Shaftesbury & Gillingham
University of the Third Age
SGU3A Registered charity No. 1078452
©SGU3A 2012
Updated: 2012-
Geology and Local Landscape
What do we do?
We live in a wonderful area for studying geology and the formation of landscape.
Dorset and its neighbours, Wiltshire and Somerset, have a unique and fascinating landscape, underpinned by rocks of chalk, sandstone, clay and many others. The oldest rocks in our locality are approximately 250 million years old – a respectable age even by U3A standards! The clays of the Blackmore Vale contrast with the Greenstone underlying Shaftesbury and the whaleback Chalk Downs near Mere and elsewhere. The Jurassic coast is recognised for its beauty and fossil record and designated a World Heritage Site.
The Group is led by amateur geologist Leon Sparrow.
What level of knowledge is required?
No previous knowledge is required just an interest in exploring geology and how our local landscape was formed.
What materials are needed?
The recommended text to support the talks is Teach Yourself Geology – latest edition £9.99.
A course fee of £5 per person will cover organisational expenses and refreshments for indoor meetings.
Transport for field trips will be by shared cars.
How many in the group, and are there any vacancies?
The group is limited to 20 people. Contact Leon Sparrow through the Groups Coordinator.
Where do the meetings take place?
We meet on the second Thursday of the month. In the winter meetings are at 10.00 a.m. for about two hours in the Dining Room of the Shaftesbury Christian Centre. In the summer there will be field trips of half or full days. These may take place in town or country and a reasonable degree of mobility on foot will be required.