2002 IRISH SCIENTIST YEAR BOOK

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PATRICK MCKEEVER
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF NORTHERN IRELAND
Getting fit with the Geological Surveys

Landscapes From Stone is a joint project between the Geological Surveys in Belfast and Dublin and covers the twelve northern counties of Ireland. The aim of this three-year project, successfully completed in November 2001, was to publicise our geological heritage to the wider community by avoiding the overuse of scientific jargon. Furthermore, by publishing new guides which integrate geological heritage with other aspects of an area of natural and cultural heritage, we hoped to make a contribution to the local economy by enhancing the tourism potential of that area.

 One set of such products is the �Walk� series. Each set comprises descriptions of ten circular walks, with each walk printed individually on a water-proof laminated card. Additional cards, introducing aspects of that area�s geology, are included, as well as one card covering archaeology, folklore, flora and fauna. Each walking route passes sites of geological interest which are described on the card, as are other non-geological sites of interest that are found along or close to the route. To date, the Geological Surveys have published seven sets with one final set currently being printed. That will equate to a total of eighty walking routes across the twelve northern counties of Ireland and, with walk lengths ranging from only one or two kilometres up to 24km, there is something for all tastes and abilities.

 The role of bringing science to the non-specialist is one that the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) takes very seriously, and the �Walk� series is just one example where we have put this work into practice. Another is our involvement in the newly established European Geoparks Network that, like the �Walk� series, aims to build sustainable development through promotion of an area�s geological heritage. Science has too often been seen to be elitist and by simply giving an evening talk to, or leading a field trip for, a local community group we can help make the community more aware of the importance of our science and make them more appreciative of it.
The �Walk� series features ten walks in each of the following areas: Bann & Roe Valleys, Cuilcagh (Cos Cavan & Fermanagh), Donegal, Mourne Gullion & Cooley, Sligo-Leitrim, South Ulster, the Sperrins, with the final set, South Antrim, due this summer. Each set costs �4.95/�6.25. These products are available directly from GSNI (Tel. 9066 6595), GSI (Tel. 01 670 7444) or in local tourist information centres.
For further information contact
Dr Patrick J. Mc Keever at GSNI, [email protected]