FIELD TRIPS
UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS
August Field Trip
On Friday 15th August, CMGS will repeat last year’s visit to Birch Hill Quarry, Coleford.
We give most of our attention to the Jurassic side of Gloucestershire where all the marine fossils are, but we ignore the delights of the Carboniferous country to the west. Birch Hill Quarry, a sister company of the very helpful and hospitable Cotswold Hill Stone quarry at Ford, works the Pennant Sandstone and produces high quality stone products for all purposes. This sandstone was laid down along with the coal measures that outcrop in the Forst of Dean and the exposures at Birch Hill show the cycles of swamp decay and sedimentation which produced alternating layers of coal and sandstone, and where the sandstone has formed in contact with the organic vegetation there are fossilised remains of tree and bits of tree. This is a chance to see great examples of cross-bedding and other geological processes in a fantastic location with great views.
10 am start. Full PPE required. Address is Fetter Hill, Parkend, Coleford, GL16 7LU. Please email me to say if you wish to come and I can provide some more detail of how to get there.
Most fossils can be found by hand with fossils weathering out from the surface material, but small hammer is recommended for splitting rocks if needed. No hammering of the cliff faces is permitted, and bunds must not be crossed (risk of falling and deep water).
FAQs
What do I need to bring?
Hardhat, reflective jacket and trousers (high-vis), composite boots, goggles are all essentials. You may want to plan for the weather, for example: suncream if its hot, water, snacks, raincoat, gloves, warm clothing if its cold, clothing you don’t mind getting muddy. Spare bags for any specimens you would like to take home are also a good idea along with tools of the trade such as hammers and chisels.
Can anyone go on a field trip?
Due to health and safety concerns and insurance coverage, only members are allowed to go on CMGS field trips.
How do I register my interest or sign up?
Please either fill out the contact form on our website, reply to the members-wide email or talk to one of the committee members at your next meeting if you would like to attend a field trip.
DISCLAIMER
Your attention is drawn to rule 22 of the Cheltenham Mineral & Geological Society Constitution. The Cheltenham Mineral & Geological Society WILL ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY for any loss, damage or injury suffered by members or guests and their property, whether at Field Trips, meetings or any function organised by the said Society.