Registered Charity Number 1016312
Company Registration Number 02775501		  



Major BIGC Project - The South Wales Coalfield Geopark


Background

In late 2004 the British Institute for Geological Conservation developed the Coalfield Geopark concept and collaborated with Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and the National Museums Wales (NMW) to produce a project proposal. Grant applications were submitted and in April 2005 a Geopark Development Officer was appointed and an 18 month phase of project development and scoping commenced.

This community conservation initiative aims to protect and enhance important Carboniferous Coal Measure sites by raising public and community awareness by enhancing access to and knowledge of the rich geological resource that still exists within south Wales. The current physical and social landscape of South Wales is inherently linked to the region's geological history.

The concept came about following several phases of research commissioned by National Museum Wales and CCW to investigate the extent, both geographically and geologically of the Westphalian age successions. Since the decline of deep mining in South Wales, opportunities to study many of the formerly accessible portions of the Upper Carboniferous Productive Coal Measure stratigraphy had been lost. CCW and NMW understood the implications of this loss and recognised the apparent under representation of Westphalian age geological sites within the national plexus of Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Above: View east from the top of Melin Court Brook, Neath valley.
The coal tips are from the drift working of Wenallt Coal at the
Westphalian C-D boundary.

Although it was already known that some particular formations were well represented and occurred relatively commonly throughout the coalfield the research surprisingly revealed that over 75% of the known (from borehole and mine data) Westphalian succession could be accessed in existing field exposure. By documenting, recording and comparing many sites throughout the coalfield region it became possible to create a virtually complete composite geological section.

The landscape of the coalfield is profoundly controlled by the underlying geology, and has produced spectacular scenery. The level of exposure and accessibility to the rocks of this age is exceptional and unequalled in Europe, where many of the coalfields are of limited extent, range and access. The importance of the Carboniferous rocks of South Wales is recognised by the fact that the coalfield has many Sites of Special Scientific Interest, specifically protected by statute for their national and international geological significance making it a prime candidate for becoming a Geopark. A South Wales Coalfield Geopark would tell an important and sharply-focussed story about part of our geological history. The Carboniferous period was a critical time in the evolution of terrestrial life, when vegetation had begun to dominate equatorial land. It was also the first time that vegetation had a profound impact on climate change and polar glaciation (e.g. Cleal & Thomas 1999).

Above: Looking west from the top of the Rhigos escarpment provides
spectacular views of Westphalian C, Rhondda Beds which
predominantly comprise massive cross bedded sandstones.



Development of a South Wales Coalfield Geopark

It is expected that the Geopark will initially be based on 20-25 significant/prominent geological localities. Community groups will then be encouraged to work in conjunction with the Geopark partners to maintain and manage these sites and expand the Geopark by undertaking to develop complimentary satellite localities. The themed interpretation strategy will tell the story of changing environments and the impact that this had on global climate change, the evolution of life on land, development of coal swamps and of coal formation, and the resulting industrialisation and human-history of the area. These core themes will be broadened, where necessary, to include localised interests such as archaeology, industrial architecture and building materials. The industrial heritage and socio-economic elements of the scheme will be met by the inclusion of existing social history and industrial heritage centres which will also be crucial for disseminating information and targeting the existing tourism market.

The Geopark will in essence be a multi-faceted branding and marketing tool. It will aim to encourage sustainable growth and co-operation between various partners, including scientific and environmental agencies, heritage centres, heritage organisations, local authorities, industry, and community-groups. These partner organisations will be encouraged to work together, to develop the use of exceptional examples of geological heritage, and to promote and improve access to these resources with innovative, yet environmentally sympathetic, schemes. Community and special interest groups need not necessarily be geologically inclined (they may simply be partners, interested in improving the amenity value of a local site) but would be encouraged to adopt, manage or make improvements to their local environment. This active citizenship is a key step in fostering regional regeneration and provides the building blocks for true sustainable tourism-development.

Above: Very rare occurrence of Westphalian D coal seams
and associated stratigraphy at Llanhilleth opencast in the
Eastern part of the South Wales Coalfield.

The Geopark concept will be marketed to the local communities as a tool for improving the quality of life by enhancing access and amenity. It will encourage local awareness of geological heritage and science, helping everyone to learn more about the geological heritage of South Wales. It will also be used to educate and raise awareness of wider geo-conservation, geodiversity and the roll of Geoparks in the conservation of our shared geological heritage. The designated sites will be improved and interpreted as part of a comprehensive integrated educational strategy. The interpretation will be based on informative material dealing with identified core themes, in a variety of media and formats specific to audience and locality. Conventional signage and literature (e.g. pamphlets, field-guides) will be integrated with an exciting web based Geopark guide.

If you would like to find out more information or become involved with the Coalfield Geopark Project please contact Ben Evans the Geopark Development Officer at ben.evans@nmgw.ac.uk


References

Anon. (1994): Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on the conservation of our geological heritage, Digne-les-Bains, 11-16 June 1991. - Paris (European Working Group on Earth Science Conservation).

Anon. (2001): Proceedings of 2nd International Symposium on the Conservation of the Geological Heritage. Rome, June 1996. - Mem. Desc. Carta Geol. Ital., 54: 1-480, Rome.

Cleal, C.J. & Thomas, B.A. (1995): British Upper Carboniferous stratigraphy. - Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 11. London (Chapman & Hall).

Cleal, C.J. & Thomas, B.A. (1999): Tectonics, tropical forest destruction and global warming in the Late palaeozoic. - Acta Palaeobot., Suppl., 2: 17-19, Kraków.

Communities First Directorate (2001): Communities First guidance. - Cardiff (National Assembly for Wales)
Evans, B.G., Cleal, C.J., Thomas, B.A. & Wimbledon, W.A.P. (2003): The Westphalian succession of the Glyn-neath area, South Wales: an internationally important geological resource. - Proc. Geol. Ass., 114: 291-305, London.

Patzak, M. & Eder, W. (1998): "UNESCO GEOPARK" A new programme - a new UNESCO label. - Geol. Balc., 28: 33-35, Sofia.

Strong, M. (1992): Report of the United Nations Conference on the Environment. - New York (United Nations).

Thomas, W., Parry, J. & Edwards, T. (2003): Objectives 1 & 3. Applicants' guide to integrating environmental sustainability. - Cardiff (Environment Agency Wales).