cader Idris, royal coal industry. Spoil is the last tangible bed across every rock type and, in some, it breathtaking views of gold in Bont Dhu near Dolgellau, colour­ legacy of that great mining past. is quite spectacular. Take High Force in Arran from the almost washed houses on steep valley sides and Water, the universal solvent, hisses and Upper Teesdale where the peaty Tees white sands of Scalpsie small ports on the coast. Farther south, gurgles its way through the Carboniferous plunges 25 m over the Whin Sill that also beach, where inquisitive black gold from the valleys and their spoil limestones of South Wales, dissolving and holds up much of Hadrian's Wall. That seals swim close, and the heaps, all that is left of a proud industry and depositing calcium carbonate, creating the rock, a dominant feature in Northern south-western end of the even those visual reminders have all but massive caverns and squeezes of Dan yr England, is greatly utilised for prominent Highland Boundary Fault disappeared~..can one or tw@ examples of Ogof and its sister caves, loved by buildings, almost entirely for fortifications cuts across the island on spoil heaps be saved? Can one be found potholers and less adventurous visitors. such as the castles at Bamborough and its way to mainland packed full of plant and insect fossils to Limestones figure greatly in the Alnwick, and it also produces the nesting Scotland. White sands, create a safe geo-reserve for the public to 'ethereal and wondrous' Cardiff Castle, sites and seal swims of the Farne Islands. the result of active experience the thrill of being the first to see built in the late 19th Century. The castle has ~ Water has also created the wonderful processes on the quartz­ the fossilised remains of a plant over incised meander of the Wear at Durham rich rocks, feature in the Conversely, limestone is the major 300,000,000 years old·J The ground­ producing the setting for the architectural west of Scotland and the source of quicklime, sugar-stone, cement, breaking rock store managed by the World Heritage Site comprising Durham Outer Hebrides. Another dimensional stone and aggregate and must Geologists' Association at Writhlington Castle and Cathedral. feature of the west is the be won by quarrying. SustainabiJity is Site of Special Scientific Interest can surely be matched by sites in South Wales, Kent, Less spectacular, but nonetheless deep, peat-dark sea loch ­ The peatlands of Thorne Moors (above'left, photo by Peter RowonhlEngfish about striking a balance between demand, Yorkshire and Scotland. We need to special, is the Upper Tees at Killhope, places where fish farms Nature), Bempton Cliffs (above, photo by Mick Stanley), extraction and visual impact. where the water was used to wash the lead abound and tourists tarry. the Menai Bridge (right) and (below right) Cwm Idwal. Glaciated valleys. c\vms. smoothed maintain this access to the heritage of the ore from its gangue minerals. John O'Groats is (Photos by Stewan Campbell) disappointing in landscape Best example terms, but its local of walls, built during the 'enclosures', from Caithness Flags provide the unique stone about 1700 to 1850, when some 6,000,000 Landscape and the rocks that make it walls, ultra thin yet fulfilling the need to acres of land changed from the open field figure greatly in the remains left by the demarcate property and confine stock. Medieval system to a closed patchwork of Romans. Hadrian's Wall is the best example Very different are the dry-stone walls of fields, to give the landscape we know today. and easily seen in southern the Yorkshire Dales with their through This is the landscape of National Parks, Northumberland, where it sits on the Whin stones for strength and ease of climbing, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sill. A wall on top of a sheer cliff of dolerite the old Roman walls of the Newhaven area National Nature Reserves and countless makes an unscalable defence! of the Peak District with very large base locally designated sites. Igneous rocks and castles seem suited to stones. Nineteen different wall types, built These cultural assets, the result of land­ each other. Think of Edinburgh Castle and from their local rocks, are displayed in the use demands, can be easily destroyed and the volcanic plug on which it sits. millennium wall at the National Stone the resource is not renewable. Limestone Bamborough or Stirling draw countless Centre at Wirksworth, Derbyshire. pavements are still tW'eatened by extraction for domestic and municipal rockeries and iBUILDING:hii1.11"£4 STONEIbiS. :wa.lS'; CON fi:' fBPJ L i m est 0 n e landscape other ornamental purposes. It is time that A Welsh national conference scheduled to be held from throughout Britain the sale of water-worn limestone was made April 3-6 2002. will provide a forum for all involved in tile has spawned illegal, as banning extraction obviously use of natural building materials. in particular stone. The thousands of miles does not work. next issue of Earth Heritage will announce more details. ­ • Departments offering posters on We need to work much more dosely ~ Time to stand conservation, is near the actual ratio of together. There are insufficient geologists students being taught conservation in to be in competition with each other. and united British universities. It is perhaps the main why should we work independently at a ~ from page 7 reason why there are so few students much greater cost in both money