Field Trip: Huntley Quarry and May Hill
Leader:
Entry Fee
Members: Free
Visitors: £3.00
Date and Time
10:30
Location
A40, Huntley, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, GL17 0NG
Field Trip Description
For over 180 years, geologists have been arguing over the date of this very small quarry nestling in the side of May Hill. The quarry contains the only known exposure of the Huntley Quarry Beds. These volcaniclastic sediments, sandstones with volcanic material, have been subject to intense tectonic activity due to the close proximity of the regionally important Blaisdon Fault. This fault is very well displayed in the quarry, as is the folding and distortion of the Huntley Quarry Beds themselves. Importantly, the age of the sediments is still unknown with a possible age range of 570 Ma to 436 Ma having being postulated.
On this visit, the Huntley Quarry Beds and the Blaisdon Fault can be examined and there will be the opportunity to see the newly exposed Lower Silurian Bright’s Hill Quarry.
Meet at 10.30 at the car park of County Garden Centre (next to Huntley Church) about 1 mile west of Huntley on A40 - GR SO 7100 1955 Parking can be either at the garden centre, by the church or in a little lane next to the school and church. The activity will be quite strenuous as there are a couple of short sharp climbs. Most of the walking will be on rough ground with some country lanes for respite.
Strong footwear (wellies recommended if wet) and waterproofs required. It can be very muddy in the quarry and some of the short sharp climbs can be a little slippery, so some people (especially those who are a little unsteady on their feet) might want to bring sticks. Packed lunches optional � there is a café and toilets at the Garden Centre.
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.