Description
* Suitable for children 6+ (All children must be accompanied by an adult).
* HIGH VISIBILITY VESTS or jacket essential. We do not provide these, but you can purchase from our Earthlines.com shop.
MEMBERS FREE, OR £14.40 per person
SIGN UP FOR A MEMBERSHIP you can then join any of our many events throughout the year for FREE.
Ground will be muddy, we recommend wellington boots or at least high ankle boots.
This event has a limit of 12 cars due to car park space. Therefore we highly encourage members to car share to allow spaces for other members to join.
There is a one off car park fee of £2 per person due to the car park cost charged to UKAFH being a flat rate.
NO Large Vehicles (minibuses and large people carriers will not be allowed due to car parking space).
Max number of members per car 5.
Please note, many of our locations will not have toilet facilities, water, or other amenities.
Geological overview
Whitman’s Hill quarry is a large disused quarry to the North of the Malvern Hills, leased by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust. The geology of Whitman’s Hill Quarry dates to the Silurian period of time, approximately 428 million years ago. The rock types include limestones, siltstones and volcanic ash layers known as bentonites. The interesting rock formations and the abundance of fossils – mainly corals, brachiopods, trilobites, crinoids, algae and bryozoans makes the site popular with geologists, amateurs, children and adults. An accessible fossil collecting area has been created at the quarry, as well as leaflets for visitors, outlining the geology and wildlife of the site and its quarrying history.
Whitman’s Hill Quarry is a Community Conservation Champions site. The ‘Champions’ are a loosely knit group of volunteers who are actively involved in the maintenance and public promotion of 19 geological sites spread across the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. They are engaged in a wide range of activities which vary according to the nature of the site.
The site is on private land. There is a car park charge which covers use of this land and the quarry. The car park fee will go towards the upkeep of the site,
Geological Age – Silurian – Much Wenlock Limestone Formation; Coalbrookdale Formation
Rock Types – Sedimentary – Limestone, shale, siltstone, mudstone, volcanic ash (bentonite)
FAQ
Can I bring a younger child?
We are sorry, but to comply with insurance cover and to ensure the safety of the event, we do not allow any exceptions.
Can I book over the phone?
Unfortunately, as terms and conditions and waivers need to be signed, we can only accept bookings online.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
This will greatly help us and speed things up, but leaders will have a list of those attending on the day.
Are toilets nearby?
Most events will not have access to toilets. The best places to find fossils are mostly areas away from built up areas, and tend to be quite remote. There are a few exceptions where toilets are close by, but it is best to presume they wont be available.
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.
