The Black Country Geopark Project
Graham Worton is currently in the process of promoting the Black Country as a Global Geopark and during the session he described what this is, why he thinks it is important and relevant, and the advantages, obligations, and benefits.
Among other things, the Black Country is an area with a World Class geological and cultural heritage which is of great scientific, educational, and tourism value. Such sites have an international dimension with 43 geoparks in 17 countries, 7 of which are in the UK. Graham then outlined the process of becoming a geopark. This includes making a formal application + information dossier and supporting letters, scrutinising by specialists, giving a presentation and a voting process.
The Black Country consists of 4 boroughs to the west of Birmingham. The geology covers the geological periods from the Devonian (425 million years ago), through the Silurian, Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, to the geologically recent Ice Ages. The economical importance relates to limestones, coal, ironstones, and fireclays.
The features relevant to the proposed Geopark are almost too numerous to mention but include: interesting geomorphology and landscape features eg the ‘Dudley volcano’ at Barrow Hill, Wren’s Nest, an anticline with a fault, which has some of the best preserved fossils in the world, and the unconformity at Sandwells railway cutting. Ice Age deposits are numerous and certain sites show vegetation changes relating to the underlying geology.
Historical and Industrial sites relate to the geology. There are many mines eg Rowley Hills and quarries for limestone, sand and gravel – all relevant to geotourism. Also, many buildings and monuments relate to the geology, industry, and history – Dudley Museum, various stone and artworks eg statues both in metal depicting heavy industries and in stone showing key figures of the Industrial Revolution. The world’s first geological map dates from 1665 + a scale and shows mineral and coal seams round the castle and roads.
A Geopark needs to contribute to the economic and environmental wellbeing of its area eg organising events to raise awareness, and support education and research on its geological heritage etc. It needs to maintain links with all its stakeholders such as the British Geological Society, the National Trust, Natural England, and various local councils. The additional cost of a geopark is not excessive – this is £1,500 and 5,000 for two other British parks.
The process of The Black Country becoming a Geopark are now in the final stages – the final application goes in at the end of 2014, with assessments during the summer/autumn 2015, and hopefully the accession later that year. The benefits should lead to increased awareness of the geology and the environment, educational opportunities, local pride and interest, conservation, and a global support network. Of great importance to local people should be the increased investment into the area.
I think everyone was tremendously impressed by Graham’s immense enthusiasm for this project and hope that all his time and effort come to fruition in 2015.
Liz Daniel