Outreach & Policy

Host: Mendip Rocks 2023

Event details: Take a 200 million year journey across the planet through the Carboniferous, Triassic and Jurassic Periods with geologist Dr Doug Robinson. Observe and learn about the rocks that built the beautiful city of Wells. Involves a 4.5km walk along public footpaths and some busy roads. Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing. Booking Required. Cost £5.00

Event location: Meet at junction between Little Entry and North Road, Wells.

Event time: 10.30am - 1pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Mendip Rocks 2023

Event details:

Join geologist Dr Doug Robinson for an exciting insight into the stones that built the historic city of Wells.

Involves a gentle walk to see rocks ranging from the Devonian to the mid Jurassic Period. Level footpaths with several road crossings. Some challenging areas for those with mobility issues. Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.

Booking Required. Cost £5.00

Event location: Wells and Mendip Museum

Event time: 10.30am - 12.30pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Mendip Rocks 2023

Event details:

Join local geologist Simon Carpenter as he takes you on a fascinating journey to discover the different stones that built the picturesque town of Frome and about the fossils and environments that formed them millions of years ago.

This circular walk will involve some steep slopes and steps. Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.

Booking Required. £5 per person. Places are limited.

Event location: Cheese & Grain, Market Yard, Justice Lane, Frome, BA11 1BE

Event time: 2-4pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host:Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Insititution

Event details:

The talk will follow the route of a ‘megatransect’ from the Indian Plate across the Himalayan Mountain Range to the Tibetan Plateau on the Eurasian Plate.

Event location: 16 Queen Square. Bath, BA1 2HN or online

Event time: 7.30-8.30pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Oxford Sceince and Ideas Festival

Event details:

The Universe is vast and mysterious, containing all of space, matter, energy and time (including you!) This dance workshop gives a brief overview of our Solar System and what makes it special. Watch breakdancing and push against the Earth with your own hands and feet to explore the identity of home and our neighbour planets and understand why they all are so different!

Suitable for ages 7 – 12.

Event location: Wesley Memorial Church, New Inn Hall Street, OX1 2DH

Event time: 4pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: IF Oxford 'Explorazone'

Event details:

Imagine living on a volcanic island. Could you tell when something was up, and using your senses predict what might happen next? Explore the Caribbean volcanoes of Montserrat and St Vincent, experience the sensations of restless volcanoes, and play The Floor is Magma to test your decision-making skills.

Book in advance at https://if-oxford.com/event/explorazone/ (so they can manage numbers) - and pay what you decide.

Event location: Wesley Memorial Church, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford OX1 2DH

Event time: 11am

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Mendip Rocks 2023

Event details:

Come and see some of the purest limestone in Britain, laid down during the warm tropical climate of the Carboniferous Period. Be amazed by its many uses and learn about past and present extraction and processing methods during this unique two hour guided minibus tour.

Please wear sensible clothes including trousers, long sleeved tops, and boots. Safety wear will be provided.

Booking required, book AM or PM tour. £5 per person. Places are limited.

Event location: Batts Combe Quarry, Warrens Hill, Cheddar, BS27 3LR United Kingdom

Event time: 10am-4pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Mendip Rocks 2023

Event details:

Come and examine the rocks and fossils around Tedbury Camp with Derby University geologist Martin Whiteley. Look for clues about their formation and the events that occurred since their deposition.

A short walk that includes a steep flight of steps and some uneven ground; unfortunately this is unsuitable for those with mobility issues. Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.

Booking Required. £5 per person. Places are limited.

Event location:Fordbury Bottom, near Great Elm Mells

Event time: 10.30am-12.30pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: North Uist Development Company

Event details:

This event will talk people through the geology that is all around them. Especially in the Outer Hebrides there is keen interest in our environment. Dr Jean Archer a trained geologist is also very keen to highlight that geology is not just focusing on very old rocks but that geological processes are all around us happening all the time.

This is an interactive event, aimed at adults and children alike, with geological maps of Scotland and the Outer Hebrides on display on the tables/wall as well as stones and specimens on display. 

Event location:Old Lochmaddy School

Event time: 7.30pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group (WGCG)

Event details:

on Radley of WGCG will lead an urban geology walk around Warwick starting and finishing at the entrance to the Market Hall Museum. The tour will focus on Warwick’s building stones with emphasis on the locally sourced examples and what they can tell us about ancient Warwickshire. Fossils, minerals, climate change and ancient environments will feature in the walk, which will conclude back at the Market Hall Museum at about midday. There, participants will have the opportunity to further explore the town and county geo-heritage through the museum displays

This event is taking place as part of the national Earth Science Week events (8-14/10/23). The length of the walk will be approximately 1-2 miles. The walk is open to all but will be limited to 15 participants.

Event location:Market Hall Museum

Event time: 10.30am

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host:Sidmouth Science Festival

Event details:

Meet at Sidmouth Museum. The walk will last approximately 1.5 hours in groups of 15 people maximum.

People aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The walk is free. It is not obligatory to book but, to avoid disappointment, you can book here.

