Wednesday 2 June, Buxton (Derbyshire)
Karst Science Field meeting - talks and field excursion near Buxton
The aim of this meeting is to discuss the geology, geomorphology, hydrology, speleogenesis, archaeology and ecology of Poole's Cavern and the surrounding area in Buxton Country Park, Derbyshire. A new BCRA publication, Exploring the Limestone landscapes of the Peak District, by Trevor Ford and John Gunn will be launched at the meeting and all participants will receive a copy. Professor John Gunn, whose research interests include the hydrogeology of karst environments, dynamics of radon and carbon dioxide, and the evolution of quarried landscapes, will lead the meeting. Poole’s Cavern, Buxton, Derbyshire (http://www.poolescavern.co.uk) will be used as the base venue.
The Meeting Secretary's 'first circular' (essentially a copy of what you are reading now) is available as an A5 news flyer or in its original 2 page A4 format.
The programme, which will begin at 9.30 am, will include introductory talks at Poole's Cavern on the hydrology of the area, speleothems, cave archaeology and bats. Participants will then follow two excursions from the new booklet: a short walk (1.5 km) to the Wye Head Springs and a longer walk (maximum 7.7 km depending on time) through the former quarried landscape surrounding Poole’s Cavern to Grinlow Tower (Solomon's Temple) and the Stanley Moor sinks. Refreshments and lunch may be purchased from the onsite café at Poole's Cavern. The meeting will conclude with a tour of the show cave and close at about 4.30 pm. Arrangements will be left fairly flexible, to take into account any special requests from participants and to minimise potential disruption by adverse weather conditions.
This event should appeal to those interested in the evolution of the Derbyshire karst landscape. Full outdoor clothing should be brought. The visit to Grinlow Tower will require mild hill-walking on uneven ground. As this meeting is being held in term time, it is unlikely that children will attend.
Unfortunately numbers are limited to a maximum of 30. Intending participants should register their interest by Friday 30 April 2010 by email to the meeting secretary, Dr. Gina Moseley (see BCRA events diary for contact details). Final communications about the programme will be sent by email to those who have registered.
There will be a small charge (which will include a copy of the new book) of £10 (£5 for BCRA members or students). Poole’s Cavern offers plentiful parking which will be free to all participants. Parking tickets for display will be available on the day. Various types of accommodation can be found within the vicinity, please see http://www.visitbuxton.co.uk/accommodation.htm or http://www.poolescavern.co.uk/view/Links for further information.
Suggested reading
- Banks VJ, Gunn J & Lowe DJ. 2009. Stratigraphical influences on the limestone hydrogeology of the Wye catchment, Derbyshire. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 42, 211–225.
- Gunn, J. 2004. Peak District, England. In: Gunn, J. (Editor). Encyclopedia of Caves and Karst Science, 575-578