and graduating with an understanding of the resources? Partnership and unity to bring down 25.000 tonnes of Mendip need and imp0l1ance of conserving Earth promote geodiversity needs to be the Roman blue Lias Iimestone remnants, limestone; the BBC's "Walking with science features. watchphrase. Perhaps Geofest 2002 could surrounded by pinkish Swelldon stone from Dinosaurs"; and Tarmac showing a strength see the Geologists' Association working Culverhouse Cross and the yellower of materials test kit - a rather prosaic name Audience spellbound with the Geological Society to produce a Creigiau stone from a few miles to the north for a fun activity comprising arm strength festival for the public. for the amateur and of Cardiff. The granites of the steps of the to raise the weight and wonder when the Two public lectures on Saturday, given for the professional. National Museum of Wales, across the road rock would shatter. Free posters from by David Norman and Bob Symes, looked Well done Dick Moody for having the from Cardiff Castle in Cathays Park, are virtually all exhibitors, free pens. pencils, at Dinosaurs and Minerals. Each held their vision to promote Earth science in a much Cornish from Bodmin Moor. Steps to the free mugs from the Institute of Petroleum, audience spellbound and attracted upwards more accessible format. Earth Alert is not a other buildings in this superb suite of free lumps of coal from RJB Mining. free of 350 people. title that inspires. but as an event it was municipal structures - the Law Courts, City rock (edible) from Quarry Products Contrast the Festi val lectures, also successful. not in terms of numbers of Hall, University College, the Police Station, Association, free booklets from Hanson, given by the best in their field, but sadly not paying visitors blll in terms of the quality of the Temple of Peace, the National free mouse mats from Texaco, free aimed at the public. This was reminiscent the experience. 100lft top quality for Assembly and the University of Wales explanations of processes, principles and of Geoscience 2000, another festival, but families who were engrossed in activities. Institute of Science and Technology - are preservation from the three conservation only for professionals and would-be Change the name and repackage the event coarse Carboniferous sandstone. Cardiff agencies, English Nature, Scottish Natural professionals - no possibility of contact about every two years and make it free and city centre and Llandaff Cathedral show a Heritage and Countryside Council for with the public, no attempt to inform or Earth science could become as intoxicating microcosm of British and European Wales. Visitors could learn about the engage the public in the importance of the to the public as a good wine.• building and decorative stones: some 108 Dinosaur Isle (Museum of Isle of Wight Earth sciences, no open day, no invitation to different types are used. Geology), the geology of Islington, of exhibit collections or be involved with Shropshire, William Smith. Mary Anning. activities - no accessible Earth science! see a Jurassic garden. RSNC working next to UKRlGS. all surrounding a full­ This contrasts with Exeter, where most size skeletal model of a stegosaur. stone used for building was local. Take Closure of the Causseway Coast lower path has effectively put the basalt columns out of reach (above). Outside the main exhibition. the Exeter's underground passages, which were Below, Porth yr Ogof, South Wales. (Photos by Stewart Campbell) refreshment corridor housed the student originally bui It to make access easier to the poster competition entries. Two caught lead pipes supplying water to the properties Finally, no grand tour of British the justification for a World Heritage Site my eye, sulphur flows from the OU and of the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral. geodiversity is complete without mention submission. The succession of lava flows an evaluation of global warming from The OIiginal pipes were laid in trenches in ofIreland's fantastic limestone landscape of and interbasaltic beds, the regular columnar Kingston. Both posters used faded about 1170, but enlarging the Cathedral in The Burren or the visual delights of the jointing of the Tholeitic basalts, the colour pictures as backgrounds, with a the 1340s gave an opportunity to build a Antrim coast. But all is not well The Causeway, the cliff exposures of columnar mixture of text, diagrams and vaulted passageway in purple-grey basalt, basalt columns of the Causeway Coast in and massive basalt, the spectacle they photographs. The Kingston piece was locally called trap, from the site of Northern Ireland, east of Giant's Causeway, present and "the extent of visible rock the result of a Powerpoint presentation. Rougemout Castle in the city centre. Later, are now unable to be visited due to the sections and the qualities of the exposed but did not work as a poster because the in the 1400s, passages were constructed in collapse of the lower coastal path in 1995 columns in tre cliffs') were the substance of text was too small. with its white a Permian breccia known as Heavitree and its closure on safety grounds. They and the submission. The closure of the lower typeface on blue background. Contrast stone quarried two lniles east of Exeter. the Giant's Causeway itself are the basis for path has arguably removed reasonable the OU poster, which had easily readable access to the main geological interest of the text, making it very accessible. There Causeway Coast, except the causeway must also be special mention for a itself. It puts at risk the continuing presence Chester College student's poster on the of Britain's only completely geological conservation of limestone pavements at World Heritage Site. Bryn Alyn, in North Wales. I suspect that I in 10. the number of

