Saturday 5 April (Field Meeting): 'The Arden Sandstone in the context of Warwickshire Culture and History'. Led by Prof Stuart Burley (Keele University & Chair of WCGC). Meet at 10.00 for a 10.15 start at the car park for St Laurence Church, Rowington (Grid ref: 420321,269307). It lies off the Old Warwick Road (B4439), opposite and a little to the NW of the church. This trip in the former Forest of Arden will explore geological details of the Arden Sandstone, including on-going geoconservation work by WGCG and the historical fossil finds of the Rev. P. Brodie, along with associated culture-history in west-central Warwickshire. The visit will involve 3 stops and require driving short distances between localities with short walks at each location. Stop 1: St Laurence Church, to see the BGS reference section of the Arden Sandstone on the Grand Union Canal. Stop 2: Shrewley, to examine exposures of the Arden Sandstone at both ends of Shrewley Tunnel on the Grand Union Canal (a geological SSSI). Stop 3: Henley-in-Arden to climb the ‘Mount’ for the distant views, take in the Norman church of St Nicholas and its building stones, plus walk to recently cleared exposure on Blackford Hill. Optional Stop 4 at Mows Hill Dingle or Inkberrow. Lunch at the canal-side Fleur-de-Lys pub, Lowsonford. Either bring a packed lunch or a light lunch can be purchased from the pub. Some difficult terrain. Bring walking boots or strong walking shoes and clothing appropriate for the time of year and weather conditions.  Aim to finish around 4.00.

Click here for a Google map of the location.