Charnwood has some of the most significant geology in Britain: from incredible fossils of some of the first animals, to amazing ancient volcanoes that continue to shape the landscape today. The region’s exceptional geological heritage prompts a question: what more should be done to celebrate, promote, and protect this unique resource?

You are warmly invited to a public engagement event to bring stakeholders and members of the community together to learn more about Charnwood’s remarkable geoheritage. The online event, open to all, will be hosted by Dr Jack Matthews of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. The event will begin with a talk outlining the wonderful geological heritage within the region, and then provide more information about how the community could work together over the coming years to protect and interpret it. It will consider the opportunities presented by the forthcoming Landscape Partnership Scheme to enhance geological conservation and the potential for future protective designation. There will be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, register your interest, and also engage with others involved with the Charnwood Forest Regional Park, who have been working together to celebrate the region’s geological history.

Dr Jack Matthews is a geologist at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, and currently holds an Oxford Policy Exchange Network Fellowship. Jack’s research focuses on the conservation of geological heritage, using novel techniques to monitor internationally significant sites and then create evidence-based conservation policy. Jack works with scientists, artists, policy makers, and communities to improve protection, increase understanding, and support sustainable geotourism. As well as this, Jack continues his research into the stratigraphic and environmental contexts of the appearance of the first animals.​​​​​​​