Will it take removal from the World Heritage list before an elegant engineering. solution to the instability problem of the' lower coastal path can be put in place? Can Heritage Lottery money help to remedy the

lack of action? Shouldn't we be asking Earth Alert staged 25 different acitivities to involve questions in Parliament? Can a flexible family groups throughout the exhibition. (Photos by structure be built, like the new millennium Stewart CampbelllCountryside Council for Wales) bridge over the Thames, to provide access to this natural wonder? Can we maintain Britain's geodiversity and can we increase public enthusiasm for it and people's access to it? We need to.• Kate Jeffreys Successful Face Lifts: Face Lift Co-ordinator English Nature Top far left: At Horn Park Quarry SSS/, near Beaminster, Dorset, the face has been re-profiled and stepped to show the famous Inferior Oolite sequence. The Quarry ew opportunities for 'fossil bed' is particularly vulnerable and collecting is geological enjoyment and only permitted with the permissions of English research have been created Nature and the owners. around England, thanks to

English Nature's £150,000 Face Lift site Left: enhancement programme. Clearance of talus and vegetation at Great Quarry Face Lift is a practical programme for SSS/, Swindon, has helped reveal the only works on geological and geomorphological exposures of the Purbeck 'Swindon Series' facies. Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and is These includes the marine Swindon Roach beds, one of the first initiatives under English famed for their rich mollusc content. Nature's new strategy for Earth heritage

conservation, The Past is the Key to the Below: Fulure. Hand clearing vegetation obscuring Portland Stone Through working with others, we will fossil tree trunks (burrs) at Kingbarrow Fossil Forest, continue to encourage the innovative and Isle of Portland SSS/, Dorset. responsible use of Earth heritage SSSIs around England for research, education ­ ace Lift achi Below far left: and for fun. Promoting Earth heritage can given by partners to this initiative. These Clearance of Dundry Main Road South Quarry SSSI encourage people to value their local SSSIs, partners include: near Bristol provided a timely opportunity for which in turn helps to protect them from detailed research to re-examine the ammonite development or neglect. RIGS and local geological groups faunas and biostratigraphy. The Quarry is a classic Just over one year in to this two-year Inferior Oolite section. scheme, ICBs have trundled in to clear Local knowledge and enthusiasm is exposures in many parts of the country, and important to the effective conservation and Swindon Borough Council and North works in the Peak District antllhe Mendips. we can target our promotion and (Photos by B Chandler, Kate Jeffreys/English Nature innovative management techniques have promotion of Earth heritage sites. To date, Yorkshire County Council have developed Climbers have helped to protect Stone Hill enhancemettt, and help secure more and R Edmonds) revealed new features. Now, we would English Nature has worked with Dorset, experience III furtheling geological Rocks SSSl, a threatened site in Sussex. resources for Earth heritage conservation. welcome suggestions for more projects, Gloucestershire and Hereford and conservation. While enhance-ment may help to together with news of how geological Worcestershire RIGS groups on the Wildlife Trusts and other protect a SSSI, groups, researchers and other individuals enhancement of SSSIs (see page 22). Landowners and tenants conservation organisations increased access may are putting Face Lifted sites to good use. also increase the risks Over £66,000 nas been spent on works Local Authorities Horn Park SSSI in Dorset is a working About i in 10 of all SSSIs owned or for some vulnerable to help conserve 45 SSSIs across England quarry where the owner was involved in all managed by Wildlife Trusts are of national features. since April 1999. Site management signs Local Authorities are often keen on stages of enhancement. He is an importance for their geological or geomor­ We will continue and boards have also been produced to help Earth heritage, but may need help to make enthusiastic suppQrter of geological phological features. Face Lift has helped to work with manage access to a further 75 sites. This the most of their sites. Through Face Lift, conservation' and a key ally in securing this Wildlife Trusts in Surrey, Leicestershire geological groups and success is due in large part to the support Dartmoor National Park Authority, site for groups and enthusiasts into the and Rutland and Oxfordshire to gain individuals to promote \;~",( ... ' .