Event location: Sidmouth Museum,Church Street Sidmouth EX10 8LY

Event time: 11am - 12.30pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Mendip Rocks 2023

Event details:

Featuring the following talks:

• Dr Peter Hardy, retired lecturer, University of Bristol. “Coral seas, volcanoes and tropical rain forests in the Mendip Hills”.
• Professor Mike Benton, Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of Bristol. “Extinctions: How Life Survives, Adapts, Evolves”.
• Dr Duncan Price, caving expert and explorer. “Wookey Hole – the exploration continues…”

Booking required.£15 per person (discount unwaged/students £5). Light refreshments included.

Event location:Somerset Earth Science Centre, Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael, Radstock BA3 5JU

Event time: 12.30pm-4.30pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: London Geodiversity Partnership and London Natural History Society

Event details:

A 3.5 mile geotrail around Bedfords Park in North London looking at both the geology and the wild life, and how it is influenced by the underlying geology. The Park is interesting geologically because it is underlain by five different strata, the Tertiary London Clay, Claygate Beds and Bagshot Sand overlain in places by the much younger pre-Anglian
gravel and glacial till, relics of the Anglian icesheet that reached into London as far as Hornchurch 450,000 years ago.
There is a fine view over London from the Visitor Centre where the geology will be explained. An added
attraction is a dolerite boulder discovered locally in post-Anglian gravels and transported to the Visitor
Centre when the quarry ceased operating. It has been suggested that it originated from the Great Whin Sill
in Northumberland and was transported south by the ice and then washed out into the oldest of the postAnglian gravels close by as the ice melted.
By understanding the geology, we believe that an added layer of understanding of the Earth can be achieved.

Event location:Bedfords Park Visitor Centre (TQ 519 922), Broxhill Road, Haveringatte-Bower RM4 1QH

Event time: 10.30am

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host:Somerset Earth Science Centre

Event details:

Talks:

• Professor Mike Benton, Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of Bristol. “Extinctions: How Life Survives, Adapts, Evolves”.

• Dr Peter Hardy, retired lecturer, University of Bristol. "Coral seas, volcanoes and tropical rain forests in the Mendip Hills".

• Dr Duncan Price, caving expert and explorer. “Wookey Hole - the exploration continues...”

Ticket price includes light refreshments. You will need to make multiple bookings for groups of 2 or more people.

Event location: Somerset Earth Science Centre, Moons Hill Quarry Stoke Saint Michael BA3 5JU

Event time: 12.30 - 4.30pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Mendip Rocks 2023

Event details:

A fascinating guided tour of the Camerton colliery area with The Mendip Society’s expert Richard Frost. Learn about the history of Somerset coal mining and its influence on local railways and canals.

This 2.5 mile walk involves moderately sloped paths and some wooden steps. Please note that parking is limited but there may be some available in The Daglands (please respect local residents).

Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.

Booking Required. £5 per person. Places are limited.

Event location:The Mendip Society, BA2 0PS junction between Camerton Hill and Durcott Lane, Camerton, BA2 0PS

Event time: 10.30am-2.30pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Mendip Rocks 2023

Event details:

Come and see one of the largest limestone quarries in Britain and find out more about the extraction, transportation, and uses of Carboniferous black rock limestone.

Please wear sensible clothes including trousers, long sleeved tops, and boots. Safety wear will be provided.

Booking Required, book AM or PM tour. £5 per person. Places are limited.

Event location:Somerset Earth Science Centre, Moon's Hill Quarry, Radstock, Somerset BA35JU

Event time: 10am-4pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Mendip Rocks 2023

Event details:

Join local expert John Kirby for a fascinating 5 mile walk from Ubley Warren to Burrington Combe. Learn about how the Mendip Hills were made and explore Aveline’s Hole and Goatchurch Cavern.

Please bring a packed lunch and wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing. Drivers will be transported back to their vehicles via minibus. Unfortunately this walk is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Please note that those wishing to enter caves will be required to carry a hard hat (provided). Please bring a torch, and hand lens or magnifying glass if you have one.

Booking Required. £5 per person. Places are limited.

Event location:Blackmoor Reserve,Charterhouse, BS40 7XR

Event time: 10am-3pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Oxford Science +Ideas Festival

Event details:

The polished columns within the Oxford University Museum of Natural History were specially selected to illustrate the diverse geology of Britain. Join geologists Philip Powell and Nina Morgan for a colourful and informative tour of the building interior and learn a lot about architectural geology along the way.

Spaces are strictly limited and booking is essential.

Suitable for teenagers and adults.

Event location:Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PW

Event time: 5.30pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Mendip Rocks 2023

Event details:

Come and see the wonderful collection of Mendip fossils, rocks, and minerals. Bring in your own rocks and fossils for identification by experts.

Lots of fun activities for all the family including geo crafting and photo opportunities with Rexy and Roxy the T-Rexes. Pocket money fossils for sale.

Light refreshments available. Booking not required.

