Birkrigg , Urswick - two different Carboniferous Limestones
Led by Audrey Brown with Sylvia Woodhead
This field trip will only be run in fine weather. Please check for postponement if weather forecast is not good.
Evening meet 5pm Bring a picnic (and chairs or a picnic rug) then geology 6 - 8pm. Meet at SD 283 741 ///patrol.apparatus.shed
We will locate the junction of the older, poorly bedded Park Limestone with the younger well bedded and fossil rich Urswick Limestone, beside the road close to the parking place. Then walking gently north and slightly uphill across the common, we shall try to follow the junction. Close to the summit of the common, the Urswick Limestone displays a well exposed classical limestone karst topography of small eastward dipping scarps, over which Devensian ice movement has taken place, leaving assorted Lake District erratics entrapped in grikes.
In good weather, there are stunning views from this upland area, a Local Geological Site.
If members wish, we can descend either on foot, or by car, to explore the Park Limestone quarries close to the crossroads at SD 280 746
Risk Assessment
The health and safety of field trip participants is of the utmost importance. This excursion is classed G - please review the risk assessment before registering
Risk Assessment
Advisory
G - Easy walking, although in wet weather care needed when crossing the limestone pavement.