Field Trip: William Smith - Coal and Canal Surveyor
Leader:
Entry Fee
Members: Free
Visitors: £3.00
Date and Time
10:30
Location
Bristol Road, Three Tunnys, Paulton, BS39 7NR
Field Trip Description
This walk takes in some of the main sites associated with William Smith’s work, first as a land surveyor and then for the Somersetshire Coal Canal Co., which helped him realise his crucial discovery that fossils can be used to recognise different strata. It includes Rugbourne House, where Smith lodged when he first came to Somerset in 1791 (and which he himself later called “The Birthplace of Geology”), the Mearns coal pit, which he investigated in detail, the remains of several other coal batches and their horse-drawn railways, and part of the course of the canal. We will look at the conservation of some of these sites as well as the effects of the local geology on the landscape.
The walk is about 5 miles long, in the upper Cam Brook valley east of High Littleton. It mostly follows footpaths and will end at about 4.00 p.m. Waterproofs and walking boots are advisable. Lunch (bar snacks) are available at the Seven Stars in Timsbury for those who so wish (see booking form) or bring your own. Meet at 10.30 at the Wessex Water works at Goosard Bridge, between High Littleton and Paulton (use of their car park by kind permission). Grid Ref ST 655 575.
Important Notice: Bath Geological Society Insurance
Each person attending a field meeting does so on the understanding that he/she attends at his/her own risk. The Bath Geological Society has Public Liability Insurance Cover for field and indoor meetings, but Personal Accident Cover and Personal Liability Cover remain the responsibility and personal choice of the participant.
There may be an element of appropriate cover included in house insurance or in travel insurance: although Bath Geological Society activities are not particularly dangerous members are advised to check whether exclusions apply to activities in which they plan to participate in case they wish to arrange further cover. An annual travel insurance may be the best solution for any member who regularly attends field events: this again is a matter of choice.
Please note however that all members participating in overseas events will be required to have travel insurance for the duration of the event: this is so that participants are covered for Medical, Repatriation and Personal Liability expenses. The Personal Accident element remains the personal choice of the member and again members are advised to check exclusions so that they can make an informed decision about the cover they want.