Event location:Somerset Earth Science Centre, Moon's Hill Quarry, Radstock, Somerset BA35JU

Event time: 11am-3pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Science @ the Shops

Event details:

Nuclear energy is one of several low-carbon options to fuel our future. Play energy Top Trumps to compare the pros and cons of various energy sources including nuclear, fossil fuels and renewables like wind and hydro. What factors would you need to consider to create your own net-zero vision? (Sunday only).

Event location:Templar’s Square Shopping Centre, Pound Way, Cowley, OX4 3XH

Event time: 10am

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Mendip Rocks 2023

Event details:

As the autumn light fades, come and immerse yourself in magical Mendip Moments as they are projected in Cheddar Gorge. Photographs taken by the public and a unique new series of commissioned images by photographic artist, Elizabeth Woodger, will be projected onto screens and rockfaces to highlight the special qualities of the Mendip Hills AONB.

Set along a 400 metre stretch of tarmacked surface accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, but with an incline. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wear weather appropriate clothing.

A free, drop in event, no need to book. The event will be cancelled if heavy rain.

Start point at Riverside Gardens on Cliff Road (B3135), Cheddar, BS27 3QE.

Public car parks in Cheddar and at the bottom of the Gorge. Please contact Mendip Hills AONB Service ahead of the day for advice on where to park for those with disabilities or mobility issues.

Event location:Riverside Gardens, Cliff Road, Cheddar, BS27 3QE

Event time: 6.30-8.30pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Science @ the Shops

Event details:

Nuclear energy is one of several low-carbon options to fuel our future. Play energy Top Trumps to compare the pros and cons of various energy sources including nuclear, fossil fuels and renewables like wind and hydro. What factors would you need to consider to create your own net-zero vision? (Sunday only).

Event location:Templar’s Square Shopping Centre, Pound Way, Cowley, OX4 3XH

Event time: 10am

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Oxford Science +Ideas Festival

Event details:

An urban cemetery is a great place for amateur, student or professional geologists to carry out scientific field work at leisure, right on the doorstep and at no cost. Join geologists Nina Morgan and Philip Powell on a guided geological walk through an Oxford cemetery. You’ll never look at cemeteries in the same way again.

Spaces are strictly limited and booking is essential.

Suitable for teenagers and adults. The walks are not intended for young children, but any that do come must be accompanied by an adult.

These walks include walking over rough ground, please wear sensible walking shoes. There is no wheelchair access.

Event location:Headington Municipal Cemetery, Dunstan Road, Headington, OX3 9BY

Event time: 11am

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Oxford Science +Ideas Festival

Event details:

An urban cemetery is a great place for amateur, student or professional geologists to carry out scientific field work at leisure, right on the doorstep and at no cost. Join geologists Nina Morgan and Philip Powell on a guided geological walk through an Oxford cemetery. You’ll never look at cemeteries in the same way again.

Spaces are strictly limited and booking is essential.

Suitable for teenagers and adults. The walks are not intended for young children, but any that do come must be accompanied by an adult.

These tours include walking over rough ground, please wear sensible walking shoes. There is no wheelchair access.

Event location:St Mary & St John Churchyard, Cowley Road, OX4 1UR

Event time: 2.30pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Oxford Sceince and Ideas Festival

Event details:

The Universe is vast and mysterious, containing all of space, matter, energy and time (including you!) This dance workshop gives a brief overview of our Solar System and what makes it special. Watch breakdancing and push against the Earth with your own hands and feet to explore the identity of home and our neighbour planets and understand why they all are so different!

Suitable for ages 7 – 12.

Event location: Wesley Memorial Church, New Inn Hall Street, OX1 2DH

Event time: 4pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Oxford Science +Ideas Festival

Event details:

An urban cemetery is a great place for amateur, student or professional geologists to carry out scientific field work at leisure, right on the doorstep and at no cost. Join geologists Nina Morgan and Philip Powell on a guided geological walk through an Oxford cemetery. You’ll never look at cemeteries in the same way again.

Spaces are strictly limited and booking is essential.

Suitable for teenagers and adults. The walks are not intended for young children, but any that do come must be accompanied by an adult.

These tours include walking over rough ground, please wear sensible walking shoes. There is no wheelchair access.

Event location:St Sepulchre’s Cemetery, Walton Street, OX1 2HD

Event time: 11am

Website: Visit the website to find out more

Host: Oxford Science +Ideas Festival

Event details:

An urban cemetery is a great place for amateur, student or professional geologists to carry out scientific field work at leisure, right on the doorstep and at no cost. Join geologists Nina Morgan and Philip Powell on a guided geological walk through an Oxford cemetery. You’ll never look at cemeteries in the same way again.

Spaces are strictly limited and booking is essential.

Suitable for teenagers and adults. The walks are not intended for young children, but any that do come must be accompanied by an adult.

These tours include walking over rough ground, please wear sensible walking shoes. There is no wheelchair access.

Event location:Holywell Cemetery, St Cross Road, OX1 3TU

Event time: 2pm

Website: Visit the website to find out more