\: ~. , ~;'\ experience in conserving and promoting - -'S,.....,,\ ~,,_.. future. We actively seek to involve owners a culture of respon­ '. and tenants in the management of their Earth heritage sites. sible use. Suggestions SSSI. for 'adoption' by The future voluntary groups of Museums and researchers suitable SSSIs are Proposed works on a further 40 SSSls welcomed. The best enhancements are combined should be complete by Apri I 200 l. Wc look If you want to talk with survey and recording. This allows new forward to building on this year's about any ideas or specimens and features to be examined and momentum and experience and aim to suggestions that may logged in situ as the diggers re-expose the support and enable more groups and be suitable for Face rocks. Specialists have been invited to individuals to manage and promote their Lift, then please works at key sites in Cornwall, Dorset and local Earth heritage SSSIs. We also expect contact me via the Somerset. and encourage more use. where possible. to English Nature Som­ be made of those SSSIs enhanced to date. erset office, Rou­ Climbers and cavers Existing geological SSSIs need ghmoor, Bishops Hull, conserving for future geologists. Taunton, TAl 5AA, Involving the main recreational users of iITespective of current use or research tel 01823 283211, Earth heritage sites in their enhancement trends. However, many sites are regularly e-mail: and protection can be the best way of used today, and we need to identify wh.ieh kate.jefIreys promoting good practice. Cavers have are, or could be, the most popular and @english­ helped with monitoring and enhancement useful SSSIs for education and research. so o3ture.org.uk • AGE CHftONO- LJTHO­ lMa) STRATIGRAPHY STR.UIGIlAPHY

f'rrool5e:ries ():-Nll'1:::11J"OtJ[1 41 0 It is believed that the L~per ,';"111 ;1I1'~ earlier publication of W =orrr2lm' U~'.F Holland et al. introduced C) ~ lClW!f the subdivision of the l/) ~rfljklir. Z FOfTTii;,iro Ludlow Series using type « LwF sections drawn from Ci ./lJllltf Cl: If'fJl',\'CbIIirw named localities within 0 f~ LL ULf rtl 0 the Mortimer Forest area. !!:! :l l_ a: .... ~lffilf\ll:lrlf>~" i.e. the Gorstian and W rarr.a!=lMl rtl Ludfordian stages with lLf ;: UPP'I the El/on. Bringewood. 0 6f~ .J FfJ(rnali1nU8·:: Letters A B C show the cleared sections Leintwardine and Q W :l C) L(PIl,'C'" .J Whitcliffe formations. Bn~ooJ The view from Wigmore Castle looking north­ ~ ForltitllOr:l8f l/) The later publication of U~'Ctr fUI eastwards through the core of the Wigmore Dome Z F,lfm,lI" 'fl Lawson and White « LEf (above). The initial survey team (left) comprising ~ provides the most recent l/) MililleEl1or: members of Hereford and Worcester and Cl: FannaiJln specification of Ludlow 0 t.lff Shropshire RIGS Groups at the exposure of the C) Series stratigraphy and l_r~"" junction between the Upper Bringewood Beds and Foor,a1mn LIT its type sections. 4?3 0 the Lower Leintwardine Beds at Sunny Hil/. (Photos MI,('fIWfnk'C,.; he Mortimer Forest Site of V,'l'llocJ,$eli,eS L~c by Hereford and Worcestershire RIGS Group) hlfrt:lL!lI'1 Special Scientific Interest is a dispersed set of eight forest The Goggin Road section has an excavation of areas of the two-metre-high track sections on the excellent view westwards along the bank on the north of the road. T Improved section showing bentonites at the Herefordshire-Shropshire border which anticlinal fold and shows a landscape of illustrates the full succession (see table) two inward-facing scarps resulting from graptolite-rich exposure of the Middle Elton Beds at Sunny MiU of the Ludlow Series of the Silurian. erosion of the crest of the fold. The other Goggin Road Notified as an SSSI in 1975 following two, Deer Park Road and Sunny Hill track, small widening of one side of the deep The Sunny Hill quarry displays the work by Holland, Lawson and Walmsley offer restricted topographical views. trench-like section was proposed. This basal stratotype for LLF and Ludlow Shale. (1963), Lawson and White (1989) and Full details of the proposed work and would provide plenty of talus for collectors The clarity of the exposed face was good others, the site contains the Ludlow the assessments following completion are to search aoo minimise the use of hammer but was becoming overgrown with trees Anticline, sometimes referred to as the Peter Oliver the Middle Elton Formation (MEF) and at contained in a summary report, including a and chisel which was damaging the • and ivy. The sections along the track to the east-south-east, which contained LLF body Wigmore Dome. It is a wonderful example the Upper Leintwardine Formation (ULF) / full photographic record (Herefordshire and exposed bentonite layers. The UEF was in of a pitching anticline, where rocks of the Director, Lower Whitcliffe Formation (LWF) Worcestershire RIGS Group, 2000). Brief need of excavation as far as and a little stratotype and ULF boundary reference section, had all but disappeared, lost to Wenlock, Ludlow and Pridoli Series Herefordshire and boundary. details are: across UEFILBF boundary, whilst the LBF degradation and under vegetation. It was outcrop (the chronQ- and lithostratigraphy The co-operation of the two RIGS itself needed clearing of vegetation. Worcestershire RIGS Group proposed to take out much of the ivy and for these are shown in the table, far right). Groups resulted in a quick and efficient Goggin Road tree cover aro~d the eastern (Overton) The sections are listed within the Martin Allbutt programme. It illustrates how the expertise Deer Park Road quarry and re-excavate at least two Geological Conservation Review. of RIGS groups can help English Nature This, the longest section of the eight exposures alongside the track within the Although an outstanding collection of Senior Recordel; manage geol?gical and geomorphological within the SS SI, is in good condition and Almost the whole of this rich section contains five stratotype or reference lo~t SSSI area. One exposure revealed LLF geological features, many of the best Shropshire RIGS Group SSSIs. was through degradation and exposures had deteriorated because of Groups already involved in similar sections, spanning the Lower Elton to vegetation cover. body, the other ULF boundary.