Herefordshire & Worcestershire EARTH HERITAGE TRUST. working to record, protect and promote geology & landscape.

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1 Herefordshire & Worcestershire EARTH HERITAGE TRUST working to record, protect and promote geology & landscape 2nd Edition

2 The Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to record, protect and promote geology and landscape and to raise awareness of our Earth Heritage by engaging the public at every opportunity. The great variety of rocks, fossils, minerals, soils and natural features across the two counties gives rise to wonderful places and scenery. The Trust is committed to promoting and safeguarding these assets for all the residents of Herefordshire and Worcestershire and its visitors. The Black Mountains, south west Herefordshire. Earth Heritage & Geodiversity... 3 Geoconservation... 4 Making the Links Animals to Architecture... 5 Public Awareness... 6 Partnerships... 8 Publications... 9 Achievements The Future Contact Details... Back cover Cover photograph: Early Autumn the Malvern Hills, by Jan Sedlacek.

3 Children studying Quartz Conglomerate in the Wye Gorge. EARTH HERITAGE & GEODIVERSITY EARTH HERITAGE IS A BROAD TERM referring to all aspects of conservation, protection, management, interpretation and education relating to geological, geomorphological, landscape and soil features. The Trust has close ties with regional and national bodies to promote a unified approach to nature conservation. Together our work is of major significance in the conservation field. GEODIVERSITY is the variety of rocks, minerals, fossils, soils, landscapes and processes that make up the planet we live on. It includes the use of natural materials such as fossil fuels, minerals and building stones, the influence on wildlife and the environment and the growing awareness of its importance in future decision making. Surveying the River Lugg. 3

4 LGS at Blackstone Rock. Clearance work at Linton Quarry SSSI. GEOCONSERVATION FROM VOLCANOES TO OCEANS, deserts to tundra and today s hills, valleys, rivers and plains, the landscape of Herefordshire and Worcestershire has evolved over millions of years. Clues to this evolution lie buried and help to shape the ground beneath our feet. The Trust has a programme to identify, survey and protect this Earth Heritage and to promote geoconservation. Local Geological Sites (LGS) There are many places across the two counties where important clues are revealed about the the evolution of the landscape and history of the Earth. The Trust is working to record and designate such sites as Local Geological Sites (LGS), which were formerly known as RIGS (Regionally Important Geological Sites). This will ensure that our Earth Heritage is conserved and enhanced for future generations. There are over 200 Local Geological Sites in the two counties, with many more to be surveyed and designated. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Other nationally and internationally important areas are protected by law as SSSI. These are controlled by Natural England and can be designated for their geological or biological significance and often for both. There are 35 geological SSSI in the two counties, as well as a number of biological SSSI with important geological features. The Trust carries out research and conservation work on many of these sites and works closely with landowners and Natural England, in order to restore and maintain these sites in a favourable condition. The Geological Records Centre The Trust houses an extensive dataset of digital archives at the Geological Records Centre based at the University of Worcester. This includes full information and surveys of SSSI, LGS and other sites; a photographic database; a library of geological and soil maps and memoirs, geological books, guides, journals and other publications; an extensive bibliography of literature and research papers and a collection of rocks, fossils and minerals from the two counties and beyond.

5 MAKING THE LINKS ANIMALS TO ARCHITECTURE GEOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL HERITAGE is closely connected to many other aspects of the natural and man-made environment including wildlife, archaeology, architecture and industry. Different rocks give rise to different soil types, which themselves influence the species of plants and animals likely to be found in a particular area. Archaeological sites and artefacts often have a strong Earth Heritage connection, from flint tools to the location of hillforts. Many towns and villages across the two counties have a distinctiveness derived from locally sourced building stone. An industrial heritage is also found in many areas, based around the type of raw materials available for extraction, e.g. coal and lime. Mine in Hunthouse Wood. Foxglove growing on bare rock, Lickey Hills. Hereford Cathedral. 5

6 A few of our many Trail Guides. PUBLIC AWARENESS TRAILS, ROADSHOWS & COMMUNITIES ONE OF THE BIGGEST TASKS UNDERTAKEN by the Trust is to raise awareness of what Earth Heritage is and why geology is important. We do this by various means, including publishing trail guides and information leaflets, attending festivals and events, organising Rock & Fossil Roadshows and involvement in many other activities for schools, families and local communities. Promotion of our work is done through radio interviews, newspaper and magazine features as well as on the internet. ABBERLEY & MALVERN HILLS GEOPARK The 1250sq km of the Geopark spans four counties and over 700 million years of Earth s history. The area is one of a new generation of landscape designations created to promote geological and landscape heritage. The outstanding Earth Heritage of the Geopark places it at the centre of international research and national conservation programmes. There is an established and growing education and Trails The strong links between geology and other heritage and natural features are recognised by the Trust and are highlighted in our trail guides and publications which range from geological sites through to landscapes and building stones. Opening the Geopark Way, June tourism programme, in order to bring geology to as many people as possible and to conserve it for future generations. The Geopark Partnership Management Team sets out to work with landowners, community groups, local authorities and visitor and heritage centres on these programmes.

