Ham Hill Geology – Field Trip

An opportunity to cross the County border into the Yeovilian (Upper Toarcian) of the Early Jurassic around 177 million years ago.

Following a brief introduction to the geology of the region, we’ll explore one of the finest inland geological locations in Somerset. as exposed in a number of disused quarries in the Ham Hill Limestone Member of the Bridport (Yeovil) Sand Formation. These include a nationally important geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) together with a number of Local Geological Sites. 

Explore the largest Iron Age hill fort in Western Europe and take in expansive views over the Somerset landscape, sculpted by the environmental upheavals of the past 400 million years.

We’ll also consider how the geology has underpinned the archaeology, history, industry, agriculture, and biodiversity of Ham Hill, plans for the new visitor centre, and how volunteers are working to conserve our geoheritage.

No cost, but please email geoffrey.rowland@somerset.gov.uk with the number of places you require and a contact phone number. We will respond to all emails, please check ‘junk mail’ if you haven’t received a reply.

Please meet at the Ham Hill Rangers Office for 10:30 am. Just about time to grab a breakfast beforehand, at the Prince of Wales pub (opens at 9:00 am), just a few yards away. Please bring appropriate outdoor clothing, stout footwear and a packed lunck.

For background information on Ham Hill geology see the presentation from the recent AGM and also this online bibliographic archive.