• vegetation or fossil collecting. Concern for and efficient progress. close co-operation with English Nature Lower Bringewood. The first survey found The body stratotype of LBF in the their condition led Herefordshire and The work, which was jointly supervised know the benefits: recognition of that the Lower Elton Formation (LEF) base 'conserved bank' (Lawson and White, p 89) Further reading Worcestershire RIGS Group and by members of Hereford and Worcester and professional status, streamlined working was obscured; the LEF body was friable but had all but gone. The basal boundary of the Holland, C.H., Lawson, J.D. and neighbouring Shropshire RIGS Group to Shropshire RIGS groups, resulted in 293 m links, successful track record, better accessible; the Middle Elton Formation Upper Bringewood Formation (UBF) was Walmsley, Y.G. 1963. The Silurian rocks carry out a survey to discover how many of of roadside embankment being scraped geoconservation and improved finances. (MEF) body was particularly good, both for the only rock showing. The Lower of the Ludlml" District. Shropshire. the type sections had been lost. and/or excavated to heights of between two Payment for the Mortimer Forest graptolites and its display of a set of Leintwardine Formation (LLF) basal Bulletin ofthe British Museum (Geology) Recommendations for urgent remedial and four metres. project has enabled Herefordshire and bentonite layers; the Upper Elton reference section was submerged beneath a Formation (UEF) body and the Lower 8; 95-171. work on three sections were discussed with All feasible boundary sections have Worcestershire RIGS Group to continue heavy cover of soil and grass. The LLF Lawson, J.D. and White, D.E. 1989. the local English Nature team and formal been re-exposed or exposures have been with its programme of producing Bringewood Formation (LBF) base which body stratotype was in very poor condition, The Ludlow Series in the Ludlow Area. proposals for restoration and vegetation improved. The exception is an Upper geological trail guides and Shropshire lie on a high, steep bank were beginning to fragmented and vegetated, as were the In: Holland. CH. and Bassett. M.G. clearance fell neatly within English Bringewood Formation (UBF) / Lower RIGS Group plans to produce an itinerary suffer from encroaching vegetation and soil Upper Leintwardine Formation (ULF) base (eds) A Global Standard to the Silurian Nature's major geological SSSI Face Lift Leintwardine Formation (LLF) exposure, as part of a proposed Geologists' coverage. and the Lower Whitcliffe Formation (LWF) System. Geological Series No. 9. programme (see page 20). where the expected Aymestry Limestone Association guide for the south Shropshire Excavation was required to expose the base. Conditions were only slightly National Museum afWales, Cardiff. 73­ Hereford and Worcester RIGS Group facies has not developed. Instead there are area. base of the Lower Elton and its boundary improved for the LWF body stratotype. 90. was subsequently contracted by English calcareous siltstones and mudstones with with the underlying Wenlock Limestone. Since it was the better quality of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Nature to carry out remedial work and was interbedded rubbly limestones. In addition, The renovated sections The latter is also well-exposed here and sections along the Deer Park Road that RIGS Group, 2000. Mortimer Forest asked to liaise with the land managers there have been three extensive excavations excavation would complement the more prompted the replacement of a number of Geological Sun'ey and Remedial Work. Forest Enterprise. The work was aimed primarily at generating talus at the Of the eight sections of the Mortimer inaccessible boundary in the nearby Pitch earlier type sections, this part of the SSSI Unpublished report. Herefordshire and undertaken earlier this year, with the Wenlock Limestone Formation (WLF) / Forest SSSI that were surveyed, three were Coppice Quarry. was particularly important. With the Worcestershire RIGS Group, Worcester. wholehearted support and assistance of Lower Elton Formation (LEF) boundary; deemed to need urgent remedial work. All As the MEF body was suffering from exposure in such poor condition, its heavy collecting (of graptolites etc.), a 29pp. Forest Enterprise enabling an early start and within a notable graptolitic exposure in lie deep in the forest. enhancement involved considerable re- 22 3 • I be spectacular natural onders of New Zealand's :orua area - no fewer than geotbermal features ~lufhigJeysers. bot springs. mud pools aDd fumarotes - have been interna­ 10as for more than a century. Tourists .1lave Oocked to Rotorua from ~ltd the globe throughout that time, and the)'. contin~ to do so today, despite the 8ct that many of the spectacular features that once held their aucolion have now disappeared. The area is under threat, both from natural activity, such as the 1886 Tarawera eruption. and from over-use of its geothermal energy. and so stringent measures are now being taken to ensure this remarkable ~logical treasure is protected for future generations.

