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| Triassic Sandstone and Mudstone at Dunsville Quarry |
I
first became involved with geological conservation in 1994, through the
South Yorkshire RIGS (Regionally Important Geological Sites) Group – later
becoming its principal surveyor, treasurer, publicist, general dogsbody and Chairman.
As
part of a county based national initiative, it identified geological sites with
local conservation and amenity value in the region, which have since been included in
the local development plans.
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| The Geology around South Yorkshire |
The
Group was organised on a voluntary basis and comprised staff from Sheffield
University, museums, local authority planning departments and interested
members of the general public.
As the only professional geologist available to
undertake paid work for the group, I was the principal surveyor and
undertook a primary survey of over 250 potential RIGS.
On
the whole, the geology of South Yorkshire is not very spectacular, with large
areas of land despoiled by the steel, coal mining and quarrying industries.
The bulk of
the hard rock geology comprises an eastwardly dipping succession of Upper
Carboniferous sandstone, shale and coal, Permian sand, marl and limestone - and Triassic sandstone that is largely overlain by Quaternary glaciofluvial gravel, sand and peat.
An
important criterion for designating a RIGS in South Yorkshire was the relationship between the natural
geology of a site with other heritage interests, including the ecology,
archaeology, architecture and industrial history.
Having previously had experience of producing
trade exhibitions and various marketing material for my own new company, I also
took on the responsibility for the publicity and promotional activities for the
group.
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| Earth Heritage magazine |
