Summer Field Programme 2026

POSTPONED UNTIL 2027 – Bradgate Park Charnwood Forest (including Precambrian outcrops with Charnia fossils).

Summer Field Programme 2027

Sunday 16th May 2027 at 10am
Arden Sandstone, Warwickshire – led by Dr Stuart Burley

Meet in the car park to St. Laurence Church, Rowington, at 10.00am. Estimated finish time approximately 4pm. The car park is on the south side of the B4439 (Old Warwick Road) opposite the church of St Laurence, in the village of Rowington, OS Sheet 221 Coventry & Warwick GR 420321 269307. There is no church service on the Sunday of our visit so there is parking for around 15 cars.

There are 3 scheduled stops on this trip, which will require driving short distances between the localities, and short walks at each location. Stop 1 is in Rowington and visits St Laurence Church, where the Rev. Brodie is buried and has a stained-glass window dedicated to him, and the BGS reference section of the Arden Sandstone on the Grand Union Canal, recently cleared by WGCG. Stop 2 is at Shrewley, to examine exposures of the Arden Sandstone at both ends of Shrewley Tunnel on the Grand Union Canal, a designated geological SSSI, which was last cleared in 2025. Stop 3 is in Henley-in-Arden to climb the ‘Mount’ for the distant views, take in the Norman church of St Nicholas and its building stones, as well as a walk to the recently cleared Arden Sandstone exposure on Blackford Hill. Stuart will have hand specimens and core samples from the Arden Sandstone, including fossils and sedimentary structures, to help elucidate features seen in the outcrops and church buildings. There is the option for an additional stop 4 to either Mows Hill Dingle waterfall or Inkberrow depending on time/group enthusiasm. Mows Hill Dingle is a 10-minute drive north of Henley-in-Arden, whilst Inkberrow is a 30-minute drive some 15km SW of Henley.

This cultural extravaganza in the former Forest of Arden will explore geological details of the Arden Sandstone, including on-going geoconservation work by WGCG, the historical fossil finds of the Rev. P. Brodie, recent fossil shark discoveries and amphibian footprints along with associated culture-history in west-central Warwickshire encompassing Norman churches, the Grand Union canal, the option of a pub lunch, the De Montfort hill fort (Beaudesert or the ‘Mount’) and a visit to the Henley Ice Cream shop. Each of the Arden Sandstone exposures reveal different and distinct sedimentological facies which will be discussed in the context of the ‘Carnian Pluvial Episode’ and creation of the vast Lake Arden. The group will explore ideas of water depth and wave base in Lake Arden, and the nature of the flash floods which fed the lake. The associated Henley-in-Arden Heritage trail guide is a useful map whilst details of the excavation on the Mount by Time Team can be seen at https://henley.ctrlaltcomplete.co.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2021/05/Time-Team-Henley-in-Arden-The-Mount.mp4

This geological – cultural excursion uses public footpaths and street walkways. The walk down to the Grand Union Canal at Rowington is easy, although there is a short scramble up an embankment to access the old quarry workings. At Shrewley the walk is along the canal tow path. There is a muddy scramble up the talus slope to get hands on with the rocks. In Henley-in-Arden the walk up the Mount is moderately steep, but on a well-worn path. Mostly short walking between stops, 200m at Rowington and 200m at Shrewley. Longer walk around Henley-in-Arden, totalling 1km, which includes a walk up the Mount to view the Lapworth Plateau, and a walk across to Blackford Hill where the Arden Sandstone is exposed. Care should be taken when scrambling up to the old quarry at Rowington, and when climbing the Mount in Henley-in-Arden. Spring vegetation growth will have started, so be aware of brambles and other spiny plants. The outcrops in Rowington and Shrewley are adjacent to the Grand Union canal, where the banks are steep, and the tow path is narrow. Avoid getting too close to the canal edge. Care must be taken at the road crossings – look out for traffic – at Rowington we cross the B4489 Old Warwick Road on a blind corner, and in Shrewley we cross the High Street wherecars are usually parked, obscuring vision. In Henley-in-Arden we will cross the High Street to get to the Henley Ice Cream shop. Wear appropriate clothing for the time of the year. Light walking boots or strong shoes are recommended, although there is no difficult terrain. Bring waterproofs and sun cream / sun hat according to the weather forecast for the day.

We will stop at the canal-side Fleur-de-Lys pub in the charming village of Lowsonford for an hour. You can sit in their grounds to eat a packed lunch or purchase a light lunch from the public house. https://www.thefleur.co.uk/. They are famed for their home-made pies. Public washrooms are available at the Fleur-de-Lys and in Henley-in-Arden.

Please contact NSGGA Field Secretary: Steve Alcock steves261@aol.com indicating which trip(s) you plan to attend, name(s), address(es) and contact details of attendees, and those of a person to be contacted in case of emergency during the trip.

Each person attending field meetings does so at their own risk. The NSGGA has public liability insurance through a GA insurance policy that also carries limited personal accident cover for members attending meetings or field trips. Non-members pay £2 to cover temporary membership giving them insurance cover. A field fee of £2 per head is normally charged for members and non-members to cover the leader’s expenses

A field fee of £2 per head is normally charged for members and non-members to cover the leader’s expenses