Organised by:
West Midlands Regional Group
Venue:
Lapworth Museum of Geology. University of Birmingham
Event status:
EVENT CLOSED
Abstract:
The Society has hosted Earth Science Week since 2011. Each year the Society has grown and developed the events and resources that are provided throughout the week. The Society hope that 2014 will be another great year for Earth science.
The week will raise awareness of the geological Heritage sites which exist throughout the UK, from famous landmarks like the Giant’s Causeway, to less well known areas of geological significance.
This talk will briefly outline what constitutes ‘Geoheritage’ and will give an overview of some of the key geoheritage assets of the West Midlands. It will consider the levels of protection offered to features and sites from landscape scale to individual monuments and small discrete features within legal and planning frameworks for developing the land.
Case studies of geotechnical engineering and good design and construction projects that have integrated the geological heritage into their fabric with both positive and negative outcomes will be given. The current application process that is underway to establish a Black Country Global Geopark, based on the exceptional mining and geological heritage of this area, which aims to create a future geotourism destination interweaving geological, mining and cultural heritage, and linking this across the midlands area to the array of other heritage assets here will be explained.
Examples of regeneration projects taking place at the moment, which are building the geological heritage into the vision for the future of the area will be described. This talk aims to highlight how both academic and applied aspects of geosciences are essential to success that can unite to produce something exceptional and enduring in the landscape of the midlands.
Meeting Details:
- Tea and Coffee available from 18:00 in the Lapworth Museum
- Talk to commence at 18:30 in Earth Imaging Laboratory (enter via the Museum)
About the Speaker: Graham Worton – Keeper of Geology, Dudley Museum
Professional geologist since graduation in 1984 working primarily in the UK in Coal Measures and Silurian rocks and their engineering and environmental properties and applications. A former Chairman of the Black Country Geological Society. He has written many geological conservation papers & popular articles.
He has co-designed, planned and contributed to a number of major geological & scientific exhibitions & events. He has been employed as the Keeper of Geology & Borough Geologist since February 2000. Graham picked up gold in the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards 2006. He walked away with the coveted Outstanding Customer Service Award. He then went on to win the National Outstanding Customer Service Award at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence organised by Visit England.
Find out more about Earth Science Week 2014 Events & Activities