Spring 2010
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
There have been positive comments about the newsletter, which will be produced four times a year and sent out to all members. There are various WYGT activities already planned for the spring and summer, so we hope to see some of you there.
The guided walks give you an opportunity to visit Local Geological Sites in various parts of the county and look at a variety of different rocks and fossils, guided by one of our members. We are very grateful to the West Yorkshire local authorities who include us in their countryside walks programmes. Their advertising means that we are able to reach many walkers and countryside enthusiasts who would like to know more about the geology of this area.
We enjoy activities aimed at children and young people and have arranged two Geodays for school holiday times, one during the Easter holidays at Bracken Hall, Shipley and one in the summer at Anglers Countryside Centre, near Wakefield.
The next general meeting takes place on Saturday 6th March. It is very short and is confined to WYGT’s activities, as we cover the business side of the organisation at executive meetings. We also include a short field trip to an Local Geological Site, so you are very welcome to join us. Details are found in the newsletter.
Alison Tymon
PROJECTS
WYGT is continuing to update the database of Local Geological Sites in West Yorkshire. This winter five surveyors are monitoring 32 LGS in order to assess whether the site needs management to improve its condition and to maintain its geological or geomorphological interest.
Sites in the Wetherby area are being investigated with a view to designating three sites as Local Geological Sites. Two are in the Permian dolostones and one site shows a glacial moraine. WYGT has received a grant from Natural England, through the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Geodiversity Forum, to finish the designation process. We are continuing to work with Leeds City Council’s warden at Otley Chevin to promote the geology and heritage of the Chevin, working with the Friends of Otley Chevin. We have written a geological guide which is linked to a short walk which will be marked by carved stones. An audio trail will be produced this summer and renewal of the interpretation board at Surprise View is still to come.
We hope to be part of a large project, covering the Southern Pennines, funded by
the Heritage Lottery Fund. If the project gets the go-
THREE NEW LOCAL GEOLOGICAL SITES IN WEST YORKSHIRE
The original 70 geological sites in West Yorkshire were surveyed during the 1990s but WYGT is always looking for new sites that represent the rocks in the county. We have researched three areas around Wetherby this winter and the new sites will be designated as LGS in the near future. Full details will be available on the website.
The Wetherby area has Upper Permian dolostones, which are part of the geological
series that used to be called the Lower and Upper Magnesian Limestones. They form
a ridge running north-
Wetherby Riverside Cliffs is a cliff of Cadeby Formation dolostone adjacent to the
River Wharfe. The cliff is about 150m long and 5-
Boston Spa Riverside Woods are owned by Boston Spa Parish Council who are going to position interpretation boards, showing wildlife and geology, in the woods. Large algal reefs in the Cadeby Formation are best seen from the east bank of the river Wharfe near Thorp Arch.
Walton Moraine is close to the village of Walton, near Wetherby, and is important because it is part of the large Escrick moraine system which was deposited during the melting of the Vale of York glacier about 12,000 years ago.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Folly Dolly Falls, Meltham, near Huddersfield
The rocks of Huddersfield’s famous waterfall
Sunday February 28th 2.00 – 4.00 Organised by Kirklees Council
A short walk along the Meltham Greenway to see a waterfall formed by sandstones and mudstones.
Meet Alison Tymon at Morrison’s car park, Meltham HD9 4NL (SE 101 108) at 2.00 below the steep
rock exposure.
Buses from Huddersfield to Meltham reach the bus station behind the Library, which is a short walk
from Morrison’s supermarket. There is a steep, muddy path and a stone stile to negotiate so there is
no wheelchair access. It is advisable to wear wellington boots, as it is necessary to wade in the
stream in order to see the waterfall. Families are welcome, but children should be accompanied by
a responsible adult.
Roundhay Park, Leeds
Saturday 13th March 1.30 – 4.00 Organised by the Friends of Roundhay Park
Meet Bill Fraser outside the Mansion House Visitors Centre LS8 2JL at 1.30 pm (SE 330 383) in
Roundhay Park. A guided walk of approximately 1.5 miles around a marked Geological Trail taking
about 2.5 hours, with stops for discussion. Features seen are shales and several different
types of sandstone (some of which contain fossils), as well as sedimentary and tectonic structures.
Footpaths are graded for easy walking but can be muddy in wet weather.
Frickley Country Park, South Elmsall, Wakefield
Rock around Frickley Colliery – a walk around the landscaped colliery site
Saturday 13th March 2.00 – 4.00 Organised by Wakefield Council
A short walk of less than a mile to see the recently landscaped Frickley Colliery site, now turned into
a large country park. The restored site has many geological features of interest, including large
boulders of local rocks, which can be easily examined with a hand-
depth of Coal Shaft No 1, showing which coal seams were encountered.
Meet Alison Tymon and Rick Ramsdale at the car park (Grid Reference SE 477 100) on the B6422
about half a mile south of South Elmsall railway station. Footpaths are graded for easy walking.
Bracken Hall Countryside Centre, Baildon, Shipley
Wild Wednesday – Geoday – geological activities for children
Wednesday 14th April 2.00 – 4.00 Organised by Bradford Council
Dinosaur, rock, mineral and fossil activities for children of all ages
Bracken Hall Centre is on Glen Road, Baildon, Shipley BD17 5EA (SE 131 390)
Baildon Quarries and Shipley Glen, Baildon, Shipley
Shipley’s building stones and Baildon’s landscapes
Friday 16th April at 10.30 – 1.00 Organised by Bradford Council
Meet Alison Tymon at Bracken Hall Countryside Centre, Baildon, Shipley BD17 5EA (SE 131 390)
for a walk of about 2 miles to look at the rocks and formations in Shipley Glen and the quarries at
Baildon Green which contain some large plant fossils. Wear strong shoes or walking boots as some
of the footpaths are rocky. Bring a snack and drink to keep you going.
Crosland Moor, Huddersfield
The rocks and landscapes of the Huddersfield area
Saturday 1st May 2.00 – 4.00 Organised by Kirklees Council
Walking on public footpaths around Crosland Moor to see how the geology has formed the landscapes
around Huddersfield. There are several vantage points where it is possible to see into the
Crosland Hill quarries to see how the excellent local sandstone is quarried.
Wear sensible shoes or boots and waterproofs, if necessary.
Meet Alison Tymon at 2.00 at the Reception area for Johnson Wellfield Quarries, Thewlis Lane, Crosland
Moor HD4 7AB (SE 118 146). Buses from Huddersfield along Blackmoorfoot Road terminate
close to Thewlis Lane. Parking is available in the Johnson Wellfield car park, opposite the main entrance
(courtesy of Johnson Wellfield Quarries Ltd).
Eaves Top Quarries, Stainland
Rocks and landscapes south of Halifax
Saturday 8th May 2.00 – 4.00 Organised by Calderdale Council
Meet Alison Tymon at the car park near the playing fields and post office in Stainland (SE 079 195) for
a short walk of about 1 mile.
We will look at the disused sandstone quarry at Eaves Top Woods and enjoy the wonderful views
over Norland Moor and Halifax. Easy footpaths.