7 Walks & Talks The Trust takes part in walking festivals in the two counties, leading guided walks and field trips over beautiful landscapes such as the Malvern Hills. The Trust also gives talks to its members and other interested groups and societies. Roadshows One of the most popular community activities provided by the Trust are the Rock & Fossil Roadshows. The Roadshows visit schools, museums and heritage centres with a variety of games and activities designed to be both fun and educational. They are much enjoyed by children and adults alike! Volunteers Astrong volunteer network helps the Trust with many varied activities including site recording, conservation work and promotion of Earth Heritage in the community across the two counties. Website The Trust s website, contains information on all the work and activities of the Trust including membership and volunteering. Links take you to pages on education, publications, site surveying, recording and conservation and activities, which range from Rock & Fossil Roadshows to field trips and workshops. Other sections are set aside for major projects and organisations with which the Trust is closely associated. Fossil hunting at Whitman's Hill Quarry. 7

8 PARTNERSHIPS Shavers End Quarry, Abberley Hills. THE TRUST IS INVOLVED WITH a number of key environmental partnerships and initiatives. This ensures that Earth Heritage and geodiversity are considered and integrated into key decision making. These partnerships include: Abberley and Malvern Hills and Cotswold Hills Geoparks Local Authority biodiversity and environmental partnerships. We also work very closely with other departments of local government, statutory agencies such as Natural England and the voluntary and community sectors, for example the Wildlife Trusts. The Trust has also been the driving force behind the creation of a number of recent and well established partnerships. One well established group is the Geology Trusts (GT), a partnership of geoconservation groups dedicated to proactive grant finding and geoconservation work. Since 2000 this organisation has completed close to 1 million of projects. More recently, the Trust has led on the formation of county Geodiversity Partnerships and, on a regional basis, with the West Midlands Geodiversity Partnership (WMGP). The success of the WMGP has resulted in similar groups being set up in other regions of England; an example of the Trust influencing national agendas.

9 The Geopark Way WINDING ITS WAY for 109 miles through the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark from Bridgnorth to Gloucester, the Geopark Way passes through delightful countryside as it explores 700 million years of the Earth's history. The trail offers varied walks alongside rivers, through forests, along ridges and across heathlands. Passing through an assortment of habitats there is a diversity of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Locally distinctive villages and towns dot the route, bringing further elements of exploration and enchantment. Conveniently split into comfortable day walks, each section of the accompanying guide explores the geology and landscape seen along the route. A fine range of rocks and fossils can be seen, together with intriguing traces of the Ice Age. As well as offering a fascinating look into the geological wonders of the area the guide draws attention to how geology has strongly influenced the surrounding wildlife, landscape and human activity. There is a visitor guide to the area, including recommended places to stay en-route. PUBLICATIONS THE TRUST FREQUENTLY PRODUCES NEW LITERATURE. This includes the popular Explore series Trail Guides alongside the new in-depth Discovery Guides. These attractive laminated publications have been given sparkling reviews and have been well received by the public. The guides look at the building stones, landscape and geology of locations across the two counties and are written in a friendly and simple manner, with more detailed text for those interested in delving into the subject a bit further. Supplementary wildlife and archaeology leaflets often accompany the guides. The Trust also generates a number of site specific heritage leaflets, as well as designing guides which have supported the Government s Walking the Way to Health initiative. In many locations we have also installed Earth Heritage information boards alongside footpaths in public areas and at viewpoints. A biannual newsletter is also produced and distributed widely. Our guides, including the very popular Geopark Way (see above), are available at Tourist Information and Countryside Centres, museums, local shops and bookshops, as well as directly from the Trust. A free trails brochure is available on request. 9

10 ACHIEVEMENTS Professor Aubrey Manning and Moira Jenkins at the Worcestershire Beacon. Geodiversity Action Plans; providing a structured approach to Earth Heritage awareness and geoconservation. SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1996, the Trust has undertaken over 1.5 million worth of projects; a quite staggering accomplishment, and one which ensures our position as one of the most successful not-for-profit geoconservation groups in the UK. Some of our achievements include: Designating over 200 Local Geological Sites (LGS). Compiling a dataset and photographic record of over 2,300 sites. Devising over 40 nationally acclaimed publications, from discovery guides to site specific leaflets. A founding member and key partner in the Geology Trusts, Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark and Cotswold Hills Geopark. Additionally, there are some key projects that have had a wider impact on the geoconservation community: Production of a condition monitoring form for Local Geological Sites which has been adopted as the national standard. Production of significant documents such as the county-based Geodiversity Action Plans and the popular Geopark Way trail guide. Development of the Community Earth Heritage Champions Project, which has attracted national interest. Sponsors Herefordshire & Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust gratefully acknowledges the support and assistance of many funding bodies. The Trust has delivered long-term benefits to our Earth Heritage and the community as a result of this support. 0

11 11 THE FUTURE THE TRUST IS COMMITTED TO INCREASING Earth Heritage awareness and dealing with practical geoconservation, both on a local and national scale. Future plans include: Identifying how climate change may impact on our Earth Heritage. Increased landscape interpretation. Raising public awareness of the links between geology and wildlife. A better understanding of building stones and their sources. Creation of Geology Reserves. Establishing an earthquake observatory in the Abberley & Malvern Hills Geopark. Supporting the implementation of the county Geodiversity Action Plans (GAP) alongside the UKGAP. Designating further Local Geological Sites, including the development of site management strategies. Continuing to develop local and regional geoconservation and Earth Heritage projects with our partners. River Severn in flood at Worcester. Olchon Valley, west Herefordshire.

12 For more information on any aspect of the work of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust contact us at: Geological Records Centre University of Worcester Henwick Grove Worcester WR2 6AJ Tel: Fax: TO SEE MORE UNIQUE PANORAMIC PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE MALVERN HILLS AND SURROUNDINGS VISIT DESIGN CONSULTANT: JUDE PAYNE TEL: +44 (0) FAX: +44 (0)