GEOWALKERS AND GEO APP

Who and what are they? Here is Jan’s explanation.

In September 2012, approximately 25 new members joined the main U3A Geology group and, following a series of six introductory sessions, decided to form the Geowalkers sub-group in February 2013.  The main aim of Geowalkers is to combine a mutual love of walking with exploring and interpreting the geological landscape of the local area and regular monthly walks have taken place focussing on the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark.  Although these have been enjoyable, Geowalkers soon realised that, as new members, their lack of knowledge prevented them from fully appreciating and understanding their geological surroundings.

On 5 June, the Geowalkers were invited to meet with Nina Jeniec (Office Manager for the Earth Heritage Trust based at the University of Worcester) and Mike Brooks, an independent software developer.  Mike has designed a series of android tablet and smartphone applications covering the Geopark and Geowalkers were invited to trial the App during a 4 mile circular walk from Tank Quarry to the Worcestershire Beacon.  A short induction to the technology took place before the walk and frequent stops along the route allowed members to use the App’s data and information to look for specific sites of interest and understand what they were seeing in the landscape.   Another useful feature was an on-screen arrow that showed the walkers their exact location and indicated which direction they should be taking.

The group was very impressed by the app technology and the opportunities it provides to interpret the landscape and increase geological knowledge, particularly when a qualified Geologist is not available to lead a walk.  Nina hopes to secure funding to design a similar App product for other areas of geological interest in the Malvern area and the Geowalkers offered to be a focus group to help test the prototype.

Stop Press……. Anyone wanting to explore all or part of the Abberley and Malvern Geopark trail with the aid of a tablet or smartphone can download the app free of charge at

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/geopark-way-malvern-hd/id649562290?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2 but do it soon as a charge for this will be made shortly!

In the meantime, if anyone wants to join our Geowalkers sub-group and is happy to organise and lead a walk (with or without technology), please contact Jan Dyer.  They will be starting a new programme of walks in September.