A Field Study of Geology, Botany and Marine Biology in South Devon

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1 SL O Aug Fri Fri Centre Level A Field Study of Geology, Botany and Marine Biology in South Devon Date Days Sole occupancy cost Shared occupancy cost Non-Residential cost Surrounded by the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, Slapton Ley Field Centre offers a variety of manmade and natural sites to study, such as a beautiful coastline and resort towns. Course Overview This course will comprise a number of excursions to bring to life Devon s fascinating geology - and how this relates to the equally rich natural history. Using our giant 12 foot collage, the fossil seascapes of the Devonian period (+/- 375 million years) will be explained in detail in context of changing continents and climate. Plant life will also feature strongly - their uses, folklore and more, made interesting and easy to understand, often with humour! Over 400 species have been seen - special attention to identification through families is taught. Our geology excursions will take us into the amazing world of rocky shore marine biology - again detail made plain will be the order of the day. THE COURSE IS SUITABLE FOR THOSE WISHING TO LEARN BASIC GEOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES TEACHERS WILL FIND IT VERY USEFUL. Butterflies, moths (we run a trap) bats and industrial archaeology will also feature. The course will be suitable for beginners and the more knowledgeable geologist and naturalist. Lots of detail will be made plain and interested children of 14+ years are welcome with an accompanying adult. Over the last 13 years I have always looked forward to running this course and have had little reason to change anything. We have had a wide range of people - some have been experts themselves, others beginners; teachers, but all have carried an enthusiasm and willingness to share knowledge. Camaraderie and humour has been wonderful each year.

2 A F i e l d S t u d y o f G e o l o g y, B o t a n y & M a r i n e B i o l o g y i n S o u t h D e v o n The course is very full-on and there is a fair amount of travel but the locations make it well worth it. Often we swing from one topic to another without moving when on the headlands - they are that good. This is not a birders course, but we have a list all the same - over 60! One outstanding, somewhat humorous, memory is of a very rare Striped Hawk-moth turning up in the trap on the same morning as one course member arrived to view it in a striped outfit the same colours - precious! If the weather is bad we have places to go. Digital slideshows are given - useful. I would finish by saying that every course has finished down at the local pub with us all swapping contact details, which often prove lasting. Some locations might be difficult for the less mobile to get to the last few metres - but there will always be something interesting nearby. In case of bad weather or tides we can alter the itinerary to visit sheltered nearby locations for short periods. Comments from previous courses Thank you for leading such an amazing course. I thoroughly enjoyed it, learned a lot and have developed new interests as a result. I would be interested in hearing about any future courses you intend to run. The course was fantastic - I will have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who asks.

3 Course Description Provisional Programme (weather conditions and other factors may alter the programme - but this outline gives a good idea of what is in store). Friday: Introduction to the course after supper, followed by a trip to Hallsands to view the Lighthouse and ruined village at dusk from the viewing platform. Saturday: Brixham. St Mary s Bay and Berry Head. A day looking for and learning how to recognise fossils using our giant collage. Their mode of life is made apparent using our Devonian seascape. We will visit Berry Head to see spectacular cliffs and views and enjoy the unusual wild flowers, including orchids, identifying them as we walk. Fossiling on the River Dart is another possibility. Sunday: Dartmoor Walk - Haytor and Houndtor. Using historical sites and trails we study the geology and natural history. A varied day quarry pond, tramlines to follow, moorland and wooded valleys and maybe climb Houndtor. This day contrasts with the coastal walks and puts the geological scenery and history in context. The pond and medieval village are memorable and strike up the human historical impact of Dartmoor. Monday: Hopes Nose, Torquay. The chance to walk and touch the fossilised sea floors/reefs on a wave-cut platform dating from the time of great sea level changes tens and hundreds of thousands of years ago. Interesting step faulting and very clear evidence of volcanism (ash layers) folding and thrusting. Best example of a raised beach in the South West, showing fossil shells (200,000+/- years old). Devonian fossils 375 million years old, gold, marine biology, stromatoporoid buns, and see the botany on the way down, and back, and all in one day! If time allows the marine biology is well worth looking at - an unusual sea slug can be found here. Humming Bird hawk moths are also to be seen here. Tuesday: Start Point, Peartree Point and Mattiscombe Sands. A general walk explaining the geology (metamorphic rocks different to previously encountered) and geomorphology (wave-cut platforms, sea level changes, marine landforms), botany, butterflies and marine biology will feature strongly. Seals can usually be seen at Peartree Point, which shows rare local evidence of ice action as well as underwater arches. We will visit the Lighthouse for spectacular views - the butterflies here have been prolific. Wednesday: Saltern Cove, Paignton. A coastal walk will show some of the most outstanding Devonian and Permian geology nationally, including a classic unconformity representing an ancient land surface. See the burrows of a long extinct spider or reptile, sea floors crammed

4 with fossil corals, imagine the volcanism associated with the repeated beds of ash and unravel the story of rising sea levels in the Devonian period using our giant collage. Thursday: Gorah Rocks, Prawle Point. A marine ramble linking the sea life of today with previous fossils seen. Spectacular scenery, metamorphic geology, plate movement, sea level changes and head deposits - all will be explained! There will be excellent botany, insect life, and a good beach combing strandline to explore. In the evening: a summary of the week. Friday: Depart after breakfast. About the Tutor Martin Summers is a geologist, naturalist and teacher. He is an experienced leader of outdoor events and has a vast knowledge of the South Hams area and an informal but concise teaching style. "I have a father and son team of 2 very friendly and humorous bearded collies"

5 What to Bring Casual and some warm clothing. Waterproofs and wellingtons (can be borrowed from the Centre, if necessary). Stout trainers / walking boots. Lunch box, salad box and flask/drink bottle. Note book and pencil and camera/binoculars (if you wish). Sun hat and sun lotion. Reading, but not essential, books will be available Geology explained in South and East Devon, Perkins (available through libraries). Geology of Devon, Durance and Laming. No hammers! Start and Finish Times Participants are requested to arrive on Friday 14th August at Office Reception for registration between 2:00pm and 5:00pm; after this time self-directed arrival information will be posted on the front door. There will be an introductory talk with the Head of Centre typically at 5:30pm. Supper is usually at 6:30pm. Breakfast, for resident participants, will be from 8:00am. The course will end after supper on Thursday 20 th August, with departure after breakfast on Friday 21 st August for resident participants. On the final day please vacate your room by 9:00am, storage is provided for your luggage. How to Book You can check availability and make a provisional booking by telephoning the Centre on To confirm your booking please complete the form found in the FSC brochure or online at Tel: enquiries.sl@field-studies-council.org Fax: