Mer  Saturday 2nd September 10 am     

Geological site clean-up at Mere's Dead Maid Quarry Industrial Estate

Grid. Ref. ST 804324

The Upper Greensand to Grey Chalk transition has a unique and very fossil-rich 'Popple Bed' well exposed above the Chert Beds.  A diverse assemblage of bivalves, gastropods, ammonites, brachiopods and echinoids can be found, mainly phosphatised casts.  It is a key locality for lowermost Cenomanian palaeontology.

Dead Maid quarry industrial estate is just to the west of Mere north of the B3095/3092 almost opposite the turn-off to Gillingham. Turn into the Trading Estate and follow round to the left and then right - behind the buildings there is lots of parking at the back of the trading estate just next to the quarry face. It is an S.S.S.I. for the only clear location showing the junction between Upper Greensand and the Lower Chalk. The whole face is obscured by ivy, grass and brambles. Bring gardening gloves, secateurs, loppers hard hat and maybe eye defenders to keep out the debris. Bringing a packed lunch is recommended.

In the afternoon, when the work is finished, there will be a short guided walk by Isobel Geddes up to Mere Castle Hill and Long Hill to view the local geology from above, looking at local building stones on the way up. This will last no more than an hour.

If you have any queries concerning the trip please contact Isabel Buckingham at isabelbuckingham@btinternet.com or tel .01985219313.

              Saturday 7th October at 10.00 am.  Dursley Walking Festival event:

                   GEOLOGY & SCENERY OF THE DURSLEY OUTLIERS 

Duration/distance:  5 Hours 5 Miles

Start point: Cam Peak Car Park - GL11 5HH will get you close. Grid Ref ST767993

Brief description:
Starting from Cam Peak car park we will explore the
Dursley outliers on footpaths and tracks There will be
3 relatively steep climbs of between 60 and 100
metres. Sturdy, ankle-supporting footwear with soles
that have good grip is recommended for the steep
slopes. The walk will stop at the pub in Uley for lunch,
but participants are very welcome to bring their own
packed lunch to picnic on the green. It is
recommended that everyone should bring a drink with
them. There will be numerous stops during the walk
depending on questions/interest and these will involve
looking at landscape and /or rocks.

 

Booking not required - just turn up.  Well-behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome

 Leader: Dave Green - e-mail davegeostudies@gmail.com   Tel. 01594 860858 or 07980 239991 on the day