'e Im'entory ofNZ Geothermal Fields ealures (Houghum. Uoyd, Keam and John.flon. 1998), lists the Rotorua geothermal field as internationally recreation and tourism. While these geothermal heat and fluid for domestic and important and recommends it for complete features can be protected on such lands. the commercial consumption. Centra! and protection. Ifs easy to see why: energy source for the fields is often found regional government decided it was Wbakarewarewa's geyser flat ranks Penny Hurlstone geothermal vegetation is a fungus. On a beyond the boundaries of the protected necessary to restrict use of bores, so ruling alongside the geysers of Yellowstone Community Relatiolls Office,; Pu.blic Awareness national botanical conservation values areas. in favour of conserving the natural features. National Park as one of very few geyser ranking system, Whakarewarewa's Through the Resource Management Act In the decade...since the use of the bores fields left The area holds 120 alkaline geothermal vegetation rates the highest 1991, the Ministry for the Environment has been restricted. there has been obvious chloride springs, hot springs, mud pools, Marie Long possible. The vegetation at Silica Flats rates empowers local authorities (regional and improvement in geothermal activity in the silica terraces and flats, fumaroles and Community Relations Office,; Plann;ing the third highest. Similarly, wildlife habitat local government) to control the effects of Rotorua field. and provisions in the values at Silica Flats reach the second human activity on geothermal resources. In Regional Plan have influenced this. steaming ground. Bay of Plenty COl1sell'atioT1 Office, New Zealand North Island Since its earliest habitation, people have highest possible ranking, while at the the Rotorua area this is Environment Bay of Rotorua remains a major tourist taken Rotorua's waters for their own use in geothermal energy resulted in a dramatic featured a series of pools as recently as the Motutara Point wildlife refuge and Plenty (regional councils) and Rotorua attraction, and two groups of visitors are one way or another. An enthusiastic tourist decline in groundwater levels at both the 1970s but these have now been overcome sanctuary, wildlife habitat values are the District Council. catered for. lrade developed around the various Wairakei and Spa (7 km away) fields and by invasive grass. highest. Environment Bay Of Pfenty has a In sites where people are encouraged to geothermal marvels in the 19th Century spa the loss of surface features such as an 70 of The cost should not be measured in At the Motutara Point refuge, the Rotorua Geothennal Field Regional Plan to go as 'freedom' adventures, for instance era. and when that waned. Rotorua's its geysers and at least another 170 alkaline terms of scenic attraction, cultural warmth of the water and environmental meld protection and use of the Rotorua Kuirau Park, hotspots like Sulphur Point wonders continued to attmct attention from springs. significance, potential for scientific study conditions create a bird spa. The adjoining geothernlal field. Its remit includes the use and Waiotapu mud pools are clearly users who saw the potential of energy for The Rotomahana field was destroyed and energy sources alone. These Sulphur Point Wildlife Sanctuary is an of bores for energy consumption and identified. domestic and industrial use. by natural causes - the 1886 Tarawera geothermal landscapes are outstanding outstanding habitat for waterbirds. The protecting notable geothermal features, like At tourism-orientated sites, visitors are eruption. Of more than 200 geysers active natural ecosystems comprising native threatened New Zealand dabchick, banded Pohutu geyser. guided by information leaflets, marked in the central North Island in the 1950s, just thermal vegetation, formations and the dotterel, scaup, shags, pied stilts and tracks or key attractions. Visitors are most over 40 remained in the I990s. features themselves. Caspian terns are just some of the area's actively encouraged to visit these sites. The current situation warrants concern. Whakarewarewa's Geyser Flat is residents. Small silica inlets within Sulphur Measures are in place to encourage Five major geyser fields existed in New therefore New Zealand's only remaining Bay provide a nationally significant site as Recently, local debate was sparked by a tourists to adhere to common sense Zealand 110 years ago - Rotomahana, major field, yet even a number of its one of few North Island colonies of black­ case brought to the Environment Court guidelines - they are urged to not pick Orakei Korako, Whakarewarewa, Wairakei geysers are no longer active. Waikite geyser The plant life associated with billed gulls. under the Resource Management Act, plants, walk on silica terraces. drop rubbish and Spa. Only Whakarewarewa remains last played in 1968 and its present geothermal features is special because it is A number of measures is already m between a community group and the or throw stones onto geothermal features. with any significant number of active dormancy is the longest on record. The unique to the harsh geothermal place to secure the future of the area. Regional Council. The Council (and earlier Lincoln University ,is researching geysers. The Orakei Korako field was Wairoa geyser, which used to play to environment and vulnerable to human The Department of Conservation government action) had closed the use of tourism impacts on the area. Rotorua was largely drowned when the Waikato River heights of up to 60 m, last naturally erupted interference. Few people know of the rare manages a number of sites for conservation bores within a 1.5 km radius of Pohutu identified as a key site for investigation due was raised for hydro-electricity. in 1940 (it played through the 1950s with thermal orchids and mistletoe, or that the purposes through the Conservation Act or geyser to stem the decline of Pohutu and to the unique nature of the geothennal Development of the Wairakei field for the aid of soap!). The geyser terraces dark orange coloration commonly seen on Reserves Act. Many of these are used for other geysers due to "draw-off' of field. 25 Urban

