Our Coast, Our Sea - Seaside Rock
20 June 2011
Northumberland coastal scenery is famous for its stunning beauty, but what are the events in the earth’s past that has led us to the present day and this gorgeous scenery ? Local geologist Dr Ian Kille of Northumbrian Earth, working with the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership, is leading a series of Seaside Rock Walks, to tell the stories of Northumberland’s ancient rocks and landscape.
The rocks which form the beautiful coastline between Berwick and Alnmouth not only tell fascinating stories about our ancient past but also help understand the wildlife, built environment and landscape of the area as well as our industrial past.
Iain Robson of the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership said “the rocks, the fossils and minerals in them and the structures they map out on our coast, are important nationally and internationally. The Seaside Rock Walks are a great way of celebrating our local rocks and encouraging people to get out there and to help them understand what the rocks tell us”. Iain added, “I am really pleased that Ian is again leading these walks, he does a fantastic job of bringing the rocks to life.”
The series of walks will start with a look at how molten magma pushed its way between the rocks underground to form the Bamburgh Castle crags. Ian Kille said “it is hard to believe it on a rainy day with water running over the blocky castle crags but this was all red hot and running like an underground river when it formed”. By looking at the different types of rocks and what is inside them in them, it is possible to build up a picture of what was going on all those years ago. Ian added, “understanding the rocks is a bit like a crime investigation – there are many different types of evidence to understand, which then lead to an insight into past events”.
For more information on Seaside Rock Walks please look at the Northumberland Coast AONB Website or the events calender or contact Ian Kille on 01289 309503 or by email.
The first walk starts at the entrance to the main car park in Bamburgh opposite entrance to Bamburgh Castle at 2.00 on Thursday 7th July. The walk will last for about 2 hours and involves an easy walk including some light scrambling on seashore rocks. Why not catch the bus? The 501 Arriva Coast and Castles Connection from Newcastle, Morpeth and Alnwick will get you there in time. Plan your journey at Traveline Northeast.
Details
Farenheit 2012 ? – Bamburgh – Thursday 7th July
Fire and Ice – travelling to the edge of things – Holy Island Saturday 23rd July
Rumbles of a distant tempest – Howick Bathing House Sunday 21st August