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GEOPARK BLOG

What's so special about the Geopark?

The phrase ‘English Riviera Geopark' is popping up all over Torbay. You may have already noticed the logo appearing at a number of sites near where you live? Maybe you've read some of the articles published in the Herald? You might even have attended some of the associated events in the summer? But what makes our Geopark so special? 

There are many features in Torbay which I think make the English Riviera Geopark stand out:

The Limestone which makes up the headlands Hope's Nose and Berry Head, is 400 million years old and contains fossilised sponges and corals from the Devonian period, the only geological period to be named after a county. These fossils are something that everyone can appreciate as they can be easily spotted in sea walls or found in pebbles on beaches.

In addition, Kents Cavern which is the oldest human dwelling in Britain and is home to the oldest human jaw-bone to be found in North-West Europe. With new areas still to be explored deep within the caves, who knows what secrets are still to be revealed!

Beyond the geology, Brixham is one of the busiest fishing ports in the country and has a rich and colourful heritage. In contrast, across the Bay in Torquay, refined Victorian ladies and gentlemen would once have strolled along the promenade and then taken a rejuvenating dip in the sea.

Amongst the European Geopark Network, our Geopark is unique as it is the only one to be based in an urban location with the majority of its sites located within very close proximity to Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

This ease of access means that everyone can enjoy visiting the Geopark. It has excellent educational potential and many families and local school groups have already enjoyed learning about their environment through spending time in the Geopark.

I have to admit that a few months ago I hadn't heard of the European Geopark Network either. A ‘Geopark' was not something that I had ever come across before and I had no idea what ‘becoming a Geopark' meant or what influence being one has on an area.

Now that I have got to grips with the bare bones of the Geopark concept (no pun intended), I can see what a fantastic opportunity this status is for the whole of the Bay and those who live in it. I hope that everyone can see what an amazing resource we have right on our doorstep and remember that every time we step outside for a blustery walk along the headlands, a weekend sunning ourselves on the beautiful beaches or a day sheltering from the rain in Kents Cavern, we're standing on 400 million years of Torbay's incredible history.

Why not let us know what the Geopark means to you? What is your favourite thing about Torbay and why do you think this makes our Geopark special?

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