The UK's Nationwide Geology Club for Children

Introducing Issue 99 of the Rockwatch Magazine – Packed with Fossils, Field Trips, and Fascinating Finds!

We’re thrilled to bring you the 99th issue of the Rockwatch Magazine – which landed in your letterboxes just in time for the Easter holidays! As always, this issue is bursting with geological discoveries, creative competition entries, and inspiring stories from real-life geologists.

Here’s a peek at what’s inside:

Meet Our New Science Editor, James Barnet

We’re excited to welcome James Barnet, who joins Peter Doyle as our new Science Editor following Susanna van Rose’s retirement last year. A former Rockwatch member himself, James tells us how his childhood fascination with rocks led him into a career in geology. He shares what excites him most about the subject and what he’s working on now.

Rockstar Creativity: Eva on Ammolites vs Ammonites

One of our talented Rockstar competition winners, Eva, returns with a beautiful article on ammolites. Learn how these colourful, shimmering fossils are different from the more familiar ammonites – complete with her stunning hand-painted illustrations.

Maddie’s Rockstar Magazine and Interview with Amy-Jo Miles

Another standout Rockstar, Maddie, turned her passion into an entire magazine entry filled with fun facts and games. In this issue, she goes a step further, chatting to real-life geologist Amy-Jo Miles about what it’s really like to work in the world of rocks.

Frozen Highlands and Fossil Snails with James Barnet

James treats us to a double feature – first taking us on a journey through Scotland’s frozen past to explore glacial landforms, then switching gears to the New Forest, where he reveals his passion for fossil gastropods (that’s ancient sea snails, for those not in the know!).

Peter Doyle Explores the Tar Pits of California

Editor Peter Doyle shares his visit to the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits in California. These sticky pits have preserved some incredible Pleistocene bird fossils – a real treat for fossil lovers and budding palaeontologists!

Seeing Rocks in a New Light with Luke Mander

Ever wondered how scientists study the tiniest details in rocks? Luke Mander from the Open University explains how microscopes help geologists unlock the secrets hidden in stone.

Ancient Life in Australia with Alan Holiday

Alan Holiday takes us across the globe to Western Australia, where he explores the mysterious stromatolites – ancient, dome-shaped structures that hold clues about the earliest life on Earth.

With so much to explore, Issue 99 is sure to fuel your curiosity and love of geology. Whether you’re reading about icy landscapes, colourful fossils, or powerful microscopes, there’s something for every Rockwatcher to enjoy.

Not yet a member? Join Rockwatch today to receive your own copy of the magazine and start your journey into the world of rocks, fossils, and fun!

Author: Helen Connolly

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