Description
* £15 Landowners charge per person (Payable on the day to the farm)
* ADULTS ONLY, Not suitable for children
* HARD HATS (No Cycle Helmets), and HIGH VISIBILITY VESTS or jacket essential
* Members MUST Arrive on time
MEMBERS ONLY: SIGN UP FOR A MEMBERSHIP you can then join any of our many events throughout the year for FREE.
On the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Upper Gilwern Hill is a site long known for its well-preserved and complete trilobites. The hill is made up of rocks from the Lower and Middle Ordovician, and the privately owned quarry is accessible to parties staying at the onsite Shepherd’s Hut self catering accommodation. The trilobite fossils here are plentiful and the chances of finding a good number is very high.
Many fossils can be found on the scree surface, but the use of a geological hammer and a bolster chisel to split the shale along the bedding plane will reveal many and often complete specimens. Safety goggles are essential. The sheer number of trilobite fossils indicates a rapid burial and death, probably from hot, burning ash raining down from sub-aerial volcanoes, followed by poisoning from noxious fumes.
The fauna here is dominated by the large asaphid trilobite, Ogyginus cordensis. Other common trilobites are the trinucleids, Bettonolithus chamberlaini and Trinucleus abruptus, as well as the rarer, Anebolithus simplicior. Other fossils include orthocones, sponges, brachiopods and graptolites
FAQ
Can I book over the phone?
Unfortunately, as terms and conditions and waivers need to be signed, we can only accept bookings online.
What happens if the event is cancelled?
We try very hard to avoid having to cancel, but if an event needs to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, we will notify you immediately.
Can I bring my dog/pet?
UKAFH does not permit members to bring dogs or pets, unless under exceptional circumstances such as guide dogs. Some members may suffer from Cynophobia, or allergies. In addition, we need to ensure the safety of all members. Many beaches also do not permit dogs.
