Geodiversity initiatives
The aims of the Rockworks initiative, which started in 2005, are the interpretation and conservation of the world-renowned geological heritage of the North Pennines and the use of it as a tool for sustainable development
Rockworks is a four-year, £600K programme of work, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Natural England, CDENT and LEADER+. It is led by the AONB Staff Unit's Geodiversity Officer - Dr Elizabeth Pickett. It is all about Earth science interpretation, education and conservation and how our geological heritage can support the local economy and communities. It includes a wide range of projects linked to the area's European and Global Geopark status:
Rock Detectives Clubs – geology clubs for children aged 6 to 12;
Wheels to the Wild Cycle Route – discover the geology and landscape of the North Pennines in a three-day route and three day-rides. The guide is available from local shops, attractions, information centres and the AONB Partnership Staff Unit;
Rockwalks – themed guided walks as part of the AONB Events Programme;
Displays and trails – site-based interpretation and geological trails;
Educational resource material – Rock Boxes, activities and teaching materials to take learning outdoors;
Books – a series of publications on the area's geology and landscape;
Training events – workshops to help community groups and land managers understand their local geological heritage;
Northern Rocks, the annual North Pennines Festival of Geology and Landscape.
Geopark status - the North Pennines AONB was awarded European Geopark status in 2003 and was one of the founding members of the Global Geoparks Network a year later. The Geopark accolade recognises the area's world-class geological heritage and the strong local efforts to use it for sustainable development. Following completion of a Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan in 2004 (in partnership with the British Geological Survey), the North Pennines AONB Partnership started the Rockworks project in 2005.
For more information contact Dr Elizabeth Pickett (Geodiversity Officer) at the AONB Partnership Staff Unit on 01388 528801 (elizabeth@northpenninesaonb.org.uk).
In this section
Rock Detectives Clubs
At the three Rock Detectives Clubs dotted around the North Pennines AONB and European Geopark the emphasis is on adventure, fun and discovery!
Updated: 12/01/10
Sounds of Killhope inspire school's art
For the second year running, Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum hosted a three-day workshop to give students the opportunity to escape the school environment and explore interpretative art in a new and exciting setting.
Updated: 29/03/10
