A EUROPEAN festival of geological heritage and education will ensure that half-term really rocks, with a series of walks, events and activities based in an area which is internationally recognised for the promotion of its geology.
The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) and UNESCO Global Geopark will be a focus of activity for European Geoparks Week.
The joint celebration, which starts today (May 25) and runs until June 10, involves all of the UNESCO Global Geoparks in Europe, with events connecting people with the geological heritage of their local area.
The North Pennines AONB Partnership has organised events to appeal to families, geology enthusiasts and those who just want to understand more about the geo-heritage of the area.
Running right up to the end of Geoparks week will be the Map that Changed the World exhibition, which has brought a significant piece of scientific heritage into the heart of the Geopark.
William Smith is known as the father of English geology and an original version of his groundbreaking geological map is on display at the North Pennines AONB Partnership’s visitor centre at Bowlees, in Upper Teesdale.
Other highlights include educational and fun activities for children and their families over the May half-term, guided walks looking at geological and mining heritage, and events that focus on the natural heritage that thrives in the landscape.
Chris Woodley-Stewart, director of the North Pennines AONB Partnership, said: “European Geoparks Week is an opportunity for us to raise the profile of the area’s UNESCO Global Geopark status while also providing a programme of unique things to see and do that connect directly to the landscape of the North Pennines.
“We’ve been honoured to have the William Smith map at our visitor centre in Upper Teesdale. It will still be there in European Geoparks Week, giving people the chance to see this very beautiful and globally important piece of our geological heritage.”
For a full list of events visit northpennines.org.uk/events-calendar
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