Corals and Coal: Spittal.
Tuesday 19th July, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The walk is run as part of the Northumberland Coast AONB series of geo-diversity walks.
Walk summary: The sequence of rocks between Spittal and Cocklawburn give a fascinating insight in to what it was like some 350 million years ago in the early part of the Carboniferous Period at a time when the plants and trees became a major presence on land. One of the consequences of this was the formation of bands of coal, some of the oldest which were exploited during the area's mining history. By looking at the rock types, the sedimentary structures and the fossils contained in each of the rocks it is possible to build up a picture of the ancient tropical landscape in which these coals formed, within river deltas punctuated by tropical seas.
Do I need to book? This event has to be booked in advance. The walk costs £10 for each adult (children free). The walk will be limted to 20 people. To book a place on this walk please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name and telephone number and I will send you bank details for Northumbrian Earth. Once you have made the payment I will confrm your place. If you aren't able to come on the walk for whatever reason please let me know, send me your bank details and I will refund the cost of the walk. Refunds will only be given if you get in touch prior to the walk.
Where do we meet? We meet at the far south end of Spittal Promenade nearest the cliffs. Grid refrerence NU011509.
How long is the walk? This walk will be approximately 6 km and will involve some significant scrambling across slippery beach rocks. Strong boots are recommended and some may find walking poles helpful.
What else do I need to know? Full details will be sent out on email to everyone who books.
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Interesting items
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In Praise of Pentagonal
A sharp eyed walk along the beach at Cocklawburn or on Lindisfarne and with a bit of luck you may find a small disc, shaped like a tiny petrified polo mint.
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Where has Hadrian’s Wall Gone?
Before I answer that question, here is a little bit of background information from a manuscript fragment recently discovered in an obscure roman outpost at Ecclesia Novum-Oppidum near to the Fluvium Collegium (surprisingly close to where I live!) and published in the journal Falsus Nuntium.
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Northumberland Coast Rocks!
This project, which was completed during 2015 organised by the Howick Heritage Group and supported with HLF funding, delivered a book, some educational work with a local first and middle school and a series of walks and talks. In this section of geo-diversity resources you can have a look at the presentation given for the walks and talks as well as much of the material which was used in the educational work including lesson plans, activities and exercises. There is also a handy guide to fossils to be found on the beach at Seahouses (and elsewhere on the coast).
Testimonials
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"Really thought provoking day with Ian Kille, head full of whin sill and sediment, what a great Christmas present from Northumbrian Earth."
Paul Kenny
Artist