Free Geology Conference at Lion Salt Works Museum

Free Geology Conference at Lion Salt Works Museum

Photo: Nick Jones

Geology experts and academics from all over the country will be coming to Lion Salt Works on Saturday 24th June to run a free one-day conference. 

As a key partner in the Saltscape Landscape Partnership Scheme, Cheshire RIGS are running the conference to take an in-depth look at how the ground beneath our feet has shaped both the physical and the economic landscape we see in the Weaver valley today.

Amongst the speakers will be local geologist Dr Ros Todhunter (pictured above with members of the Saltscape team) , who will give a talk analysing the salt landscape which has made this area of Mid Cheshire so well known. 

Rachael from Saltscape said, “This is an important opportunity us to understand how our landscape is viewed as nationally and even internationally rare by renowned geologists.   We often take for granted the special features of our own surroundings but what we have here in Cheshire is worth protecting and celebrating.  This free day is a must for all geology fans! ”.

From brine springs to controlled brine pumping, salt mining to underground gas storage and the challenges brought by the development of infrastructure in areas of past, present and future rock salt extraction and exploitation, Ros’s talk will examine the consequences of 2000 years of exploitation of this natural resource and its resulting heritage

If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between geo-diversity and bio-diversity, geo-conservation and geo-tourism this is your chance to find out more.

To book your free place for this one day conference with lunch included, call Saltscape on 01606 723 160 or email

 

 

Cheshire RIGS recommends sites to local authorities for designation as Regionally Important Geodiversity Sites. RIGS are chosen according to four criteria: educational (lifelong learning), scientific, aesthetic and historical value. Sites are assessed by RIGS group for safety and accessibility, scientific accuracy and boundries. Some sites are open access areas and some are on private land. RIGS groups identify, record, assess and often manage RIGS in their area. Most RIGS groups are members of UKRIGS, the national umbrella organisation and are run by volunteers. These volunteers are from the local community and industry, and include Earth scientists, consultants, planners, teachers and conservationists who help to evaluate sites.