Tag: Geology
Talk – Somerset Geology
Dorset Geologists’ Association Group (DGAG) will host a talk on Tuesday 23 February 2027.
Title: Somerset Geology
Speaker: Andy Gordon
Time: Talk will start at 7pm; finish approximately 8pm
Venue: Activity Meeting Room: Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, DT1 1RR
Lecture Entry Cost: All welcome: £6 non-members (£5 DGAG members), cash please.
Booking a seat: contact Chris Webb at email: events@dorsetgeologistsassociation.org
Talk Description: To be confirmed
Photo: Somerset Geology, Simplified 1:62500 British Geological Survey
Additional Links: To be confirmed
Talk – Deep Time, Somerset Geology, and Ham Hill
Dorset Geologists’ Association Group (DGAG) will host a talk on Tuesday 08 December 2026.
Title
Deep Time, Somerset Geology and Ham Hill
Speaker
Geoff Rowland, Ranger at Ham Hill Country Park
Time
Talk will start at 7pm; finish approximately 8pm
Venue
Activity Meeting Room: Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, DT1 1RR
Lecture Entry Cost
All welcome: £6 non-members (£5 DGAG members), cash please.
Booking a seat
Contact Chris Webb at email: events@dorsetgeologistsassociation.org
Talk Description
We will explore different aspects of the immense duration of geological processes, ‘Deep Time’.
Then, an overview of the 400+ million year old geology, and landscape, of our neighbouring county of Somerset, arguably, the ‘cradle’ of geoscience.
Finally, focus on the Yeovilian (Early Jurassic, Late Toarcian, around 177 million year old) geology of Ham Hill and how it underpins the archaeology, history, industry, agriculture, communities, and ecology of the surrounding area, and informs our current conservation work on the Hill.
Field Trip: Charmouth Fieldtrip – Geology and Fossils of the Jurassic Coast at Charmouth
Dorset Geologist’s Association Group (DGAG) will host a Field Trip on the Saturday 2 May 2026 to Charmouth, Dorset
Title: Charmouth Fieldtrip – Geology and Fossils of the Jurassic Coast at Charmouth
Leader: Pauline Dagnall
Time: 10:30 am start – low tide 13:15 – finish time approximate
Meet Location: Outside Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, near steps and café picnic tables at 10:30 am. OS map reference SY 366 930.
What3words: ///crunchy.strikers.converter
Postcode DT6 6LR
Nearest toilets: Public toilets in a separate building at the rear of the Centre.
Car Parks: Parking fees apply. It’s best to bring cash.
There is a small tarmac pay and display car park directly in front of the Heritage Coast Centre, charging £1.50 per hour. There are also two privately owned car parks which are open during peak periods and are a short walk from the beach area charging £3-6.
Entry Cost: Fieldtrip free to DGAG members.
Booking: to register your interest, email Jonathan Stiby at fieldtrips@dorsetgeologistsassociation.org
Description: This trip will introduce the local geology setting of the Lower Jurassic, the Upper Cretaceous and the unconformity between them. We’ll also look at the land slips of Black Ven and Stonebarrow. We will also look for fossils on the beach and have time to visit the Heritage Coast Centre with its amazing exhibits. Walking boots, robust footwear. Bring packed lunch, any dogs must be on leads. Full details will be issued to those wishing to join this great trip. I (Jonathan Stiby) will be seeking a willing volunteer to write up the trip for the DGAG newsletter and thank you very much if you are able to do this for the benefit of all.
Photo: courtesy of Jonathan Stiby
Field Trip: Guided Walk – Saturday 16 May 2026: Golden Cap and Hardown Hill, Dorset
Dorset Geologists’ Association Group (DGAG) will host a Guided Walk on the Saturday 16 May 2026 to Golden Cap and Hardown Hill, Dorset.
Title: A guided walk – Golden Cap, St Gabriel’s and Hardown Hill
Leader: Richard Barrett
Time: 10:30 am start – 2:30 pm finish approx
Meet Location: Langdon Hill National Trust Car Park. DT6 6EP
SY 41239 93064;
What3words///unhappily.sneezing.reinforce
Nearest toilets: none
Car Parks: Langdon Hill National Trust Car Park (see above)
Entry Cost: Fieldtrip free to DGAG members. Parking fee applies if not a National Trust member
Booking: to register your interest, email Jonathan Stiby at fieldtrips@dorsetgeologistsassociation.org
Description: This is a guided walk on the coastal and inland paths of West Dorset. It will introduce the local geology setting of the walk before ascending Golden Cap.
On Golden Cap, we’ll enjoy the extensive views from the highest point on the south coast of England, before descending to St Gabriel’s and its disused chapel. From there we will walk on paths to the village of Morcombelake before ascending Hardown Hill and visiting its chert quarry – a DIGS site. We will enjoy the views over Marshwood Vale from Hardown before making our return to the car park. We will view various points of geological, geographical and archaeological interest enroute. Many of the buildings we will pass are built of local stone. Total distance: 8km (5 miles).
Please note: the walk is on marked footpaths and lanes and has some steep ascents and descents. The paths may be slippery after wet weather. Suitable for reasonably fit people with experience of country walking. Walking boots or robust shoes required. Bring walking poles if appropriate.
Bring Packed lunch. No dogs please.
Photo: Provisional courtesy Jonathan Stiby