Beneath the rocky mountains and Wales free green valleys. 2000. Free. across the ISBN 0 I 861690762 counter. Cameron.• I.B, Ai/ken, A.M, Broll-·ne. Our fragile heritage Good MA.E, and Stepltenson, D. 1998. - limestone pavement distribution is metamorphic rocks) fail to do the materials Geology ofthe Falkirk District - Memoir in Wales. 2000. Free. another Patrick Gaffikin. 1999. Set ill Stone-A justice and are of little assistance to the reader. for I :50,000 Geological Sheet 31E ISBN 0 I 86169080 O. fundamental of Geological Guide to the Building Stones of Although Figures 3 and 5 adequately (S~otland). British Geological Survey. Both published by the effective general Belfast. £6.95 60pp paperback. Environment demonstrate diagrammatically sedimentary ISBN 011 8M4541 I Countryside Council for interest publishing, and Heritage Service. Belfast. and metamorphic layering, this could be Wales but how many good ISBN 0-9528258-3-X publications are left achieved more effectively using photographs. One mlly be forgiven fOf dismissing In Section 2 - on the building stones - we the Falkirk area of Scotland ;}$ part of the Stunning colour pictures and mouldering in a back This attractivelv desil!ned. colour­ gUidebo~k learn that granites came from the Mourne Eilillburgh-Glasgow urban belt, with succinct explanations are again the office? illustrated pro;ides a good Mountains, Peterhead and Finland. Gabbros nothing of interest except motorways and strengths of two new geological what It would be good to introduction to the diverse range of building stones of Belfast. It generally achieves the have been imported from South Africa and modem development. However, ao; the booklets for general consumption is being done to see the new CCW objective to provide both locals and visitors from Ballachulish (presumably Memoir describes, the Fallirk dhtrict from the Countryside Council for conserve its features, and booklets achieve the wide ~ with an appreciation of principal rock types 'Kentallentite'?). Mention of Ballachulish contains an exciting range of rocks and Wales. why. Our Fragile Heritage... homes circulation of their predecessor. Even better and how they are used. It is written in a relaxed recalls the UK slate industry. Although little is fossils which have played an imponant Following in the series started by The in on the emotive subject of limestone is the thought that Our Fragile Heritage... style and has potential for school use. Whilst said about slate, this most useful of role in the economic development of making of Wales, the pictures of both pavements without undue tub-thumping. might be given to allcomers at the battle there is much of interest to non-geological metamorphic rocks, at least the congregation Scotland'» Central Bell. Beneath the rocky moumains... and Our The booklet presents the undeniable case front: garden centres and nurseries. professionals (e.g. architects) there is scope of St Peter's Church (CO.I.) will be pleased to 1l starts with an excellent summary fragile heritage... grab the casual viewer's for leaving pavements where they are. It for a more technical volume. learn what keeps the rain out l Marbles and diagram of Falkirk's solid geology. \vhich I interest and accessible text further engages should convince garden centre addicts - Seabury Salmon The introduction to rocks, minerals and their decorative use get a fair mention. Of the found myseU' nicking back to as J read on. them. These qualities are fundamentals in everywhere to choose alternatives to water­ time scales (Section I) is succinct. However sedimentary rocks, Portland Stone features, as The summary t1g.ure is complemented b} a effective leaflet and booklet publishing. worn limestone for a back-yard landscape. Both booklets are availabte from Pnblications the illustrations in this section are poor. Plates do the local Scrabo and Dungannon table of the geological succession for the Beneath the rocky mountains... outlines CCW persuaded all sorts of shops and Section, ccn; Plas Penrhos, Ffordd Penrhos, 2 and 3 (examples of sedimentary, igneous and sandstones. Scottish and Welsh sources are area. but tlle tabl.: ili less clear and does what makes Wales geologically special, filling stations to offer The making of Bangor, Gwynedd IL57 11,Q, tet Oll48 385500 highlighted. It is good to see desCliptions of not correlate weU with the figure. This weathering properties. The i!]1portance of said. 111l' authors have clearly made an these chara./eristics cannot be over­ attempt to gain the interest of the reader by emphasised to builders and architects. Locally providing a broad overview of the area and i manufactured and imported bricks are also its geology in the introductory chapter. th park. described. The rest of the memoir is divitl':d by • Sections 3 to 5 guide the reader around the stratigraphjc units. The many sedimentary HermitlJge ofBraid & Bl8t:kford Hill, and the internationally important (and SSSII main commercial buildings and churches names and divisions led to some scenery and geology o/the park. 1999, 'Agassiz' rock' where the ftrst demonstration (with dates of construction, fonn~r use and confusion. especially when referring back £1.50. Edinhurgh Geological Society. of the presence of former ice sheets in a brief history). Good use is made of colour to the summary figure and table. What 1 ISBN 090444009 S" region where glacier ice is now absent. took Eric Robinson and Martin Litherland. plates. One or two descriptions are ambiguous. did Like were the maps, that correlated place in 1840. 1999. Holiday Geology Guide - The The text that accompanies Plate 10 (an ashlar directly with the summary figure, It i!