02/02/2012
News

An innovative new project will celebrate the rich variety of the geology, or "geodiversity", of the Yorkshire Dales.

The "Geo Dales" project is being headed up by local charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT). It will create new trails using existing rights of way around Settle, Upper Nidderdale and Greenhow Hill, focusing on the geological and archaeological points of interest. The project will also assist in the creation of a youth “Rockhound Club” based at the Hanson Greenhow Quarry in Nidderdale, which will have a specific focus on geology.

Geo Dales will support an exhibition to mark the 175th anniversary of the discovery of Victoria Cave at Langcliffe, based at the Museum of North Craven Life at The Folly in Settle from July to October 2012. Victoria Cave was first excavated in 1837 with large scale excavations in the 1870s giving rise to the present cavernous entrance. The site has huge scientific and historic importance, telling us about life and climate change in the Dales over the last 600,000 years. Urgent practical works and further research at Victoria Cave will also be supported involving the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Natural England, Winskill Farm Visitor centre, caving club volunteers and universities. In addition local archaeologists will be researching ancient settlements around the Plantlife Reserve at Winskill and restoring a historic limekiln.

This project is being funded through grants from a variety of sources, including LEADER, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund, Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK through the Landfill Communities Fund, Hansons Greenhow Landscape and Biodiversity Enhancement Fund, and Nidderdale AONB Sustainable Development Fund.

Dave Tayler, Deputy Director at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, commented "We were delighted to hear that our funding applications for this exciting new geodiversity project have been successful. Thanks to the vital support from these organisations, our shared passion for the rich geology and archaeology of the Yorkshire Dales will be brought to the forefront for everyone to enjoy. The project is also working on involving local school pupils who will discover more of their rich local environment and contribute to the project."

Roger Bingham, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Member Champion for Conservation of Cultural Heritage, said: "The stolid, enduring and many faceted characteristics of Dales folk may be said to reflect the bedrocks of the landscape in which they have dwelt since the beginnings of humanity. Our intertwined geology and archaeology fully deserve their mutual celebration of the 'geodiversity' of our Yorkshire Dales."

Kelly Harmar, Nidderdale AONB Development Officer, said: "We are pleased to support the Geo Dales project in showcasing the diversity of geological features and heritage within Nidderdale AONB. Geology is fundamental in shaping the scenery, wildlife and economy of the AONB and this project will provide a chance to view the geological foundations beneath the local landscape."

Mick Lambert, Quarry Manager, at Lafarge’s Dry Rigg quarry in Horton in Ribblesdale, said the company was delighted to support this innovative, ambitious project.

He added: "The Geo-Dales project ties in very effectively with the work we do at our own Education Centre at Dry Rigg – the start point for geological tours of our working gritstone quarry by students of all ages. This project will add to everyones understanding of the unbreakable links between the historical, geological building blocks that shape our physical landscape and the building materials that play such an important part in our everyday lives."

Shirley Everett, Chartered Geologist and Quarry Manager at Hanson, commented "I think it is really important that people learn more about the geology and archaeology of the Yorkshire Dales and understand that the rocks beneath our feet have been an important resource for man since pre-historic times, I welcome the opportunity to be part of the project".

Many thanks to Robin Sutton for the lovely photogrpah of a Hawthorn tree at Winskill