Field Trip: Portland & Chesil Beach
Leader:
Entry Fee
Members: Free
Visitors: £3.00
Date and Time
10:30
Location
Portland & Chesil Beach
Field Trip Description
NOTE: We are planning this field trip on the basis that COVID-19 Restrictions from May 17th will allow for a group of up to 30 people to meet up outside. If the restrictions are not lifted the trip will be postponed.
To register please email Bob Mustow at [email protected]. Joining instructions and meet up location will be given on Registration
The plan is to visit the outcrops around Pulpit Rock and then walk up the spectacular east coast to Freshwater Bay, returning to the Bill via Sweet Hill and the medieval fields. We shall see 2 raised beaches from the last two interglacial times (125 and 250kyr), many coastal landforms (wave-cut platforms, blow-holes, sea-caves), the Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous Portland-Purbeck strata with fossils, microbiolites, and the effects and relicts of quarrying the Portland stone.
We will be walking on the wide coastal path – mostly flat, a little rough, care needed. This is around 4 miles and with stops will take about 3 hours.
After a picnic lunch, we will visit the disused Tout Quarry, NW corner of the Island. Here we will see the Purbeck strata and spectacular views (visibility permitting) of Chesil Beach and the cliffs, relics of the quarrying industry, as well as the 50+ sculptures there in the old quarry.
Time (and enthusiasm) permitting, we will examine Chesil Beach at Chiswell to see its features close up and discuss its origin. Aim to finish 4:30pm.
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.