Monday 29th July: Check-in and Making Friends
As our young geologists arrived and checked in at the Leeson House Field Studies Centre, the atmosphere was filled with excitement as everyone settled in and began to get to know one another. Leeson House has plenty of fun activities designed to break the ice and build camaraderie among the group and start forming friendships ready for the adventures ahead.
Tuesday 30th July: Chesil Beach
Our first full day was led by Alan, who took us on a fascinating journey starting at the Chesil Beach visitor centre. Here, we started by looking at some of the millions of pebbles and learning of their long journeys, in time and space. Then on to study the Forest Marble on the Fleet, near Moonfleet Hotel. We then explored the Corallian formations, which set the stage for understanding the geology of the area. We then made our way to Tidmoor Point to examine the Oxford Clay, which is always a great fossil collecting area. Our exploration continued at Wyke Regis, where we observed the Corallian sequence and searched for the small echinoid Nucleolites scutatus which looks rather like a small pebble. It was a day packed with geological discoveries and learning!
Wednesday 31st July: Lulworth Cove and Worbarrow Bay
Unfortunately, Richard could not lead us so Phil very kindly took his place. We visited Durdle Door and then moved on to Lulworth Cove. This spot is famous for its fossil forest. We then travelled to Worbarrow Bay via the viewpoint at Povington Hill to study the Cretaceous rocks. A highlight for many was the chance to cool off with a swim in the sea on such a hot day. It was a perfect blend of geology and fun!
Thursday 1st August: Swanage Bay
Phil guided us through another packed day beginning with a visit to Durlston Bay in the morning. Here, we had the opportunity to compare the upper Purbeck beds with the lower beds we saw at Worbarrow Bay. We discussed the structural deformation of the area, which was fascinating to see firsthand. In the afternoon, we explored the northern end of Swanage Bay. We moved from sandy braided river channels with fossil wood into chalk formations teeming with fossils. Hard hats were essential as we examined these amazing geological structures. The day was a fantastic mix of hands-on learning and discovery and another opportunity to collect fossils to take back to ‘Show and Tell’ at Leeson House.
Friday 2nd August: Leeson House Team
Our final morning was led by the Leeson House team. In the morning, we had a fantastic time handling minibeasts and then explored the dinosaur footprints at Keat’s Quarry in Langton Matravers. It was a fitting end to a week filled with geological wonders for all our young geologists, filled with discoveries, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. We’re already looking forward to going back again next year!
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