Field Trip: Somerset Earth Science Centre (SEC) Field Excursion

Leader: N/A

Entry Fee

£15 charged by SEC. Non-members must pay an additional £3 to the society.

Date and Time

10:00

Location

Somerset Earth Science Centre (SEC), Stoke St Michael, Radstock BA3 5JU

Field Trip Description

Somerset Earth Science Centre (SEC)

Tuesday 15th April 2025

10:00 – 14:00 (or to about 16:00 with additional sites)

FIELD EXCURSION SUMMARY

  • 10:00–10:15am: Arrival, introduction and welcome tea/coffee.
  • 10:15–11:15am: Mendip Geology & Quarry industry talk in the centre.
  • 11:15–11:30am: Refreshment break and kit up in PPE for the tour. Minibus transfer to Moon’s Hill & Stoke quarry faces and the viewing platform.
  • 12:30pm: Return to SESC for lunch (bring a packed lunch for the outdoor picnic tables).
  • 13:30pm: View SEC mineral and fossil collections; final questions.
  • 14:00pm: Depart SEC.
  • 14:00 – circa 16:00: Optional visit to nearby sites (e.g. the de la Beche unconformity; itinerary to be finalised).

The Moon’s Hill quarries were last visited by the BGS in 2019. The site exposes a 300–400m thick sequence of andesites, rhyodacites, tuffs and agglomerates interbedded with tuffaceous shales and mudstones. These clastic and volcaniclastic sediments have yielded a rich, shelly fauna referrable to the Lower Wenlock Series (Sheinwoodian Stage), representing the sole example of Wenlock-aged volcanic rocks (apart from bentonites) in England.

Quarry tours will operate in groups of 10–12, constrained by the mini bus capacity. Our current reservation is for one mini bus, with the possibility of a second group subject to interest. Strong boots and appropriate waterproofs are essential.

Please note that the SEC requests a donation of £15 per participant.

As of 24th March there are 6 places remaining - please contact Bob Mustow ([email protected]) to register.

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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.