> alway!i good to see another popular The all-important firsl impressions of the Tower. £1.95. ISBN 0-85272-332-6. block) implies that the red sandstone from hjghlighting the rocks of interest for each geology publication. and the latest from the guide are good - it is colourful and catches Eric RobinsOlI and Marlin LitherlatUI. Ballochmyle was waterlain. This might be the chapter. r:t was these maps that kept me Edinburgh Geological Society describing the the eye. The maps are clear and the 1999. Holiday Geology Guide ­ case rarely, but most sandstone from this onboard. The sedimentary chapters are geology and scenery of Edinburgh's panoramas from the top of Blackford Hill are Greenwich. £i.95. ISBN Q-85272-327-X Ayrshire source is of a wind-blown, desert followed by topics such as geophysics. Hermitage of Braid and Blackfonl Hill is well drawn. The down side is in the detail, Both publications by Earthwise™ British origin. Giffnock Sandstone is correctly structure anti intrusive igneolls rocks. welcome. It is designed ao; a no-nonsense, where a few things may cause confusion. It's Geological Survey referred to Glasgow, but later the quarries I was pleased to see well presented no-frills guide and you couldn't expect nol immediately obvious on the geology map have travelled to Ayrshire. geophysical data in the memoir. They anything more fancy for your £ 1.50. BUI it which coloured outlines refer 10 which I was quite looking forward to going Appendices I to 3 describe the source, age helped the reader to appreciatc the three­ does the job adequately and will enrich particular superficial deposits. In addition. out and seeing a slender snouted crocodile and location of the building stones. Appendix dimensional nature of the geology, llOe anyone's visit to this well-loved and severdl of the photographs don't correspond lunging at a pseudontorn in the Rh'er I also serves as a guide to contents but an area in which I felt that the structure beautiful patch of wilderness within precisely with the text, such as an ash bed Thames, but. despite their attractive front index would have been invaluable. Specifiers chapter was lacking. Scotland's capital city. described as 2 m thick yet the one illustrated covers, if like me you know nothing about would need more details about quarries, and The layout of Ihe memoir does not Produced as a folded A3 sheet. the guide is nearer 60 cm. The problem could be geology. you might find Ihese guides a availability and physical properties of stone allow for much integration between is amply illustrated with attractive colour solved by simple annotatIon of the photos or bit. ..well ...dull. but could start by consulting the bibliography. chapters and the later chapters seemed photograpns, maps and drawings. It is accompanying lintt drawings or cartoons. In I have to admit. three months after Since quarrying and masonry skills fonn the partiCUlarly isolated. Each. however. deals essentially laid out as a walk around the park, addition. it's a pity the volcano/ice theme is being handed them to review, I'd passed link between the natural and built heritage it comprehensively with the rock types. wil.b numbered localities - all based on a not emphasised more -an illustration along them to someone else to field test. My would have been good to see this as a main environment and fo~sjls of the unit theme to get the imagination going 'Desert these lines would make have made an stand-in has a mild interest in things section, rather than 'hidden' as Appendix 4. described, and also discusses the human volcanoes carved by water and ice'. The user inspiring front cover. geological and found the guides The merits or otherwise of Portland cement and economic imponunce of Ihe deposits. is shown a range of rock types (s3ml.'itooes. This attnlctive and informative guide infonnative. if a little cluttered. On the and traditional lime mortars are discussed in The economic imponance of the rocks in volcanic ash. several different lavas and should be welcomed. Earth science other hand, I looked at the photographs, Appendix 5. the area is also summarised in the final igneous intrusions) and superficial deposits organisations need 10 be encouraged to read the captions and took several weeks to The book brings to life the geological l:hapter. I found this histoncal and human and their inlluence on the landscape. In this produce more of this type of material: how make the connection between the text in richness preserved in Belfast's built heritage. interest added a broader pen.pective tn tbe way, it successfully demonstrcltes the control many cities and parks around the country coloured boxes and the colours on the Both Patrick Gaffikin and the Environment memoir. of the bedrock on glacial and subsequent have equally as interesting geoll)gica/ stories geological timescale. and Heritage Service deserve praise for Overall. an interesting read. The processes which have logether produced the 10 tell'! It takes a full day to explore everything placing this very readable account in the memoir will be of use to planners and present-day landscape. Applied and covered in each guide, so you've got to be public domain. engineen. historical aspects are al:>o addresscd. such as - Ewan ",do". committed and we did wonder who the road metal quames and mineral exploration. ..• 'h Geologkal Sarve, guides were aimed at. - Andrew A McMillan, - ",'Iare Bond British Geological Survey Scottish Nahlral Heritage Earth Heritage magazine j published twice a year to promote interest in geological and landscape con ervation.

Sweepmg patterns at Fnog undercllff, West Wales - a striking example of the UK's rich variety of geologlcsr treasures.

On page 15, Mick Stanley looks at the country's geodiversity and considers how to conserve it and improve people's understanding of it. (Photo by Stewart Campbell)

CYNCOI< CEfN GWLAD UKRIGS CYMRU SCOTTISH COUNTRYSIDE COUNCIL NATURAL JOINT~ ~ FOR WALES HERITAGE NATURE \MY ENGLISH CONSERVATION I~~~I COMMITTEE 111G£OCONS£RVAT10N NATURE lISSOCllITION

ROYAl S ) IETY FOR NAT 'IU, CONSERVliflO